Mandalas: Their Nature and Development


Book Description

Maṇḍalas – Their Nature and Development This book deals with the question of what exactly constitutes a ‘cell’ metaphysically. The cell is viewed as a unit of consciousness that interrelate with other cells to form maṇḍalas of expression. Each such cell can be considered a form of ‘self’ that has a limited, though valid, body of expression. It is born, sustains a form of activity, and consequently dies when it outlives its usefulness. This mode of analysis is extended to include the myriad forms manifest in the world of phenomena known as saṃsāra including the existence and functioning of chakras. A Treatise on Mind Outline Volume 1 The “Self” or “Non-self” in Buddhism Volume 2 Considerations of Mind—A Buddhist Enquiry Volume 3 The Buddha-Womb and the Way to Liberation Volume 4 Maṇḍalas: Their Nature and Development Volume 5 An Esoteric Exposition of the Bardo Thödol Volume 6 Meditation and the Initiation Process Volume 7 The Constitution of Shambhala Whilst the numbers of Buddhists are growing in the world, the techniques and discourses of Buddhism have not changed to meet the radically different conditions of the contemporary world. Thus Buddhism needs a true restorative flowering to rival that of the renaissance of debate and innovative thinking of the early post-Nāgārjunian era. In order to achieve this it must synthesise the present wealth of scientific knowledge, alongside the best of the Western world’s philosophical output – this is the primary task of this seven volume treatise. The treatise investigates Buddhist ideas concerning what mind is and how it relates to a concept of a ‘self’. It is principally a study of the complex interrelationship between mind and phenomena, from the gross to the subtle—the physical, psychic, supersensory and supernal. This entails an explanation of how mind incorporates all phenomena in its modus operandi, and how eventually that mind is liberated from it, thereby becoming awakened. Thus the treatise explores the manner in which the corporeally orientated, concretised, intellectual mind eventually becomes transformed into the Clear Light of the abstracted Mind; a Buddha-Mind.




An Esoteric Exposition of the Bardo Thodol Part B


Book Description

Part A dealt with the process of conversion of saṃskāras into enlightenment attributes, whereas part B explains the nature of those attributes in terms of the natural radiance of the Clear Light of Mind. The various aspects of the conversion of mind into Mind are explicated in this exploration of chapter 4 of the Bardo Thödol, titled ‘Natural Liberation through Naked Perception’. This ground-breaking study explains the importance of the Throat and Heart chakras in generating and transmitting attributes of Mind, as well as the zodiacal implications. It also shows how the sections of the two chapters are correlated in one complete thesis of praxis and result.




The Astrological and Numerological Keys to The Secret Doctrine, Volume 2


Book Description

This volume continues with a detailed explanation of the nature of the ageless wisdom and its codification via astrological and numerological means. It starts with happenings upon the higher mental plane, and then the process of the materialisation of phenomena right through to the dense physical plane. The subjective happenings underlying the formation of a world sphere are described, as well as the great Lives involved. The focus is upon the genesis of our earth and of the incarnation of humanity upon it. Much more information is given concerning the activities of the twelve Creative Hierarchies than previously, plus the mode of the manifestation of phenomena, as it condenses from the subtle planes of perception to appear as dense substance. Our empirical scientists begin their investigations here, hence omitting the vast subjective processes and associated laws causing objective phenomena. Blavatsky’s genius is revealed in her masterful incorporation of the vast esoteric philosophy via the most economic means, where each word chosen produces an astounding revelatory vision, once properly decoded. Those not familiar with this philosophy will be astounded by its overall completeness and breadth of detail. They will be led to an ocean of discovery as to what actually constitutes the nature of the content of an enlightened Mind. Hopefully this will lead many to seek the way to likewise become enlightened beings.




Kalachakra Mandala


Book Description

A detailed, beautifully illustrated presentation of the construction and symbolism of the famed Kalachakra mandala, the crown jewel of the Indo-Tibetan tantric traditions. This volume contains an extensive analysis of the construction and symbolism of the mandala of the Kalachakra tantric system, the most intricate and explicit of the Indian Buddhist unexcelled yoga tantras, the most advanced teachings within the Indo-Tibetan tradition. Indo-Tibetan tantric traditions, particularly the unexcelled category, depend on imagery and visualization for the processes of purifying cyclic existence, and Kalachakra is the most detailed. The late scholar-practitioner Edward Henning, one of the earliest Western specialists on this material, offers this labor of love as a testament to the genius of the Tibetan tradition in preserving and transmitting these teachings over a thousand years. Well known internationally now due to the Dalai Lama’s many public initiations, the Kalachakra mandala serves as a primary focal point for meditators both new and seasoned. Henning draws primarily from the Jonang tradition of Kalachakra practice, particularly the modern master Banda Gelek, to elucidate and clarify inconsistencies across traditions and literature, including the authoritative Indian commentary Stainless Light (Vimalaprabha), regarding the construction and visualization of the three-tiered mandala with its hundreds of deities. In addition to providing detailed information on the images to be visualized, Henning provides in the final chapter a clear and extensive explanation of the symbolism of the habitat and inhabitants that are to be animated during the meditation session. An excellent companion to the translations of the Kalachakra Tantra and Stainless Light chapters co-published by the American Institute of Buddhist Studies and Wisdom Publications, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must-have for scholars and practitioners alike.




