This work is prepared from Alex Wayman’s previously published articles in the field of the Buddhist Tantra plus new studies especially made to round out the material for a reasonably integrated volume. It has particular contact with two previous books in the tantric field-Fundamentals of the Buddhist Tantras and Yoga of the Guhyasamajatantra. But the present work is mainly different both in content and in organization from the said two book engagements with the vast Buddhist Tantra literature. The Introduction of the book places the position of the Buddhist Tantras within Mahayana Buddhism and recalls their early literary history, especially the Guhyasamajatantra; it also cover Buddhist genesis and the Tantric tradition as well as the analogical thinking in the Buddhist Tantras. The author discusses the foundations of the Buddhist Tantras-he considers the Tantric presentation of divinity; the preparation of disciples and the meaning of initiation; some Tantric ritual and the symbolism of its attainments; twilight language and a Tantric song. It is devoted to special studies which are very rarely available to the general public, such as the nine orifices of the body and the Tantric teachings of the inner Zodiac; female energy and symbolism in the Buddhist Tantras; and the fivefold ritual symbolism of passion. The Bibliographical Research contains a correlation between the tatnric portions of the Kanjur and the Tanjur.
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