A vivid and inspiring journey to the heart of the rich and magical realm of Buddhist visualisation and devotional practices. In this informed account we are introduced to the main Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Tantric deities we are likely to meet in that miraculous realm. A unique resource.

Meeting the Buddhas: A Guide to Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Tantric Deities

Religion & Spirituality

Vessantara (Tony McMahon)

Buddhism

Windhorse Publications

The mandala of the five Buddhas ia an important Buddhist symbol - a multi-faceted jewel communicating the different aspects of Enlightenment. A meeting with each Buddha awakens the qualities they embody - energy, beauty, love, confidence and freedom.

Mandala of the Five Buddhas: Buddhist symbols series

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

Enter the rich world of Buddhist symbolism. The vajra and the vajra-bell are important sacred objects used in Tantric ritual, and this colourful book lays before us an unexpected array of associations and images to enrich our understanding of these powerful and fascinating symbols. We discover that they embody all masculine and feminine qualities, transcendental compassion and wisdom, bliss and emptiness. By reflecting deeply on this perfect pair, we too can become sources of wisdom and compassion for the world. Also in this series: The Mandala of the Five Buddhas, The Wheel of Life. Also by this author: Female Deities in Buddhism, The Mandala of the Five Buddhas, Meeting the Buddhas, Tales of Freedom.

Vajra and Bell: Buddhist symbols series

Queens and old crones, Buddhas and goddesses, mothers and wild women. Female deities in Buddhism take many forms to inspire, beguile, rouse and protect us. Enter the magical realm of gently compassionate Kuan Yin from China, meet the elusive golden goddess from India representing Perfect Wisdom, and tangle with the energetic embodiments of freedom, the fearless sky-dancing dakinis of Tibet. Respected Western Buddhist teacher Vessantara invites us to learn more about ourselves as women and men by reflecting on these figures, for within us lie the seeds of love, wisdom and freedom that these figures symbolise in their fullness, qualities we can nurture through contemplating the beauty of these enlightened beings. Engage not just with your head but with your heart. Follow your intuition ... enrich your life. My thanks to Vessantara for a treasure trove of fascinating information, explanation, and anecdote on the feminine divine. This is an invaluable introductory source book.Sandy Boucher, author of Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion.

Female Deities in Buddhism: A Concise Guide

Calm, awareness, peace, openness.
Developing these characteristics is part of what the mindfulness of breathing meditation can offer. Join Vessantara, an experienced meditator and teacher, for an exploration of one of the most common meditation practices. Found in most Buddhist traditions, yoga and, most recently, stress management techniques, the mindfulness of breathing is something we can integrate into our daily lives.
With practical examples balanced with clear descriptions of the practice’s philosophy, Mindfulness of Breathing offers an accessible foundation for us to develop more focus, more evenness in our everyday emotions as well as more openness and awareness to the world we’re in. For to be better for those around us, we need to be more at ease with ourselves.

The Breath (Art of Meditation)

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.

A Guide to the Buddhas (Meeting the Buddhas)

When we meet with one of the Bodhisattvas—whether in a painting or sculpture or visualized in meditation—we are brought face to face with a being that embodies Enlightenment. An encounter with such a figure is likely to move us far more deeply than a list of the qualities of someone who is enlightened.
Bodhisattvas, or “Enlightenment Beings,” are dedicated to one thing: helping ordinary people on the path towards Enlightenment. The bodhisattvas know that they do not live alone; they are not apart from the rest of life. Seeking Enlightenment for themselves alone can never satisfy bodhisattvas as they witness the suffering that is all around. Their vision is to work endlessly in the service of living beings, helping them achieve Enlightenment.
This guide introduces a panoply of these figures, superheroes all, brilliant and beautiful, from the vast array that exists in the Buddhist tradition. Meet Tara, the rescuer; Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom; Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion; and others. Meeting them, we are touched by their qualities; seeing them in our mind’s eye, we can be transformed.
This is fascinating reading that is written with a lightness of touch that really brings it to life.
A much published and well-respected Buddhist author, meditator, and teacher, Vessantara is a senior member of the Western Buddhist Order. He holds a particular love for Tibetan Buddhism and the associated visualization practices, and he is also well-known as an effective storyteller.

A Guide to the Bodhisattvas (Meeting the Buddhas)

A Guide to the Deities of the Tantra is a fascinating insight into a subject that has captivated the imagination of many but remains mysterious and exotic to all but a few.
Tantric deities? Who are they and what do they do?
This volume focuses on the deities whose mantra recitation and colorful visualizations lie at the heart of the Tantra. We meet goddesses of wisdom, the prince of purity, the lotus-born guru Padmasambhava, and dakinis— wild-haired women who dance in the flames of freedom. All, the peaceful and the wrathful alike, urge the reader to break through to wisdom, pointing out the true nature of reality with uncompromising vigor.
Devoid of pop culture misperceptions, this guide is a window into the sometimes mysterious world of Buddhist Tantra. Vessantara explores the key characteristics of the Tantra in this magical fusion of the practical and the imaginative—giving us a direct insight in into the poetry and the power of the Tantra.
A much-published and well-respected Buddhist author, meditator, and teacher, Vessantara is a senior member of the Western Buddhist Order. He holds a particular love for Tibetan Buddhism and is well-known as an effective storyteller. This is one of three volumes looking at Buddha figures in the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

A Guide to the Deities of the Tantra (Meeting the Buddhas)

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