Synopses & Reviews
Noted authority discusses mystic rites and doctrines, methods of psychic training among lamas, magicians, yogis, and more. Covered are various kinds of initiations and their aims, role of the spiritual guide and choice of a master, oral instruction, spiritual exercises, "gymnastics" of respiration, many other aspects of Tibetan religious practice. David-Neel was practicing Buddhist, linguist, resident of Tibet for 14 years. 27 black-and-white illustrations.
Synopsis
Nestled amid the high peaks and eternal snows of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, Tibet is home to a centuries-old Buddhist tradition, rich in mystic rites and rituals aimed at helping adherents achieve spiritual bliss. In this fascinating volume, a noted authority delves into the nature and sources of Tibetan mysticism, providing readers with a wealth of information regarding Lamaic rites of initiation and the teachings given to initiates, both during and after the initiation ceremonies.
The author first defines Tibetan mysticism and examines the role of the spiritual guide and the choice of a master. This is followed by a discussion of the nature of the esoteric doctrines and traditional oral instruction. Madame David-Neel then recounts in detail the various kinds of initiations and their aims, including initiations with and without "activity," the "Mani" initiation, and the different meanings of Aum mani padme hum Also covered are the magic rites known as dubthabs, the "gymnastics" of respiration, daily spiritual exercises, the contemplation of sun and sky, the dalai lamas, different kinds of morality, and many other topics.
Alexandra David-Neel was a historian of religion and a resident of Tibet for 14 years. As a practicing Buddhist, she participated in many of the spiritual rites and practices described in this book, which gives her account a special immediacy and authenticity. Lucid, objective, and highly readable, Initiations and Initiates in Tibet is a treasury of fact and lore offering valuable insights and information to students of religion and Tibetan Buddhism in particular.
Synopsis
Mystic rites and doctrines, initiations, spiritual exercises, many other topics. Invaluable insights into Tibetan Buddhism. 27 illus.
Synopsis
Noted authority discusses mystic rites and doctrines, methods of psychic training, various kinds of initiations and their aims, spiritual exercises, "gymnastics" of respiration, many other topics. Invaluable insights into Tibetan Buddhism. 27 black-and-white illustrations.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
I. DEFINITION OF TIBETAN MYSTICISM
II. THE SPIRITUAL GUIDE
CHOICE OF MASTER
III. NATURE OF THE ESOTERIC DOCTRINES-METHOD AND KNOWLEDGE-FATHER AND MOTHER-TRADITIONAL ORAL INSTRUCTION-ITS TRANSMISSION ALONG A LINE OF INITIATES-EUGENICS
IV. THE VARIOUS KINDS OF INITIATION AND THEIR AIM
"INITIATION " WITH ACTIVITY "
I. ANGKUR OF THE MYSTIC MASTER
2. SECRET ANGKUR
3. ANGKUR OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM
4. ANGKUR OF SYMBOLICAL WORDS
"INITIATION " WITHOUT ACTIVITY "
VULGAR DEGREE
NON-VULGAR DEGREE
V. "THE " MANI " INITIATION AND THE DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF AUM MANI PADME HUM !"
VI. DUBTHABS RITES
VII. GYMNASTICS OF RESPIRATION-A GURU STORY
VIII. DAILY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
MY BODY IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN
MY EYES ARE LIKE THE OCEAN
MY MIND IS LIKE THE SKY
IX. HOW TO SLEEP AND TO UTILISE THE TIME GIVEN TO SLEEP-HOW TO CONNECT ONESELF IN THE DREAM STATE FOR DISCERNING ONE'S LATENT TENDENCIES
X. CONTEMPLATION OF SUN AND SKY
XI. THE DALAI LAMAS
XII. THE LESSER AND THE GREATER VEHICLE
XIII. THE TRUE INITIATION
XIV. THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MORALITY
APPENDIX