Masters of Mahamudra: Songs and Histories of the Eighty-Four Buddhist Siddhas (Suny Series in Buddhist Studies) - Softcover

Keith Dowman; Abhayadatta

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0887061605 ISBN 13: 9780887061608

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1986

Synopsis

In Tibetan Buddhism, Mahamudra represents a perfected level of meditative realization: it is the inseparable union of wisdom and compassion, of emptiness and skillful means. These eighty-four masters, some historical, some archetypal, accomplished this practice in India where they lived between the eighth and twelfth centuries. Leading unconventional lives, the siddhas include some of the greatest Buddhist teachers; Tilopa, Naropa, and Marpa among them. Through many years of study, Keith Dowman has collected and translated their songs of realization and the legends about them. In consultation with contemporary teachers, he gives a commentary on each of the Great Adepts and culls from available resources what we can know of their history.

Dowman’s extensive Introduction traces the development of tantra and discusses the key concepts of the Mahamudra. In a lively and illuminating style, he unfolds the deeper understandings of mind that the texts encode. His treatment of the many parallels to contemporary psychology and experience makes a valualbe contribution to our understanding of human nature.

About this title

About the Author:

Keith Dowman’s many publications include: Sky Dancer: The Secret Life and Songs of the Lady Yeshe Sogyel (Routledge & Kegan Paul) and The Legend of the Great Stupa (Dharma Publishing). He lives and practices in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Language Notes:

Text: English (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0887061605
• ISBN 13: 9780887061608
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 476
• Illustrator: Hugh Downs