Introduction of Buddhism and Tantric Meditation

by H.H. Dalai Lama

Tantric Buddhism is in general concerned with particular types of meditation and ritual that are seen as especially powerful and efficacious. The goals of these practices may be both worldly - alleviation of sickness, control of the weather - and soteriological. Tantric techniques are generally centered on the ritual evocation and worship of deities who are usually conceived of as awakened, enlightened. The key to this process is the use of mantras and methods of visualization; successful evocation of a deity would then give the practitioner power to achieve his or her desired goal. Access to tantric practice is restricted to those who have received initiation, a ritual which empowers the practitioner to evoke a particular deity. From research it is clear that tantric techniques were located within the context of Mahayana soteriological and ontological thinking; in the sphere of compassionate method or means rather than wisdom.

The book presents a simple and lucid introduction to the study of Buddhism and the Tantric meditation.

The teaching of the Buddha and its application in our daily life has been dwelt upon.

Tantric meditation includes a simple process of simple process of visualisation, recitation of the traditional seven branch rite, recitation of mantras and dissolution of the visualied meditational deities into emptiness.

An indispensable book for anyone interested in the subject.