The issue of saints is a difficult and complicated problem in Buddhology. In this magisterial work, Ray offers the first comprehensive examination of the figure of the Buddhist saint in a wide range of Indian Buddhist evidence. Drawing on an extensive variety of sources, Ray seeks to identify the "classical type" of the Buddhist saint, as it provides the presupposition for, and informs, the different major Buddhist saintly types and subtypes. Discussing the nature, dynamics, and history of Buddhist hagiography, he surveys the ascetic codes, conventions and traditions of Buddhist saints, and the cults both of living saints and of those who have "passed beyond." Ray traces the role of the saints in Indian Buddhist history, examining the beginnings of Buddhism and the origin of Mahayana Buddhism.

"Indestructible Truth " is one of the most thorough introductions to the Tibetan Buddhist world view ever published; at the same time it is also one of the most accessible. The author presents complex and sophisticated teachings and practices in nontechnical language, using engaging stories and personal anecdotes to illustrate his points. "Indestructible Truth " presents Tibetan Buddhism in its traditional form but also shows how the Tibetan traditions are applicable to the problems and challenges of modern life in the West.
In "Indestructible Truth, " Tibetan Buddhism is introduced not as an exotic religion, but rather as an expression of human spirituality that is having a profound impact on the modern world. In addition, it presents the point of view of meditation and the practice of the spiritual life, paying special attention to contemplative practice and meditation as taught in the Kagyu and Nyingma schools.

What does it mean to "meditate with the body"? Until you answer this question, explains Reggie Ray, meditation may be no more than a mental gymnastic -something you can practice for years without fruitful results. In Touching Enlightenment, the esteemed author of five books about Buddhist history and practice guides you back to the original practice of the Buddha: a systematic process that results in a profound awareness in your body rather than in your head. Combining the scholarship that has earned him international renown with original insights from nearly four decades practicing and teaching meditation, Reggie Ray invites you to explore: How to enter fully into communion with your embodied nature * The insights of Tibetan yoga, from guidance on breathing and working with discomfort to its challenge to modern practitioners on the path to realization * Why "rejected" experience becomes imprinted in the body -and how to receive it anew to reconstitute your human way of being * Karma of cause and karma of result -taking full responsibility for your life * Your three bodies-the physical, the interpersonal, and the cosmic "To be awake, to be enlightened, is to be fully and completely embodied. To be fully embodied means to be at one with who we are, in every respect, including our physical being, our emotions, and the totality of our karmic situation," writes Reggie Ray. In Touching Enlightenment, he offers you a map of unprecedented clarity and power for embarking on the journey toward ultimate realization in and through the body.

Thirty of the most creative, eloquent, and energetic Tibetan Buddhist teachers of Westerners in recent decades are featured in this collection of teachings that are certain to be highly treasured by all students of Buddhism. The contributors are masters who helped establish Buddhism in the West, founding centers in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and Europe; publishing books in English; and gaining recognition among Western Buddhists. Their teachings, drawn exclusively from the spoken word as given in talks and seminars, convey the directness and power for which the oral tradition is so valued in Buddhism. The book highlights the teachings of the practice lineages, the branch of Tibetan Buddhism that emphasizes meditation practice, personal experience, and spiritual realization. Selections are thematically organized, including topics such as the major approaches to the spiritual path, meditation and other practices, Buddhist ethics, tantric practice, and the role of the teacher. Includes the following teachers: Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche - Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche - Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche - Deshung Rinpoche - Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche - Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche - Dudjom Rinpoche - Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche - The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche - Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche - Gen Lamrimpa - The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche - Kalu Rinpoche - Venerable Khandro Rinpoche - Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen - Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche - Lama Lodo - Lama Thubten Yeshe Rinpoche - Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche - Nyoshul Khenpo Rinpoche - Ringu Tulku Rinpoche - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche - Sogyal Rinpoche - Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche - Thinley Norbu Rinpoche - Thrangu Rinpoche - Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche - TulkuThondup Rinpoche - Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche - Lama Zopa Rinpoche