Tantra

Foundation of Buddhist Thought #6

by Geshe Tashi Tsering, Thubten Zopa (Foreword)

There are a great many books now available describing the complex rituals and esoteric significance of the ancient practices of Buddhist tantra. But none take the friendly, helpful approach of Geshe Tashi Tsering’s Foundation of Buddhist Thought series. Understanding the many questions Westerners have upon first encountering tantra’s colorful imagery and veiled language, Geshe Tsering gives straight talk about deities, initiations, mandalas, and the various stages of tantric development. He even goes through a simple tantric compassion practice written by the Dalai Lama, using it to unpack the building blocks common to all such visualization techniques. Tantra is a fitting conclusion to the folksy and practical wisdom in the Foundation of Buddhist Thought series.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

Geshe Tashi Tsering was born in Tibet in 1958 and received his Geshe Lharampa degree (similar to a doctorate in divinity) from Sera Monastery in India in 1987. Since 1994, he has been the guiding teacher of the Jamyang Buddhist Centre in London, while also teaching at other Buddhist centers worldwide.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tashi_T...

Reviews

[Justin Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the tantric/Vajrayana teachings found in the Tibetan tradition. This sixth, and final, volume in the "Foundation of Buddhist Thought" provides a good overview of the four classes of tantra (as understood in the Tibetan tradition) while giving a rather thorough overview of generation and completion stage practice in Highest Yoga Tantra. Definitely worth a read for someone new to, interested in, or contemplating adopting tantra practices or looking to broaden one's understanding of this unique practice within the broader Buddhist tradition.