Meeting The Buddhas

An introduction the most well-known and important Buddhas, deities and other sacred figures of Buddhism. Each is imaginatively brought to life for the reader presenting their major characteristics along with illustrations, visualizations, symbols, mantras and myths.

Meeting the Buddhas is a modern classic, giving a vivid and accessible introduction to all the main figures meditated on in the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. First published in 1993, this new edition incorporates a section on Vajrakīla, as well as new images, and hundreds of small changes that nuance and deepen earlier editions. It is a mine of information for those who want to learn about buddhas, bodhisattvas and tantric deities, and of inspiration for those who are already doing the practices. Vessantara powerfully evokes the figures, giving the reader a real feeling for what it’s like to meditate on them, and how they can transform us on a deep level. It gives detailed descriptions of the figures, including their mudras and symbolic emblems, so it can be used as a handy reference to identify and learn about particular images.

In simple language and exquisite photographs and paintings, 15 Buddhas are introduced to anyone seeking to learn more about the tenets and practices of the Buddhist tradition. Each page introduces one of the Buddhas to the reader and reveals a different aspect of enlightenment, teaching people of all ages how they can become more kind, wise and gentle. Photographs of statues and paintings of each Buddha highlight the exquisite art that is an intrinsic part of the Kadampa Buddhist tradition. Prayers, stories, mantras, and accessible explanations make every part of the spiritual path fun and approachable. An image-seeking game adds an element of play, and a glossary and resources for additional information make this reference a valuable introduction to one of the world's major religions.

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.

A Zen monk strides empty handed into a tiger's cage. An Indian master spontaneously empties a bag of gold dust into the air. A young woman lays down the burden of her dead child and asks the Buddha to accept her as his disciple. Here is another book by the popular author, Vessantara, who takes incidents from the lives of the Buddha, Tibetan mystics and Zen masters and uses them to show how we too can live a more fulfilled life. Full of colorful tales, Vessantara's vivid, imaginative style makes these ancient, well-loved stories inspiring tools for self-development.Also by the same author: Female Deities in Buddhism, The Mandala of the Five Buddhas, Meeting the Buddhas, The Vajra and Bell

Introduces the Buddhas, whose example of peace and wisdom is the inspiration for millions of people around the world. This book reveals a different aspect of enlightenment, teaching how adults and children alike can begin to develop these good qualities themselves.

Bodhisattvas are the superheroes of Buddhism, fearlessly carrying the Buddha's teaching to the world.

Millions of people meditate daily but can meditative practices really make us ‘better’ people? In The Buddha Pill, pioneering psychologists Dr Miguel Farias and Catherine Wikholm put meditation and mindfulness under the microscope. Separating fact from fiction, they reveal what scientific research – including their groundbreaking study on yoga and meditation with prisoners – tells us about the benefits and limitations of these techniques for improving our lives. As well as illuminating the potential, the authors argue that these practices may have unexpected consequences, and that peace and happiness may not always be the end result. Offering a compelling examination of research on transcendental meditation to recent brain-imaging studies on the effects of mindfulness and yoga, and with fascinating contributions from spiritual teachers and therapists, Farias and Wikholm weave together a unique story about the science and the delusions of personal change.