The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort of Padmasambhava [Paperback]

Lama Chonam (Translator), Sangye Khandro (Translator), Janet Gyatso (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1998

This lucid translation of a rare Tibetan treasure text makes available for the first time to Western readers the remarkable life story of Princess Madarava. As the principal consort of the eighth-century Indian master Padmasambhava before he introduced tantric Buddhism to Tibet, Mandarava is the Indian counterpart of the Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal. The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava recounts her struggles and triumphs as a Buddhist adept throughout her many lives, and is an authentic deliverance story of a female Buddhist master. Those who read this book will gain inspiration and encouragement on the path to liberation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the end, her story presents its readers with a complex image of a woman engaged in the difficult process of self- realization. What would have been most striking to its 'traditional' readers is the strength of its resolutely feminine heroine, who carved out a distinctive way to travel on the classical tantric path." -- Janet Gyatso, Amherst College

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Tibetan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861711440
• ISBN-13: 978-0861711444
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #598,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mandharava the Female Buddha, July 24, 2004

By 

D. Gerrard (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort of Padmasambhava (Paperback)

This book is an excellent insight into the life and times of both Princess Mandharava and the great Guru Padmasambhava, as told by Padmasambhava himself and recorded by his Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal. This book is a terma (a teaching which was written down and then hidden for this present time). Also, it has a blessing prophecy attatched to it, making it very beneficial to read or even be near a copy of this text. The terma itself is very easy to read and follows Mandharava's extrordinary life, in a most interesting progression. It's a very inspiring story!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, October 23, 2008

By 

John Crommelin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort of Padmasambhava (Paperback)

A great account on the Life of a realized being. Shows how a female can overcome the cultural limitations placed on her and progress on the spiritual path, attain realization and then lead countless beings on that same path. Wonderful.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Padmasambhava's epic and mesmerising tale of his principle-but-one consort & disciple, November 19, 2008

By 

Jinajik "Adhipendramuni" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort of Padmasambhava (Paperback)

Princess Mandarava, like all bodhisattvas, had to endure many intense sufferings in samsara (wandering in transmigration) on her way to becoming a Buddha. She was a close disciple of Padmasambhava, the single greatest teacher of Mahayana Buddhism since Shakyamuni Buddha himself, and the single greatest preceptor of Atiyoga since Garab rDorje, the Prahevajra Buddha who received the revelation of Atiyoga from the Vajra-incarnate, pure and total consciousness (bodhicitta) in the highest heavens above. Mandarava's story as told by Padmasambhava is mesmerizing, haunting, beautiful, harrowing and enlightening. As the text states, "Those who know this teaching know they are have found the right path to perfect enlightenment." These words of Padmasambhava will blaze brightly within one's heart from the moment of hearing them up until the indescribable, blissful moment of ecstatic enlightenemt. For this reason, all seekers of truth must learn this teaching.