The psychology of Buddhist tantra / Rob Preece ; foreword by Stephen Batchelor.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Preece, Rob.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Tantric Buddhism--Psychology.

Tantric Buddhism.

Psychology.

Physical Description:

xii, 275 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Ithaca, N.Y. : Snow Lion Publications, [2006]

Summary:

This book masterfully succeeds in clarifying the nature of tantric practice. In contrast to the approaches of conventional religion, tantra does not attempt to soothe the turmoil of existence with consoling promises of heaven and salvation. The tantric practitioner chooses to confront the bewildering and chaotic forces of fear, aggression, desire, and pride, and to work with them in such a way that they are channeled into creative expression, loving relationships, and wisely engaged forms of life.

In order to make the processes of tantra psychologically intelligible for a contemporary reader, Rob Preece makes judicious use of the work of modern psychotherapy, forging a compelling link between a Western tradition that hearkens back to the alchemical traditions of our own past and the comparably "alchemical" strategies of Tibetan Buddhist tantric practices. In keeping with the pragmatic and therapeutic aims of both psychotherapy and Buddhist meditation, The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra never loses sight of the central importance of applying these ideas to the concrete realities of day-to-day life. By illuminating the richly symbolic language of tantra through the intermediate language of psychology, The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra points to the transformative nature of tantric practices.

Contents:

Part I The Ground

1 The Origins of Tantra 9

2 Laying the Foundations 13

3 Becoming a Stable Vessel 21

4 The Role of the Teacher 27

5 The Deity 37

Part II The Vessel

6 Entering the Vessel 61

7 The Body in Tantra 75

8 The Nature of Subtle Energy 87

9 Becoming Conscious 101

Part III The Process

10 Liberation in Clarity 113

11 Action Tantra 135

12 Healing through Peaceful Practices 157

13 The Practice of Highest Yoga Tantra 167

14 The Symbol of Transformation 177

15 The Wrathful Deity 185

16 Transforming the Masculine and Feminine 195

Part IV The Fruit

17 The Completion Stage 215

18 Living in the Mandala 235

19 The Sacred Land 243

20 Creative Transformation 251.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [273]-275).

ISBN:

1559392630

9781559392631

OCLC:

70867057

Publisher Number:

9781559392631