Providing a rare glimpse of feminine Buddhist history; Niguma; Lady of Illusion brings to the forefront the life and teachings of a mysterious eleventh-century Kashmiri woman who became the source of a major Tibetan Buddhist practice lineage. The circumstances of her life and extraordinary qualities ascribed to her are analyzed in the greater context of spiritual biography and Buddhist doctrine. More than a historical presentation; Niguma's story raises the question of women as real spiritual leaders versus male images of feminine principle and other related contemporary issues. This volume includes the thirteen works that have been attributed to Niguma in the Tibetan Buddhist canon. These collected works form the basis of an ancient lineage Shangpa; which continues to be actively studied and practiced today. These works include the source verses for such esoteric practices as the Six Yogas; the Great Seal; and the Chakrasamvara and Hevajra tantric practices that are widespread in Tibetan traditions. Also included is the only extant biography; which is enhanced by the few other sources of information on her life and work.
#3147616 in Books University of Massachusetts Press 2000-12-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.13 x 6.42 x 9.48l; 1.62 #File Name: 1558492771360 pages
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. the saga of the 54th Massachusetts goes onBy joan a. sheltonThis collection of essays has a rather tight focus: it was compiled to mark the centennial of the "Shaw Memorial" in Boston by examining the events which inspired that sculpture; how the artist joined other media in celebrating the courage of black soldiers and their white companions; and how the saga of the 54th has moved out of Boston to take on a national life since the Civil War and especially since 1897. Thus the various essays present a nuanced picture of a widening cultural movement. Especially in the past half-century; black contributions to our national life have stepped forward to take their rightful place in our national consciousness; though much remains to be found out and held up to American society. Hopefully this volume marks the beginning of a national pride in which all can celebrate what blacks have achieved (generally at dreadful personal cost). I would have been interested in learning more about the poetry and fiction this regiment--and "the Shaw;" its memorial--have inspired over the past 140 years. Whether they're wonderful or dreadful (and there have been plenty of both); stories and poems also demonstrate how our consciousness of black achievement has developed. We need all the help we can get; to learn from the past and move beyond it; but this book is a good start.`
