Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, is a unique and mystical form of Buddhism that originated in India and later spread to Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and other regions. It is considered to be the diamond vehicle, as vajra means diamond or indestructible in Sanskrit. Vajrayana is often associated with esoteric rituals, advanced meditation techniques, intricate symbolism, and profound philosophical teachings. What sets Vajrayana apart from other forms of Buddhism is its emphasis on the quick and direct path to enlightenment. It is believed that by practicing various rituals and meditations, individuals can attain enlightenment within a single lifetime, or even within a few moments of intense realization. This rapid path is thought to be possible due to the skillful means taught in Vajrayana, which utilize the practitioner's innate wisdom and energy to transform their perception and directly experience the true nature of reality.
Experience arises like magic.
If you practice like magic
You awaken like magic
Through the power of faith … Don’t think about your teacher or your practice.
Don’t think about what is real or not real.
Don’t think about anything at all.
Don’t control what you experience.
Just rest in how you are right now.
The explanations provided are enormously helpful in making sense of how such texts can fit into a way of life shaped by a commitment to spiritual awakening. McLeod s reputation is largely based on his innovative and compelling translations from Tibetan, which often differ in striking ways from how Buddhist texts are more usually rendered into English.
This rapid path is thought to be possible due to the skillful means taught in Vajrayana, which utilize the practitioner's innate wisdom and energy to transform their perception and directly experience the true nature of reality. One of the defining characteristics of Vajrayana is its use of tantra, which refers to the methods and practices employed to attain enlightenment. Tantra is often misunderstood as solely referring to sexual techniques, but in reality, it encompasses a wide range of practices, including meditation, visualization, mantra recitation, and deity yoga.
The Magic of Vajrayana - Softcover
Book Description PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Delivered from our UK warehouse in 4 to 14 business days. THIS BOOK IS PRINTED ON DEMAND. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # L0-9798986171111
Buy New US$ 27.43 Shipping: US$ 30.35 From United Kingdom to U.S.A.Shop With Us
- Advanced Search
- Browse Collections
- My Account
- My Orders
- View Basket
Sell With Us
- Start Selling
- Join Our Affiliate Program
- Book Buyback
- Refer a seller
About Us
- About AbeBooks
- Media
- Careers
- Forums
- Privacy Policy
- Your Ads Privacy Choices
- Designated Agent
- Accessibility
Find Help
Other AbeBooks Companies
- AbeBooks.co.uk
- AbeBooks.de
- AbeBooks.fr
- AbeBooks.it
- AbeBooks Aus/NZ
- AbeBooks.ca
- IberLibro.com
- ZVAB.com
- BookFinder.com Find any book at the best price
Follow AbeBooks
- BookFinder.com Find any book at the best price
By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.
© 1996 - 2023 AbeBooks Inc. All Rights Reserved. AbeBooks, the AbeBooks logo, AbeBooks.com, "Passion for books." and "Passion for books. Books for your passion." are registered trademarks with the Registered US Patent & Trademark Office.
The volume also includes a complete description, with the necessary mantras, of a practice invoking a six-armed form of the protector deity Mahakala. Here the reader encounters the bizarre and unsettling side of Tantric practice. The explanations provided are enormously helpful in making sense of how such texts can fit into a way of life shaped by a commitment to spiritual awakening.
These practices aim to harness the inherent energy and wisdom present in all beings, and through their skillful application, purify and transform the practitioner's body, speech, and mind. Another key aspect of Vajrayana is the importance of the guru or spiritual teacher. The guru is seen as a manifestation of the enlightened mind and plays a crucial role in transmitting the teachings and empowering the student on the path to enlightenment. The close connection between the guru and the disciple is considered to be essential for the successful practice of Vajrayana. Vajrayana also places great emphasis on the use of symbols and rituals. Mandalas, intricate geometric patterns representing the enlightened mind, are used as meditation aids and are often created and dismantled as a symbolic practice of impermanence. Mantras, sacred words or sounds, are repeated during meditation to transform the mind and invoke the blessings of enlightened beings. These symbols and rituals are used as skillful means to awaken the practitioner's innate wisdom and guide them towards enlightenment. The magic of Vajrayana lies in its ability to transform ordinary experiences and perceptions into extraordinary ones. It provides a rich and multifaceted path to enlightenment that integrates various methods, teachings, and practices. Through its rituals, symbols, and meditation techniques, Vajrayana offers a profound and direct approach to awakening the wisdom and compassion that resides within each individual. It is a path that invites practitioners to go beyond ordinary reality and discover the extraordinary potential of their own minds. The magic of Vajrayana lies in its ability to guide individuals towards the realization of their true nature and the ultimate goal of enlightenment..
Reviews for "The Three Yanas of Buddhism: Exploring Vajrayana's Unique Approach"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic of Vajrayana". I found the writing style to be confusing and hard to follow, and the concepts discussed were too esoteric for my taste. I was hoping to learn more about Vajrayana Buddhism, but instead, I felt like the book was more focused on the author's personal experiences and opinions. Overall, I did not feel that this book provided me with a clear understanding of Vajrayana teachings.
2. John - 1 star - I couldn't get through "The Magic of Vajrayana" because I found it to be overly repetitive and filled with unnecessary jargon. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their knowledge and spirituality rather than providing practical insights for readers. The lack of clarity in the explanations left me feeling frustrated and confused. Unfortunately, this book did not meet my expectations, and I would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who is relatively new to Buddhism, I found "The Magic of Vajrayana" to be overwhelming and inaccessible. The author assumes a level of prior knowledge that I simply did not have, making it difficult for me to engage with the material. Additionally, the writing style was dry, and the concepts were presented in a way that was not engaging or relatable. I was hoping for a more beginner-friendly introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism, but this book missed the mark for me.
4. Robert - 1 star - "The Magic of Vajrayana" was a complete disappointment. The author's writing style was convoluted and full of unnecessary complexity. It felt like a chore to read, and I struggled to stay engaged with the material. The lack of a clear structure made it even more challenging to follow the author's arguments and ideas. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone seeking an accessible and straightforward introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism.