The Teachings of Padmasambhava (Brill's Indological Library, Vol 12)

Rating:
Summary: Alchemical basis beneath tibetan buddhism
Review: Fulcanelli in his works; "The Dwellings of The Philosophers", etc. probably did more to revive alchemy than any other, and then there was jung. But Fulcanelli keels the symbolism overly towards mundane chemical work, whereas in the ancients works the symbolism conformed more to the dicta of the emerald tablet. Here in this pwerful work we see the emergence of the the vein of alchemy that migrated from egypt when christianity became dominant and the sages moved to Persia. Then we have padmasambhava entering tibet from Urgyan with these remarkeable teachings. What is amazing is the extent that familiar alchemical symbols are here unreconstructed, but the great power of this work is the extent to which alchemy is shown to be the Theory Of Everything. Yes science seeks the TOE right now, but an alchemist will understand how the modern TOE is a dead TOE. This is the living one. These teachings have always been surpressed by the tibetans, We can thank Guenther for digging them out of obscurity.

Rating:
Summary: Alchemical basis beneath tibetan buddhism
Review: Fulcanelli in his works; "The Dwellings of The Philosophers", etc. probably did more to revive alchemy than any other, and then there was jung. But Fulcanelli keels the symbolism overly towards mundane chemical work, whereas in the ancients works the symbolism conformed more to the dicta of the emerald tablet. Here in this pwerful work we see the emergence of the the vein of alchemy that migrated from egypt when christianity became dominant and the sages moved to Persia. Then we have padmasambhava entering tibet from Urgyan with these remarkeable teachings. What is amazing is the extent that familiar alchemical symbols are here unreconstructed, but the great power of this work is the extent to which alchemy is shown to be the Theory Of Everything. Yes science seeks the TOE right now, but an alchemist will understand how the modern TOE is a dead TOE. This is the living one. These teachings have always been surpressed by the tibetans, We can thank Guenther for digging them out of obscurity.

Rating:
Summary: difficult but rewarding
Review: Reading Carl Jung would help in understanding this book, and of course a study of Guenther's previous work. Also, and more importantly, a serious meditation practice, and thorough grasp of buddhist philosophy and practice. That the information has been kept under wraps by tibetan authorities, including respected lamas, is intriquing to say the least. I believe it is because the approach cuts through sectarianism and its power structures (no enlightenement without initiation, etc.) completely, to the essence of spirituality.