Introduction to the Buddhist Tantric Systems

The Survey of the Buddhist Tantras by Mkhas-grub-rje (1385-1438) is a sample of the rich literature on this topic in the Tibetan language. In accordance with Tsonkha-pa`s tantric reform after the theory about how Gautama Buddha became enlightened the author present the non-tantric materials stipulated as preliminary for tantric study and practice. The translation was collaborated in the 1950s between F.D. Lessing and Alex Wayman at Berkeley, California. After Lessing`s death, Wayman annotated and published the text in 1968 and has provided a new introduction for the present reissue of this seminal treatise. Lessing was the first professor to offer courses in the Tibetan language at an American University.



Chapter 1. How the Teacher Bhagavat became Abhisambuddha; Chapter II. The Method of Setting the Wheel of the Law into Motion; Chapter The Method of Setting the Wheel of the Law of the Mantra-yana into Motion; Chapter Fundamentals of Initiation and Holding of vows in the Kriya Tantra; Chapter Fundamentals of the Carya Tantra; Chapter Fundamentals of the Yoga Tantra; Chapter Fundamentals of the Anuttara-yoga Tantra; Chapter Procedure in the meaning of the subject matter Chapter Manner of Conferring Initiation; Index of Work Cited; Index of Names and Subjects.