The Tantric Distinction: A Buddhist's Reflections on Compassion and Emptiness

by Jeffrey Hopkins

"The ideas, concepts, and methods of various religions must be tried on for size, must be lifted above museum displays, must be confronted and allowed to resonate with one's own character. It is in this spirit that I present here a personalized account of central Buddhist practices."--from the author's preface

Widely recognized as one of the West's leading scholars of Tibetan Buddhism, Professor Jeffrey Hopkins is renowned for his textual translations and original scholarship. For ten years he served as the principal English translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tantric Distinction is his effort to make accessible the complexities of this highly sophisticated philosophy by sharing his personal, individual experience with Buddhist thought and practice. It lays out the entire Buddhist path as a living experience.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Asia

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1984

About the author

Paul Jeffrey Hopkins, Ph.D. (Buddhist Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1973; B.A. English Literature, Harvard University, 1963), served for a decade as the chief English-language interpreter for the Dalai Lama. A Buddhist scholar and the author of more than thirty-five books, he is Professor Emeritus at the University of Virginia, where he founded the largest academic program in Tibetan Buddhist studies in the West.

Reviews

[Paul]

Based on 2 series of lectures given by the author in the 1970s, this book examines a number of features that distinguish Mahayana from Hinayana Buddhism, and then at those that distinguish Vajrayana from Mahayana. The material is often technical and detailed, but I found it absorbing and illuminating--more so than when I first read it in 1987, when I was an eager new convert to Buddhism. Hopkins looks in detail at a section of the Buddhist path that is usually not discussed much: what actually happens when one achieves the full enlightenment of a buddha. If there is any truth to the Buddha's teachings, the implications are vast for us all. If you're a serious student or practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism, then I would warmly recommend this book. My copy is now heavily highlighted.

[Frank Jude]

I have SO much resonance and sympathy with the Tantric worldview, but darn if some of the practices aren't just a wee bit busy, eh? Or maybe even downright silly; barely removed from mental gymnastics and make-believe -- which is fine for what it's worth, but is it really fine for waking up?!

Another thing that I find really unseemly is the constant "this way is the highest, the best, etc" kind of polemic. Really, 'unseemly' is about the best I can say about this.

Finally, it makes for a fantastic study of the weird shit very intelligent people can still end up believing!

[David Joseph]

Sectarian.

Authoritative.

Mostly sensitive commentary.

I think he was a bit heavy-handed while matching up people of differing abilities with different practices.

[Hani]

It’s a difficult philosophy book but the author tries to explain as much as he can. You need a good background in Buddhist philosophy and traditions before you can fully understand this book.

[Loki]

A decent introduction to Tibetan buddhism, if a little dry.

[r0b]

Exceptional...very accessible regarding some fairly deep material. Highly recommended for anyone on this particular path.