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"Essence of Vajrayana" is the first complete explanation in English of the Highest Yoga Tantra practice of Heruka body mandala. Buddha Heruka is a manifestation of all the Buddhas' enlightened compassion, and by relying upon him we can swiftly attain a pure selfless joy and bring true happiness to others.
In Part One, Geshe Kelsang explains with great clarity and precision how we can practise the sublime meditations of Heruka body mandala, and thereby gradually transform our ordinary world and experiences into the transcendental reality of a Buddha. Then, in Part Two, he provides definitive instructions on the completion stage practices that lead to the supreme bliss of full enlightenment in this one lifetime.
This is a treasury of practical instructions for those seriously interested in following the Tantric path.
E-Book Content
The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Heruka Body Mandala
Essence of
Essence of Va/ ray ana
Also by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Meaningful to Behold Clear Light of Bliss Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition Heart of Wisdom Universal Compassion The Meditation Handbook Joyful Path of Good Fortune Guide to Dakini Land The Bodhisattva Vow Heart Jewel Great Treasury of Merit Introduction to Buddhism Understanding the Mind Tantric Grounds and Paths Ocean of Nectar
Tharpa Publications is a publisher of Buddhist books that provide the most complete and integrated presentation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment available in any western language, from basic introduc tions to Buddhism and meditation to detailed and lucid expositions of the highest Buddhist philosophy and Tantric practice. There is a Tharpa website at www.tharpa.com.
G e s he K e l s a n g G yatso
Essence of Vajrayana TH E
HIGHEST
TANTRA HERUKA
YOGA
PRACTICE BODY
&
OF
MANDALA
THARPA PUBLICATIONS London
First published in 1997 The right of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means except for the quotation of brief passages for the purpose of private study, research, or review. Tharpa Publications 15 Bendemeer Road London SW15 1JX © Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and Manjushri Centre 1997 Cover painting of Mahasiddha Ghantapa by the Tibetan artist Chating Jamyang Lama. Cover design by Stefan Killen. Cover photo of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso by Eric Martin. Frontispiece of Heruka body mandala reproduced with kind permission. Line illustrations by Ani Kelsang Wangchen. Line illustration of Vajrayogini by Suzanne Downs. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. ISBN 0 948006 47 1 - papercase ISBN 0 948006 48 X - paperback Set in Palatino by Tharpa Publications. Printed on acid-free 250-year longlife paper and bound by Butler and Tanner, Frome, Somerset, England.
Contents
Illustrations
vii
Acknowledgements Preface
ix x
PART ONE: Generation Stage Preliminary Explanation Training in the Basic Practices
3 19
The Yoga of the Guru Bringing the Three Bodies into the Path Checking Meditation on the Mandala and Basis Heruka
35 77 89
Generating the Mandala and Deities of the Body Mandala
101
The Actual Generation Stage Meditation
139
The Concluding Practices
155
PART TWO: Completion Stage Preliminary Explanation
187
The Five Stages of Completion Stage
195
Dedication
215
Appendix I - The Condensed Meaning of the Commentary Appendix II - Sadhanas
217
Essence of Vajraya