The Cakrasamvara Tantra - The Discourse of Sri Heruka - A Study and Annotated Translation (471p) [Anomolous].pdf

The Cakrasamvara Tantra - The Discourse of Sri Heruka - A Study and Annotated Translation (471p) [Anomolous].pdf

Series: Treasury of the Buddhist Sciences
Hardcover: 468 pages
Publisher: American Institute of Buddhist Studies (July 5, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975373463
ISBN-13: 978-0975373460

This is the first complete, critical English translation of the Cakrasamvara Tantra, also known as the Sriherukabhidhana and Laghusamvara. Composed in India during the eighth century, this text is a foundational scripture of one of the most important Indian Buddhist tantric traditions, as evidenced by the vast number of commentaries and ritual literature associated with it. The author's introductory essay provides an analysis of the historical and intellectual contexts in which the text was composed, and also investigates the history of its adaptation by Buddhists. The translation itself is heavily annotated, with extensive translations from the Indian and Tibetan commentaries on the text. Includes a trilingual glossary and index.

Published by American Institute of Buddhist Studies (AIBS)
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This translation of the Cakrasamvara tantra is just amazing. The introduction is fantasic, very clear direct and full of wonderful historical notes. Clearly presented! The translation itself is just flawless with EXTENSIVE foot notes that clearly point out the real meaning behind what would be a very cryptic text (though it was meant to be that way).
Those who do not have a good foundation of Tantra will have a hard time understanding the complexity of these esoteric rituals, rites and practices, but those who have recieved these teachings in a direct way will find endless wealth from these pages. Truely one of the best translations of any tibetan/indian text out there to date.
Obviously this book is not for everybody, and in fact unless you have previous understanding of Buddhist Tantra (and hindu for that matter) you will have a difficult time getting though this book.
This is a must have for any one serious about buddhist tantra
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The Cakrasamvara or Shriherukabhidhana Tantra is among the most important of Buddhist Tantras along with the Kalacakra and the Hevajra among others. Finally David B. Gray has made this mysterious text of Anuttarayoga available to the Western world. His translation and annotation appears meticulous, and the presentation of the book itself is outstanding. Though we in the West still only have ready access to a tiny fraction of the ocean-like works of Buddhist Tantra preserved in Sanskrit and Tibetan, seminal publications like this are immeasurable achievements in the dissemination of the Buddha's ancient wisdom into the modern world.
I must say however that for the serious practitioner, Anuttarayogatantra can only be successfully practiced after one has entered into and carried out the rites in the mandalas of the lower Tantrantas, those of Kriya, Carya and Yoga. The principle root Tantras of these lower levels are all available in the English, namely, Susiddhi, Mahavairocana and Tattvasamgraha. For those who are familiar with the mandala rites and mantra performance of these Tantras, the Cakrasamvara and the Kalacakra Tantras are those ones where supreme siddhis are achieved. One can even attain the highest result, that of becoming a Buddha-Tathagata for the sake of all beings.