Description: The tantric Buddhist traditions emerged in India beginning in the seventh century CE and flourished there until the demise of Buddhism in India circa the fifteenth century. Over the past twenty years there has been considerable growth in the study of tantras as well as translations of these works into Western languages. This volume provides a detailed introduction to the Buddhist tantras. It addresses their development in India, their dissemination to Central, East and Southeast Asia, and their reception in these contexts. It introduces the key teachings in the tantras, as well as the history of their interpretation, and their connection to traditions of ritual, and contemplative practices.
Review Quotes: "Presented with clear detail, and refraining from untranslated foreign words as much as possible, this book offers an excellent foundation for the understanding of Buddhist tantra." -- Lion's Roar
"Appropriate for a very broad and diverse readership, this authoritative, lucid, and masterful book provides a wealth of fascinating information." -- Choice"The Buddhist Tantras: A Guide will most serve readers who are informed about Buddhism and/or South Asian religions, but are not experts in Vajrayāna. The narrative flow of the writing will allow such readers to follow the story that Gray lays out, and track the ritual and historical development of tantric Buddhism. He pulls in examples from the entire tradition to illustrate points throughout the book, giving the reader a sense of the whole, complete tradition, even when poring over a section about historical development." -- Samuel M. Grimes, Reading Religion"Designed as an introduction to the Buddhist tantric texts for readers with no previous knowledge of Buddhism, the book in fact offers a highly accessible, insightful, and detailed survey of the historical development, main features, and key issues of tantric Buddhism. It will be of particular interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students and scholars of Buddhist Studies, Asian Studies, and Religious Studies." -- Yaroslav Komarovski, Religious Studies Review