The first volume in this series presents a comprehensive overview of the origin growth and
establishment of the Northern Treasures (Byang-gter) school of Tibetan Buddhism together with
a detailed study of the esoteric wrathful deity Vajrakila (rDo-rje phur-pa) and his cult as
represented by the literature and living tradition of this school. From the roots of kila
mythology deeply embedded within the pre-Buddhist religion of ancient India the text follows
the path of a humble wooden stake towards its magnificent apotheosis as a terrifying god of
awesome power by whom all demons are vanquished. Devotees of the Kila deity merging body
speech and mind within the sacred mandala of this glorious vision experience a spiritual
ecstasy equated with the higher siddhi a profound knowledge utterly free of propositional
content and become imbued with a confident sense of well-being as an indication of having
banished the evil hordes of Mara beyond the confines of the world. The currently available
collections of Byang-gter phur-pa texts at the heart of the present study together comprise a
total of over 250 separate titles including root tantra rites of initiation and empowerment
profound meditations on the nature of enlightenment rules for the invocation of the system
protectors wrathful ritual activities against enemies and longevity rites for the benefit of
the yogin and his sponsors. All of these topics and more are put into context within the
pages of this book so that the reader is presented with a comprehensive gathering of the
essential elements of the cult of the deity Vajrakila in the illustrious tradition of the
Northern Treasures. edition khordong im Wandel Verlag Berlin 2013 420 Seiten mit
Illustrationen englisch und tibetisch Fadenheftung Pappeinband 15 x 22 cm 49EUR ISBN:
978-3-942380-10-2
