Meeting the Buddhas

Meeting the Buddhas is a modern classic, giving a vivid and accessible introduction to all the main meditation figures 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 engaged in 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.

£18.99

Get 40% off this other book by Vessantara when you buy 'Meeting the Buddhas'.

Tales of Freedom: Wisdom from the Buddhist Tradition

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.

These are some of the scenes evoked in Tales of Freedom. Drawn from the rich variety of the Buddhist tradition, the stories convey a sense of inner freedom. We see ordinary people liberate themselves from anger and grief, and great teachers remain free even in the face of death. Vessantara's commentary shows us how we can move towards that freedom in our own lives.

In this video, Laura Wilkes explains how reading Tales of Freedom has changed her life.

Meeting the Buddhas is a modern classic, giving a vivid and accessible introduction to all the main meditation figures 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 engaged in 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.

Endorsements

‘The Mahāyāna pantheon is replete with archetypal divinities and goddesses, myth-models, avatars and super-heroes, saints and sages of all genders…. You too can delve into and delight in this marvellous, uplifting vision of the luminous reality….’ – Lama Surya Das

‘The depth of Vessantara’s own practice and comfort in visionary realms means this book is an invitation to experience our lives infused with imagination, light, love, power, and mystery.’ – Vidyamala Burch, OBE

‘This wonderful book was an absolute treasure trove for me…. A gift of wisdom and inspiration.’ – Professor Paul Gilbert, OBE, author of The Compassionate Mind

‘…a wonderfully rich, comprehensive, and thorough exploration of the world of Buddhist Vajrayāna….’ – Rob Preece, author of The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra

book cover with orange circle in the middle and greenish edges

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