Product Description

Based on the author's talks at Naropa University, this volume introduces the reader to the principles of tantra, based on the practice of meditation, which leads to the discovery of egolessness. Trungpa Rinpoche provides a direct and experiential picture of the tantric world, explaining the importance of self-existing energy, the mandala principle, the difference between Buddhist and Hindu tantra—stressing the nontheistic foundation of Buddhism. The role of the teacher and the meaning of tantric transmission are also presented. Written for the student of Buddhism rather than the scholar, Journey without Goal demystifies the vajrayana and at the same time affirms the power and sacredness of its ancient teaching.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #178627 in Books
• Published on: 2000-10-17
• Released on: 2000-10-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Chögyam Trungpa (1940–1987) was a meditation master, teacher, and artist who founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, and an international association of meditation centers known as Shambhala International. He is the author of numerous books including Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior and Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism.

Customer Reviews

Introduction to vajrayana practices.
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Journey Without Goal: The Tantric Wisdom of the Buddhas was published 25 years ago. Though the language is somewhat dated, this compilation of teachings on Vajrayana practice is an excellent introduction and explanation of the methods and intentions of the ordinary and extraordinary practices. We are indebted to Trungpa Rinpoche and will always be grateful for his courage in bringing Tibetan Buddhist dharma to the West in English. Some have been critical of the trend resulting from this 1970's me-decade contact that produced what Gary L. Ray in CyberSangha (Spring 1996) says could be termed

THERAFIRMA BUDDHISTS: Intellectual Buddhists, usually psychotherapists, who believe in Buddhism strictly as a psychological process and reject any hints of extraordinary aspects of the tradition.

Indeed, in Journey we find explanations of one's emotional life as it relates to the five Buddha families, and we are made conscious of the characteristically Western (it seems) tendency to what has become known, after another famous title by him, as spiritual materialism. But if you are looking for a concise, clear explanation of what is meant by tantric Buddhism ie. Vajrayana, and how it accomplishes the transformation that certain individuals with a strong attachment to sensory input may seek, this is a good book with which to begin.

A good introductory text
As someone who is beginning to study vajrayana practices, I found this a nice introduction to tantric practices and now I want to read more details, which this text does not provide. This felt like a teaser for wanting more. If you are a tantric practitioner, this may be too much of an introductory text.

An introduction to Tibetan Buddhist vajrayana practices.
Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche's Journey Without Goal: The Tantric Wisdom of the Buddhas was published 25 years ago. Though the language is somewhat dated, this compilation of teachings on Vajrayana practice is an excellent introduction and explanation of the methods and intentions of the ordinary and extraordinary practices. We are indebted to Trungpa Rinpoche and will always be grateful for his courage in bringing Tibetan Buddhist dharma to the West in English. Some have been critical of the trend resulting from this 1970's me-decade contact that produced what Gary L. Ray in CyberSangha (Spring 1996) says could be termed

THERAFIRMA BUDDHISTS: Intellectual Buddhists, usually psychotherapists, who believe in Buddhism strictly as a psychological process and reject any hints of extraordinary aspects of the tradition.

Indeed, in Journey we find explanations of one's emotional life as it relates to the five Buddha families, and we are made conscious of the characteristically Western (it seems) tendency to what has become known, after another famous title by him, as spiritual materialism. But if you are looking for a concise, clear explanation of what is meant by tantric Buddhism ie. Vajrayana, and how it accomplishes the transformation that certain individuals with a strong attachment to sensory input may seek, this is a good book with which to begin.