Vajray?na and the Culmination of the Path

“His Holiness explains Buddhist tantra like no one else. The mysteries of tantra are clarified for all to comprehend, and are expressed as a path clearly accessible to those with the right qualification and right motivation.”–Gavin Kilty, translator of Tsongkhapa’s Lamp to Illuminate the Five Stages“The presentation of Vajrayana Buddhism demonstrates both its continuity with the broader Buddhist path and the distinctiveness of Tantric practice and the theory that underlies it. This library is now complete, and what a gift it is to the world!”–Jay Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy and Buddhist Studies, Smith College and the Harvard Divinity School“This distinctive and fundamental series of teachings, taught by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and assisted by Venerable Thubten Chodron, is a publishing triumph for our time.”–Jan Willis, professor of religion, emerita, Wesleyan University“This work is breathtaking, indispensable for anyone who wants to know what is possible for human beings to do with their lives in this astonishing day and age. Words fail to convey my admiration for the authors and the work, and my confidence in the boon of clarity and delight it grants its thoughtful readers.”–Robert A. F. Thurman, Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies, Columbia University“Wow! This is the most comprehensive and inclusive text on the practice of Tibetan Vajrayana. Vast tangles of tantric terminology and technique–as represented in diverse Tibetan traditions–are illuminated and clarified in this masterful work.”–Guy Newland, Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, Central Michigan University

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto: “My religion is kindness.”

Thubten Chodron has been a Buddhist nun since 1977. A graduate of UCLA, she is the founder and abbess of Sravasti Abbey in Washington State. She is a popular speaker and author of numerous books, including Buddhism for Beginners.