Initiations and Initiates in Tibet

by David-Neel, Alexandra

• ISBN13: 9780486275796
• ISBN10: 0486275795
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-30
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

Noted authority discusses mystic rites and doctrines, methods of psychic training among lamas, magicians, yogis, etc. Covered are various kinds of initiations and their aims, role of the spiritual guide and choice of a master, oral instruction, spiritual exercises, "gymnastics" of respiration, many other aspects of Tibetan religious practice. David-Neel was practicing Buddhist, linguist, resident of Tibet for 14 years. 27 black-and-white illus.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION
I. DEFINITION OF TIBETAN MYSTICISM
II. THE SPIRITUAL GUIDE
    CHOICE OF MASTER
III. NATURE OF THE ESOTERIC DOCTRINES-METHOD AND KNOWLEDGE-FATHER AND MOTHER-TRADITIONAL ORAL INSTRUCTION-ITS TRANSMISSION ALONG A LINE OF INITIATES-EUGENICS
IV. THE VARIOUS KINDS OF INITIATION AND THEIR AIM
    "INITIATION " WITH ACTIVITY "
    I. ANGKUR OF THE MYSTIC MASTER
    2. SECRET ANGKUR
    3. ANGKUR OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM
    4. ANGKUR OF SYMBOLICAL WORDS
    "INITIATION " WITHOUT ACTIVITY "
      VULGAR DEGREE
      NON-VULGAR DEGREE
V. "THE " MANI " INITIATION AND THE DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF AUM MANI PADME HUM !"
VI. DUBTHABS RITES
VII. GYMNASTICS OF RESPIRATION-A GURU STORY
VIII. DAILY SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
    MY BODY IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN
    MY EYES ARE LIKE THE OCEAN
    MY MIND IS LIKE THE SKY
IX. HOW TO SLEEP AND TO UTILISE THE TIME GIVEN TO SLEEP-HOW TO CONNECT ONESELF IN THE DREAM STATE FOR DISCERNING ONE'S LATENT TENDENCIES
X. CONTEMPLATION OF SUN AND SKY
XI. THE DALAI LAMAS
XII. THE LESSER AND THE GREATER VEHICLE
XIII. THE TRUE INITIATION
XIV. THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MORALITY
APPENDIX