PRELOVED Initiations and Initiates in Tibet - Alexandra David-Neel

This is a secondhand book. There is a slight crease on the bottom right corner of the cover and the spine is a little faded, otherwise the condition is very good.

Nestled amid the high peaks and eternal snows of the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, Tibet is home to a centuries-old Buddhist tradition, rich in mystic rites and rituals aimed at helping adherents achieve spiritual bliss. In this fascinating volume, a noted authority delves into the nature and sources of Tibetan mysticism, providing readers with a wealth of information regarding Lamaic rites of initiation and the teachings given to initiates, both during and after the initiation ceremonies.

The author first defines Tibetan mysticism and examines the role of the spiritual guide and the choice of a master. This is followed by a discussion of the nature of the esoteric doctrines and traditional oral instruction. Madame David-Neel then recounts in detail the various kinds of initiations and their aims, including initiations with and without "activity," the "Mani" initiation, and the different meanings of Aum mani padme hum!
Also covered are the magic rites known as dubthabs, the "gymnastics" of respiration, daily spiritual exercises, the contemplation of sun and sky, the dalai lamas, different kinds of morality, and many other topics.

Alexandra David-Neel was a historian of religion and a resident of Tibet for 14 years. As a practicing Buddhist, she participated in many of the spiritual rites and practices described in this book, which gives her account a special immediacy and authenticity. Lucid, objective, and highly readable, Initiations and Initiates in Tibet is a treasury of fact and lore offering valuable insights and information to students of religion and Tibetan Buddhism in particular.

This work is an insight into Tibet’s ancient spiritual doctrines and practices. Written at a time when few people, let alone women, had access to Tibet, Alexandra David-Neel lived in the country for many years studying Buddhism and discussing esoteric and religious subjects in particular with many Tibetans, both high and low born. The author offers a wide-ranging review of Tibetan mysticism, the various initiation ceremonies and daily spiritual exercises which Tibetans used to undertake before the Chinese invaded their country. An exposition of the teachings of Tibetan lamas and the understanding of Tibetan intellectuals at that time, also contribute to this historical and philosophical document, as well as a glimpse of a remarkable woman traveller.