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Vajra and Bell
Enter the rich world of Buddhist symbolism.The vajra and the vajra-bell are important sacred objects used in Tantric ritual, and this colourful book lays before us an unexpected array of associations and images to enrich our understanding of these powerful and fascinating symbols. We discover that they embody all masculine and feminine qualities, transcendental compassion and wisdom, bliss and emptiness. By reflecting deeply on this perfect pair, we too can become sources of wisdom and compassion for the world.
Of Beggars and Buddhas
An exploration of subversive, ribald variations of the most important story in Theravada Buddhism.
Readings of the Vessantara Jātaka
The Vessantara Jataka tells the story of Prince Vessantara, who attained the Perfection of Generosity by giving away his fortune, his children, and his wife. Vessantara was the penultimate rebirth as a human of the future Gotama Buddha, and his extreme charity has been represented and reinterpreted in texts, sermons, rituals, and art throughout South and Southeast Asia and beyond. This anthology features well-respected anthropologists, textual scholars in religious and Buddhist studies, and art historians, who engage in sophisticated readings of the text and its ethics of giving, understanding of attachment and nonattachment, depiction of the trickster, and unique performative qualities. They reveal the story to be as brilliantly layered as a Homeric epic or Shakespearean play, with aspects of tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and utopian fantasy intertwined to problematize and scrutinize Theravada Buddhism's cherished virtues.
The Tale of Prince Vessantara
Discover the Timeless Tale of Prince Vessantara Immerse yourself in "The Tale of Prince Vessantara," a Jataka story that has captivated generations across Southeast Asia. This vivid novelization, enriched with 13 stunning illustrations, brings to life the world's oldest and most celebrated Jataka tale. Follow the remarkable journey of Prince Vessantara, whose unwavering generosity and selflessness will inspire you to reflect on the true meaning of compassion and love. Born into a life of luxury and abundance in the royal family of the Kingdom of Sivi, Prince Vessantara's world is turned upside down when he gifts his prized white elephant to a neighboring kingdom suffering from drought, leadi...
Thailand's Theory of Monarchy
2016 CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title Since the 2006 coup d'état, Thailand has been riven by two opposing political visions: one which aspires to a modern democracy and the rule of law, and another which holds to the traditional conception of a kingdom ruled by an exemplary Buddhist monarch. Thailand has one of the world's largest populations of observant Buddhists and one of its last politically active monarchies. This book examines the Theravada Buddhist foundations of Thailand's longstanding institution of monarchy. Patrick Jory states that the storehouse of monarchical ideology is to be found in the popular literary genre known as the Jātakas, tales of the Buddha's past lives. The bes...
Guide to the Buddhas
Why does Buddhism refer to so many Buddhas? Who are they? What can they tell us about ourselves? In this inspiringly written book we meet the historical and archetypal Buddhas who form part of the rich symbolism of Tibetan Buddhism. This is an informative guide for those new to Buddhism and a handy reference for more experienced practitioners. Vessantara, with his 35 years of meditation experience, combines the power of story telling with practical guidance and succeeds in bringing the Buddhas and their visualization practices to life.
Breath
The breath: always with you, necessary to your very existence, but often unnoticed. Yet giving it attention can transform your life. Vessantara writes engagingly for both newcomers and those with some experience. He provides practical ways to integrate meditation into your life, and suggests methods for deepening calm and concentration. The Breath returns us again and again to the fundamental and precious experience of being alive.
The Heart
Explore the potential of your heart - and discover a warmer, more loving you.
Guide to the Deities of the Tantra
Vessantara explains the key characteristics of the Tantra, introduces its many Deities, and explores its symbolism. This guide provides the foundations for a gradual and thorough understanding of Tantric Buddhism, encouraging confidence in the exploration of its many themes and lavish forms. Mantra recitation and colourful visualizations of the Deities lie at the heart of the Tantric practice and Vessantara provides beautiful meditations on each of the key figures while also explaining the reasoning, theory and history behind each practice.
Female Deities in Buddhism
Queens and old crones, Buddhas and goddesses, mothers and wild women. Female deities in Buddhism take many forms to inspire, beguile, rouse and protect us. Enter the magical realm of gently compassionate Kuan Yin from China, meet the elusive golden goddess from India representing Perfect Wisdom, and tangle with the energetic embodiments of freedom, the fearless sky-dancing dakinis of Tibet. Respected Western Buddhist teacher Vessantara invites us to learn more about ourselves as women and men by reflecting on these figures, for within us lie the seeds of love, wisdom and freedom that these figures symbolise in their fullness, qualities we can nurture through contemplating the beauty of these enlightened beings. Engage not just with your head but with your heart. Follow your intuition ... enrich your life. My thanks to Vessantara for a treasure trove of fascinating information, explanation, and anecdote on the feminine divine. This is an invaluable introductory source book.Sandy Boucher, author of Discovering Kwan Yin, Buddhist Goddess of Compassion.
