Masters of Mahamudra: Songs and Histories of the Eighty-Four Buddhist Siddhas.

Keith Dowman (Translation and Commentary).

ISBN 10: 0887061605 / ISBN 13: 9780887061608

Published by State University of New York Press, Albany, NY, 1985

About this Item

First Edition Thus (1985), not directly stated, but implied by the lack of subsequent printings cited, in accordance with State University of New York Press's customary practice at the time of publication. Near Fine in Wraps: shows indications of very careful use: just a hint of wear to the extremities; a former owner's blindstamp to the front endpaper; the very mildest stress creases near the outside edge of the rear panel; faint sunning ot the yellow background field of the backstrip (the black titles thereon remain bold and clearly legible); the binding remains square and secure; the text is clean. Free of creases to the backstrip. Free of any creased or dog-eared pages in the text. Free of any underlining, hi-lighting or marginalia or marks in the text. Free of ownership names, dates, addresses, notations, inscriptions, stamps, or labels. A handsome nearly-new copy, structurally sound and tightly bound, showing mild wear and minor, unobtrusive imperfections. Bright and clean. Close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo.(9 x 5.9 x 1 inches). xvii, 454 pages. Illustrated with duotone drawings by Hugh R.Downs. Language: English. Weight: 21.5 ounces. Suny Series in Buddhist Studies. University Press Paperback. First Edition Thus (1985), not directly stated, but implied by the lack of subsequent printings cited, in accordance with State University of New York Press's customary practice at the time of publication.

Seller Inventory # 54237

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Masters of Mahamudra: Songs and Histories of the Eighty-Four Buddhist Siddhas.
• Publisher: State University of New York Press, Albany, NY
• Publication Date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0887061605
• ISBN 13: 9780887061608
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Hugh Downs
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Eastern Thought

About this title

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 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.