The Revelation (New Revised Edition)


Book Description

This book presents basic postulates concerning many esoteric concepts. These include the concept of ‘God’, what constitutes evil, the nature and function of karma, the manifestation of energy from the subtle planes of perception, the nature of manifest Divinity, as veiled by the concept of the Christ in the Bible, and the mysteries of Being. The analysis moves from my earlier Buddhist writings to focus upon the information in the Bible, especially in relation to the nature of the reappearance of the Christ, which here is equated with the externalisation process of the Hierarchy of Enlightened Being. This doctrine concerns the mode of the evolution of transcendent perception by humanity. The awakening of higher spiritual perceptions via the enlightenment path, and the understanding of the psychic constitution of the nāḍīs and chakras are also explained. A syncretic approach is therefore espoused through the comparison between Eastern doctrines and the presented esoteric Christianity. In doing so many of the veiled, hidden mysteries in the Gospel story and the book of Genesis are revealed. The text shows how these religions are but aspects of one fundamental religious evolution, of the historical development of what is known in the East as the dharma, and in the Western tradition as the ‘Law of God’.




The Mandala Book


Book Description

A visual symphony, The Mandala Book showcases 500 stunning mandalic images from nature and civilization. Drawing from history, science, and art, Lori Bailey Cunningham takes you on a journey that spans from the tiniest particle of matter to spiral galaxies in the farthest reaches of the universe, from prehistoric petroglyphs to Carl Jung. And, at the end, she includes 13 beautiful mandalas to photocopy and color, for meditation or fun.




Mandala Urbanism, Landscape, and Ecology


Book Description

Classic Indian texts and Vaastupurusha Mandala are not often discussed in the western discourse on urbanism, even while much of these predate the commonly taught European writings. This book sheds light on some of those forgotten concepts, thus making the lesser discussed classic Indian town organization ideas accessible to architecture, landscape, and urban planning students worldwide. The resonance of these concepts in present times are reviewed through case studies of select Hindu temple towns in India. Furthermore, the author underscores the formal abstraction of the classic Indian Mandala and transplants the discourse from sociology to socio-ecologically adept trans-disciplinary design thinking. The creative interpretations offer a premise to start revising classic models for current practice to influence the urbanism and ecology of a place in accordance with the changing climate.




The Mandala Bible


Book Description

An introduction to the mandala and practical information on how to use one. Mandalas are symbols of wholeness that reflect the symmetry of natural forms, the cycle of time and the circle of community. They can be found in cultures around the world and throughout history. This comprehensive book introduces the reader to the many different forms a mandala can take, from ancient Hindu mandalas to the intricate patterns of Native American sand paintings and Celtic knotwork. It also provides practical information on how to use a mandala to promote spiritual health and well-being. The Mandala Bible is organized in three sections: the first describes the mandala in spiritual traditions, the second section explains how to work with mandalas, and the last section is a workbook with over 80 beautiful mandala illustrations for coloring and meditation. The Mandala Bible describes: Hindu mandalas Buddhist mandalas Christian mandalas Celtic mandalas Native American sand painting mandalas Meditations and visualizations How to create a sand mandala Mandalas and color healing Mandalas and spiritual healing Mandalas and creativity. Mandalas can be seen in the labyrinths of medieval churches, as ancient decoration and in jewelry. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung used mandalas as an aid to psychological understanding. For centuries Buddhist monks have painted intricate mandalas only to sweep them into the sea -- the circle of life. The Mandala Bible is an enlightening introduction to this universal symbol.




The Bodhisattva Warriors


Book Description

This unique study of the genesis and development of the earliest form of Buddhist self-defense practiced by Chuan Fa monks and mystics shows both the philosophical and physical basis of the skills developed and passed on to subsequent generations. This book seeks to reunite these concepts. Its teaching draws equally on the practices of North Chinese Chaan Movement Meditation Traditions and on the South Chinese Esoteric (Mi Chiao) School--both secret traditions rarely revealed to the general public. The material is presented so readers can understand that what we think of as a competitive sport is really a meditation mandala in action. Extensive appendices list the main Chinese dynasties, a chronology of Buddhist Sutras, a chronological record of scriptures, teachers, events during 1000 years of Indian and Chinese Buddhism, and translations of Bodhidharma`s texts including The Six Gates, Entering the Buddha`s Path, and the treatise upon the Bloodline Teaching of True Dharma.




Dreams, Symbols, and Homeopathy


Book Description

In understanding such things as the role of the shadow in healing, the relationship between the ego and the transpersonal self, and the application of dream analysis, medical practitioners can better address present day health challenges. Included are client interview techniques, natural remedies, and a bibliography and glossary of Jungian terms.