
The Buddhist Tantras
A Guide
David B. Gray(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 12. November 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-19-762384-8 (ISBN)
Description
The tantric Buddhist traditions emerged in India beginning in the seventh century CE and flourished there until the demise of Buddhism in India circa the fifteenth century. These traditions were disseminated to Central, East, and Southeast Asia, and continue to be practiced, most notably in Nepal, Tibet and Japan, as well as in the numerous Tibetan traditions disseminated around the world by Tibetan masters living in diaspora. The central scriptures for these traditions were generally designated by the term tantra. Tantras are works that purport to relate secret teachings of the buddhas that enable awakening in as short as one lifetime. As such they are understood by their advocates to be the inspired speech of a buddha, and hence worthy of inclusion in the canons of Buddhist traditions.
Over the past twenty years there has been considerable growth in the study of tantras as well as translations of these works into Western languages. This volume provides a detailed introduction to the Buddhist tantras. It addresses their development in India, their dissemination to Central, East and Southeast Asia, and their reception in these contexts. It introduces the key teachings in the tantras, as well as the history of their interpretation, and their connection to traditions of ritual, and contemplative practices.
It also introduces the classification of the tantras and their place in Buddhist scriptural canons. It concludes with a look at the transgressive rhetoric that characterizes many of the tantras, the impact this had on their dissemination and translation, and the ways in which Buddhists explained this. It suggests that transgressive rhetoric and practices served an important role in Buddhist tantric traditions, which may be why they persist despite the challenges they have presented to the dissemination of these traditions.
Over the past twenty years there has been considerable growth in the study of tantras as well as translations of these works into Western languages. This volume provides a detailed introduction to the Buddhist tantras. It addresses their development in India, their dissemination to Central, East and Southeast Asia, and their reception in these contexts. It introduces the key teachings in the tantras, as well as the history of their interpretation, and their connection to traditions of ritual, and contemplative practices.
It also introduces the classification of the tantras and their place in Buddhist scriptural canons. It concludes with a look at the transgressive rhetoric that characterizes many of the tantras, the impact this had on their dissemination and translation, and the ways in which Buddhists explained this. It suggests that transgressive rhetoric and practices served an important role in Buddhist tantric traditions, which may be why they persist despite the challenges they have presented to the dissemination of these traditions.
Reviews / Votes
Presented with clear detail, and refraining from untranslated foreign words as much as possible, this book offers an excellent foundation for the understanding of Buddhist tantra. * Lion's Roar * Appropriate for a very broad and diverse readership, this authoritative, lucid, and masterful book provides a wealth of fascinating information. * Choice * The Buddhist Tantras: A Guide will most serve readers who are informed about Buddhism and/or South Asian religions, but are not experts in Vajrayana. The narrative flow of the writing will allow such readers to follow the story that Gray lays out, and track the ritual and historical development of tantric Buddhism. He pulls in examples from the entire tradition to illustrate points throughout the book, giving the reader a sense of the whole, complete tradition, even when poring over a section about historical development. * Samuel M. Grimes, Reading Religion *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Illustrations
2 b/w maps
Dimensions
Height: 207 mm
Width: 136 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
328 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-762384-8 (9780197623848)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
03/2024
Oxford University Press Inc
€89.28
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Person
David B. Gray is the Bernard J. Hanley Professor of Religious Studies at Santa Clara University, in Santa Clara, California, where he teaches a wide range of Asian religions courses. His research explores the development of tantric Buddhist traditions in South Asia, and their dissemination in Tibet and East Asia, with a focus on the Yoginitantras, a genre of Buddhist tantric literature that focused on female deities and yogic practices involving the subtle body. His publications include numerous books, journal articles and book chapters, focusing on the Buddhist tantras and their exegesis.
Author
Bernard J. Hanley Professor of Religious StudiesBernard J. Hanley Professor of Religious Studies, Santa Clara University
Content
Preface
Introduction: Introducing the Buddhist Tantras
1. Dates, Authorship, and Historical Contexts
2. Structure and Contents
3. Dissemination and Reception of the Tantras
4. Canonical Status of the Tantras
5. Transgression, Censorship and Interpretation
Index
Introduction: Introducing the Buddhist Tantras
1. Dates, Authorship, and Historical Contexts
2. Structure and Contents
3. Dissemination and Reception of the Tantras
4. Canonical Status of the Tantras
5. Transgression, Censorship and Interpretation
Index