The Buddhist Tantras: Light on Indo-Tibetan Esotericism

Originally published in 1973. The volume is divided into four sections: The introduction places the position of the Buddhist Tantras within Mahayana Buddhism and recalls their early literary history, especially the Guhyasamahatantra; the section also covers Buddhist Genesis and the Tantric tradition. The foundations of the Buddhist Tantras are discussed and the Tantric presentation of divinity; the preparation of disciples and the meaning of initiation; symbolism of the mandala-palace Tantric ritual and the twilight language. This section explores the Tantric teachings of the inner Zodiac and the fivefold ritual symbolism of passion. The bibliographical research contains an analysis of the Tantric section of the Kanjur exegesis and a selected Western Bibliography of the Buddhist Tantras with comments.

Perfection of Insight: Buddhist Tantra within Mahayana Buddhism Early Literary History of the Buddhist Tantras Buddhist Genesis and the Tantric Tradition Analogical Thinking in the Buddhist Tantras The Nature of Buddhist Esotericism Divinity according to the Buddhist Tantras Preparation of Disciples Offering Materials and their Meanings Symbolism of the Mandala-Palace Tantric Ritual and Symbolism of its Attainments Twilight Language and a Tantric Song The Nine Orifices of the Body Tantric Teachings about the Inner Zodiac Female Energy and Symbolism in the Buddhist Tantras The Five-fold Ritual Symbolism of Passion Received Teachings of Tibet and Analysis of the Tantric Canon