The Psychology Of Buddhist Tantra

Description

"Tantra" is generally associated with the esoteric use of power and sex, mysterious rituals undertaken by initiates, wrathful gods and goddesses, as well as breathtakingly beautiful mandalas, deeply moving chants intoned by brocade-draped Tibetan monks to the syncopated rhythms of bells and drums. This book masterfully succeeds in clarifying the nature of tantric practice. The author does not seek to explain away the undeniably evocative and potent language and imagery of tantra but to recognize them as transformative symbols of the rich complexity of our own inner lives. In contrast to the approaches of conventional religion, tantra does not attempt to soothe the turmoil of existence with consoling promises of heaven and salvation. The tantric practitioner chooses to confront the bewildering and chaotic forces of fear, aggression, desire, and pride, and to work with them in such a way that they are channeled into creative expression, loving relationships, and wisely engaged forms of life.

Rob Preece has been a practicing Buddhist since 1973, principally within the Tibetan tradition. He has spent many years in intensive retreat in the Himalayas under the guidance of eminent Tibetan lamas. Preece has been working as a psychotherapist since 1987 and gives workshops on comparative Jungian and Buddhist psychology. An experienced meditation teacher and thangka painter, he lives in London and is the author of The Wisdom of Imperfection and The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra.

"British psychologist and longtime Tibetan Buddhist practitioner Rob Preece has given us one of the most illuminating unpackings of Tibetan tantra yet to emerge in the English language."-Mark Epstein, author of Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective "The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra succeeds in clarifying the nature of tantric practice. He does not seek to explain away the undeniably evocative and darkly potent language and imagery of tantra but to recognize them as transformative symbols of the rich complexity of our own inner lives."-Stephen Batchelor, author of Buddhism without Beliefs "The ancient therapeutic wealth and alchemy of the East is skillfully integrated into the pragmatism of the West, creatively transforming the present-day individual."-East and West Series "Draws on Jung's writings on Tantra and other Buddhist teachings to explore the rich symbolism and imagery of Tantra as a pattern for personal and spiritual growth."-The Middle Way "Following on the heels of The Wisdom of Imperfection: the Challenge of Individuation in Buddhist Life, Preece (Tibetan Buddhist teacher and transpersonal psychotherapist) offers another accessible, insightful, and engaging interweaving of Buddhist and Jungian perspectives on psychospiritual transformation. . . . Preece delivers a number of perceptive insights on the obstacles encountered when traditional Asian practices are transplanted onto modern Western psychological and cultural soil. Recommended for the general reader."-University Religious Studies Review "Allows readers to overcome common boundaries between Eastern philosophy and Western results-driven psychology, offering chapters based on Buddhist tantric strategies to keep results centered on life experience as well as spiritual purpose. The result is an outstanding melding of two often different philosophies."-The Midwest Book Review