A Guide to the Buddhas

by Vessantara

Why does Buddhism refer to many Buddhas? Who are they? What do they communicate? In this beautifully written book, meet the historical and archetypal Buddhas that form part of the rich symbolism of Tibetan Buddhism. An in-depth exploration that is accessible and inspiring, containing detailed and beautiful illustrations, A Guide to the Buddhas is an informative primer for those new to Buddhism and a handy reference for experienced practitioners. This is the first of three books examining Buddhist archetypes.

Vessantara, born Tony McMahon in England, is a respected and well-published Buddhist author and teacher who holds a particular love for Tibetan Buddhism.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion

Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Wilhelm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had been sitting by my bedside waiting its turn, I wish I had read it sooner as Vessantara explains quite clearly the reason for more than one Buddha, which my logical mind had always found difficult. The book is worth having if only for the plates and the wonderful story of the journey to Buddha Fields; on page 67 if I remember correctly. The explanation of reality was revealed in one sentence and the book for me held a few nuggets like this regarding topics you would probably already be aware of but from a different view point.

[Angel Shrestha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is definitely more than just a plain guide to the Buddhas. The Buddha visualisation in the beginning of the book really makes this a book for practice rather than an academic description of the Buddhas. The detailed and descriptive poetic introductions to each Buddha really sets a great mood for devotion. Thank you for showing the way to an exciting journey. Now ready for the next leg of the journey ... the Bodhisattvas!!

[C. Varn]

A good introduction

A fairly solid guide to Buddha families as understood in both Tibetan and east Asian Vajrayana and Mahayana. Clear and system used.

[C. Varn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vessantara discusses the Shakyamuni/Siddhartha Gautama as well as the various esoteric Dhyani Buddhas: Amoghasiddhi, Amitabha, Akshobhya, Ratnasambhava, and Vairocana. Vessantara's The Triratna Buddhist Community (formerly known as Friends of the Western Buddhist Order) is something of reconstructionist project for Indian Buddhism, so Vessantara uses both Nepal-Tibetan and Sino-Korean-Japanese background for his composite information, explaining a relationship between Pure land and Vajrayana that I have never seen. He also seems to use a framework that is consistent with both Nyingma/Kaygu as well as Shingon/Tentai schools, and he does this without breaking vows about empowerment.

That is impressive actually, but is something that people who aren't scholars of Buddhism probably aren't going to catch. He does go through a basic visualization practice with each Dhyani Buddha, and does not make any speculation on their metaphysical reality or lack, which can bog people down. I learned a bit from this as well about the relationship between Eastern Asian Mahayana and central Asian Vajrayana that was not obvious to me before.

That said, it is a bit too advanced for a "newbie" to Vajrayana/Mahayana Buddhism, but not quite academic enough to be scholarly, so its hard to know who the exact audience for this.