Introduction to Tantr: The Transformation of DesireWhat is tantra? Who is qualified to practice it? How should it be practiced? What are the results? According to Buddhism, every human being has the potential to achieve profound and lasting happiness. And according to the tantric teachings of Buddhism, this remarkable transformation can be realized very quickly if we utilize all aspects of our human energy - especially the energy of our desires. Introduction to Tantra is the best available clarification of a subject that is often misunderstood. This new edition of this classic text includes a new foreword by Philip Glass and a new cover design, but leaves untouched Lama Yeshe's excellent original text, edited by Jonathan Landaw. Tantra recognizes that the powerful energy aroused by our desire is an indispensable resource for the spiritual path. It is precisely because our lives are so inseparably linked with desire that we must make use of desire's tremendous energy not just for pleasure, but to transform our lives. Lama Yeshe presents tantra as a practice leading to joy and self-discovery, with a vision of reality that is simple, clear, and extremely relevant to 21st-century life. |
Contents
Desire and Happiness | 8 |
Pleasure Disappointment and Fulfillment | 21 |
Overthrowing the Tyranny of Ordinary Appearances | 37 |
Emerging from Dissatisfaction | 50 |
Dissolving SelfCreated Limitations | 74 |
Clear Spaciousness of Mind | 89 |
Inspiration and the Guru | 108 |
Entering Highest Tantric Practice | 130 |
Arising as a Deity | 155 |
Final Accomplishment | 174 |
Glossary | 189 |
Selected Additional Reading | 204 |
Back Cover Material | 219 |
Common terms and phrases
achieve actual appearance arise attainment attitude awareness bardo become blissful energy blissful wisdom bodhichitta body and mind Boston Buddhist central channel clarity clear light concepts concrete confusion consciousness cultivate Dalai Lama death deluded delusions desirous energy develop dharmakaya disciple dissatisfaction dissolve dualistic ego-grasping empowerment energy winds eventually exist experience feel full enlightenment fundamental grasping gross guru yoga habit happiness heart highest yoga tantra human inner fire kundalini Lama Yeshe Lama Yeshe’s limited mahasiddha Manjushri matter meditational deity Naropa nature nirmanakaya nonduality object one’s ourselves Panchen Lama peace physical possible potential practice of tantra problems profound reality realization rebirth remain renunciation sambhogakaya samsara satisfaction self-cherishing self-existence sense sensory Shakyamuni Buddha Snow Lion someone space spiritual path subtle sutra tantric path tantric practice tantric transformation teachings things Thubten Yeshe Tibetan Buddhism Tilopa tion true Tsongkhapa tummo understand vajra vajra body vision visualize Wisdom Publications Zopa Rinpoche