The Tantric mysticism of Tibet: A practical guide [Paperback]

John Eaton Calthorpe Blofeld (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1982

A highly practical form of mysticism, Mahayana Buddhism offers precise techniques for attaining wisdom by negating the ego and entering the bliss of divinity. This book gives the background, techniques, purpose, and underlying theory of the Tantric forms of meditation, which have often been successful for those who have failed to make progress with more familiar methods.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 257 pages
• Publisher: Prajna Press (1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877737606
• ISBN-13: 978-0877737605
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,652,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Vajrayana buddhism., June 13, 1999

By 

Jeff Sutherland "Certified Scrum Trainer" (Somerville, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques ofTantric Meditation (Paperback)

I'm surprised noone has reviewed this book as it has been around for years and is still, in my view, the best first book to read for a westerner interested in Tibetan Buddhism. Blofeld was a dedicated practitioner who shares his insights, his failures, and his transcendent experiences. This was not his favorite book and he was always surprised by its success. While there are many more profound books now available by recognized Tibetan spiritual leaders, none of them have written a simple manual for getting started that is as good as Blofeld sharing his experiences.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars completing circles, May 30, 2000

By 

"grandmother" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques ofTantric Meditation (Paperback)

I mirror the first rating. I reflect that sometimes it is first impression/best impression. In the long run it really doesn't matter. I am speaking about Blofeld's direct experience of Tibetan Buddhism...in Tibet. This was before the CHANGE. Inter-resting to think how buddhism has evolved into west.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practice vs Belief, October 8, 2010

By 

silmaril - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques ofTantric Meditation (Paperback)

I love this book! I happen to have the Causeway Edition that was issued in 1974. It's worthy of its subtitle: A Practical Guide; it truly is practical. I have read other books on the subject, but this is, by far, the best one as far as a [Western] author is concerned -- he was a firm practitioner. The introduction by Charles San (from the Causeway Edition only), interestingly enough, emphasizes the PRACTICALITY of the subject ("firm practitioner" versus "firm believer"). The author demystifies the mystique and exotic-ness of Tibetan tantra. For folks who are interested in Tibetan Tantra written by a non-Tibetan and a non-Lama, this is a must-have/must-read copy. I'm glad it never went out of print.