mudra publications
Titles from mudra publications:
The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra
Rob Preece
Foreword by Stephen Batchelor
Published in the US by Snowlion Publications
ISBN -10 1-55939-263-0
Price: £12.95
(£14.95 including post and packaging in the UK)
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This book masterfully suceeds in clarifying the nature of Tantric practdice. In contrast to the approaches of convensional religion, tantra does not attempt to soothe the turnoil of existance with consoling promises of heaven and slavation. The tantric practitioner chooses to confront the bewildering and chaotic forces of fear, aggression desire and pride, and work with them in such a way that they are channeled into creative expression, loving relationships, and wisely engaged forms of life.
In order to make the process of tantra psychologically intelligible for a contemporary reader, Rob Preece makes judicious use of the work of modern psychotherapy, forging a compelling link between a Western tradition that hearkens back to the alchemical traditions of our own past and the comparably "alchemical" strategies of Tibetn Buddhist practices. In keeping with the pragmatic and therapeutic aims of both psychotherapy and Buddhist meditation, The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra never loses sight of the central importance of applying these ideas to the concrete realities of daily life.
"Rob Preece has given us one of the most illuminating unpackings of Tibetan tantra yet to emerge in the English language." -Mark Epstein, author of Thoughts without a Thinker.
"The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra succeeds in clarifying the nature of tantric practice. He does not seek to explain away the undeniably evocative and darkly potent language of tantra, but to recognise them as transformative symbols of the rich complexity of our own inner llives." -Stephen Batchelor.
Rob Preece has been a practising Buddhist since 1973, and has spent many years in intensive retreat, in the Himalayas of India. He has worked as a Psychotherapist since 1987 and given many workshops on comparative Jungian and Buddhist psychology. He has taught at the Sharpham College for Buddhist studies in Devon, and at the Centre for Transpersonal Psychology in London. He is an experienced meditation teacher and Tankha painter.
For a brief extract go to Introduction
The Wisdom of Imperfection
The challenge of individuation in Buddhist life
Rob Preece
Published in the US by Snowlion Publications
ISBN 1-55939-252-5
Price £11.50 (£13.50 including post and packaging in the UK)
To order contact:
and in the USA
Compassion grows from an understanding of our fallibility not from ideals of perfection. Wisdom does not always come as a flash of inspiration but from the slow often painful working of experience. We grow from our errors, they are the manure of transformation. The Wisdom of Imperfection explores the journey of individuation in Buddhist life, looking at the psychological process beneath the traditional Buddhist path of the Bodhisattva. Rob Preece draws on his work as a psychotherapist and meditation teacher to explore the psychological influences on our struggle to awaken.
"The Wisdom of Imperfection strikes an illuminating balance between commitment to a Buddhist practice and recognition of deep-seated psychological realities. This is the book for all those who wonder why they can't stop undermining and contradicting what they cherish most deeply."--Stephen Batchelor, author of Living with the Devil
"The Wisdom of Imperfection is a wonderfully thorough and engaging look at the unfolding of the spiritual/psychological journey. Drawing on a depth of personal experience, Rob Preece offers an insightful and important perspective."--Sharon Salzberg, author of Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
"In The Wisdom of Imperfection, Rob Preece takes us on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. The book offers a powerful vision of wholeness, based on profound insight into the principles of Buddhism as well as a sophisticated understanding of modern Western psychology. This lucid and well written work is further enriched and brought to life by compelling anecdotes and case histories drawn from Rob Preece's practical experience as a skilled psychotherapist and Buddhist practitioner. The Wisdom of Imperfection is an important contribution to the growing dialogue between Western psychology and Eastern spirituality."--Howard C. Cutler, M.D., co-author, with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, of The Art of Happiness and The Art of Happiness at Work.
"Preece generously offers Jungian insight to the common pitfalls encountered by westerners on the Buddhist path. His depth of understanding yields gems for anyone struggling to hold the tension of opposites the spiritual life demands. The Wisdom of Imperfection is a perfect read!"--Deborah Bowman, Ph.D., Associate Professor and founder of the Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program at Naropa University
For extracts go to Articles and Introduction