Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms (Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism)

English, Elizabeth

ISBN 10: 086171329X / ISBN 13: 9780861713295

Published by Wisdom Publications (edition 1st Wisdom Ed), 2002

About this Item

It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.

Seller Inventory # 086171329X-11-1

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Vajrayogini: Her Visualization, Rituals, and Forms (Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism)
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (edition 1st Wisdom Ed)
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 086171329X
• ISBN 13: 9780861713295
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition: 1st Wisdom Ed.
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Vajrayogini is a tantric goddess from the highest class of Buddhist tantras who manifests the ultimate development of wisdom and compassion. Her practice is prevalent today among practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. This ground-breaking book delves into the origins of Vajrayogini, charting her evolution in India and examining her roots in the Cakrasamvara tantra and in Indian tradition relating to siva.

The focus of this work is the Guhyasamayasadhanamala, a collection of forty-six sadhanas, or practice texts. Written on palm leaves in Sanskrit and preserved since the twelfth century, this diverse collection, composed by various authors, reveals a multitude of forms of the goddess, each of which is described and illustrated here. One of the sadhanas, the Vajravarahi Sadhana by Umapatideva, depicts Vajrayogini at the center of a mandala of thirty-seven different goddesses, and is here presented in full translation alongside a Sanskrit edition. Elizabeth English provides extensive explanation and annotation of this representative text. Sixteen pages of stunning color plates not only enhance the study but bring the goddess to life.

About the Author

Elizabeth English (Locana) received her MA and PhD in Classical Indian Religion from Oxford University and is a member of the Western Buddhist Order. She is the founder and director of Life at Work, a right-livelihood business that provides consultancy and training for supporting people, teams, and organizations through communication skills and conflict resolution.