Buddhist Tantra

Teachings and Practices for Touching Enlightenment with the Body

By: Reginald A. Ray

Narrated by: Reginald A. Ray

"Within my body are all the sacred places of the world," the Buddhist saint Saraha once said, "and the most profound pilgrimage that I can ever make is within my own body."

For 15 centuries the realized masters of the tantric path used the crucible of their own lives to develop a powerful and accelerated means to enlightenment. Today these teachings remain alive within the usually hidden inner courtyard of the Vajrayana vehicle of Tibetan Buddhism, a tradition that requires the courage to engage your body, your human desires, and your most challenging life obstacles as the basic fuel for insight. Now, with Buddhist Tantra, esteemed teacher Reggie Ray introduces you to these precious teachings and invites you to explore the path to naked and unprecedented experience. The popular or exoteric teachings of Buddhism are known to many, yet its esoteric teachings remain relatively unknown in the West. If you have been seeking a gateway to this potent tradition, Buddhist Tantra is an unsurpassed opportunity to enter into the temple of its deepest truths.

Entering the Vajra World Through the Vehicle of Your Body

The word tantra means "to weave through", a metaphor that points to the vibrant fabric of intelligent and living energies that make up the essence of every cell of your body, every fleeting thought you have, and every particle of the universe. Entering this undefiled and ever-renewing vajra world is the promise of the tantric path.

©2007 Reginald A. Ray (P)2007 Reginald A. Ray

Full of Wisdom from a Flawed Man

Please read this entire review!

I listened to this audio program having never heard of Reggie Ray. I then wrote the following review:

I had the great fortune to be exposed to Tantric Buddhism at a workshop with Lama Tsultrim Allione around 6 years ago. Although it was completely foreign and more than a little intimidating, I was compelled to begin studying the tradition. I have been studying virtually through Tara Mandala in Colorado, and I have seen tremendous dramatic effects on my life (especially due to my consistent practice with the 5 wisdom Dakinis). But Reggie has taken my understanding and commitment to this path to a whole new level. I had some preliminary experience but felt confused and hesitant with some of the more esoteric concepts. Thanks to Reggie Ray, that is no longer true. More than ever, I know that Tantric Buddhism simply resonates in every cell of my being. This whole program felt like a profound transmission that I am so grateful to have received. When you are ready, and you find this audio program, it will profoundly affect you!

CAVEAT: After doing some research on Ray online, I saw that he had to step down from his leadership position at the sangha he had founded, due to numerous allegations of abuse and cult-like dynamics. Needless to say, I was surprised, disappointed, and confused by this information. It seems to happen to almost every teacher these days - they offer some profound wisdom teachings, that do have value, but in their actual dealings with other humans they turn out to be terribly dysfunctional. I do not have any way to reconcile these two things, but I am working on it. Regardless of his flaws, this course provided me with a TON of valuable information. I now just have to view it through a more guarded lens. I will go straight back to the teachings of my original Lama - Tsultrim Allione, because she is a trustworthy teacher who has in fact been involved in exposing abuse in Tibetan Buddhism. She is a woman, and whether we like it or not, women teachers seem much less susceptible to the corrupting power of the "guru" status. So in conclusion, I feel that this is still a worthwhile listen, but sadly is not the revelatory experience I had originally thought.

This Book is Amazing

I’ve read a lot of books and this is one of the most amazing I’ve ever read. I’ve read this cover-to-cover, and I’ll be reading it again and again... highly recommended read!:)

Good overview of this practice

Intro was underwhelming. The reader sounded unenthusiastic and boring. Turned to 1.25 speed and it was easier to listen to

the best spiritual book I've ever listened to

I loved this book from start to finish, so much wisdom in every sentence and taught with a bug sense of humility. the practical meditations are super duper interesting and eye opening. i know this sounds like a scam review but man, what a ride this book is!

So many precious gems of wisdom in this book.

This book was instrumental in deepening my practice in breathing, holding space and understanding our spiritual experiences.There is great wisdom in his interpretation of great ancient teachings and how they apply to our chaotic, hectic Western lives. Every time I listen to a chapter I hear different points. I would strongly recommend adding this to your collection.

contextually fantastic, vocally dry

It's clear this man knows his work and I'm grateful I found this book. It's help me understand a lot of things I've been curious to understand about Buddhist Tantra. But if it was me doing the voice, I'd have put more energy into my communication to convey more full connection with my audience's experience. Still, this was definitely worth the purchase.

Excellent overview

A blend of theory (or view, as it's called in Buddhism) and practice. There's also a bit of history regarding the Siddhas, but most of it is applicable to practitioners or those curious about starting a practice. If you're already established on the path, this is still worth considering. There are lots of good reminders of goals and pitfalls. Also nice to hear it in the author's voice. He has a very calm, even delivery that's suited to the material.

The book I have been looking for

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book as awaken some things in me, like a child recognizing his mother, I felt like I have recognise a family ! In the book he talk about finding one path that resonates with us, for many years U have been shopping and discovering many differents ways of approaching the path, I have learn pieces from each one of them that helped me to walk the path. But this tradition of tantric Buddhism seems to make a melting of all the different pieces I collected through the years. To me this book is a revelation.

Any additional comments?

I really love how everything is explained, the way it is written and how stories are told keeps you engaged through all the book. I read this book in a short amount of time because I never wanted to stop ! There is some practicle exercise too that helps to better understand and feel what it is about. It teaches you the fundamentals and the history behind it, this is the most easy to comprehend, the most interesting book I have ever read about tantra ! If you have any interest about tantric budhism and like me are a bit tire of the books that just relate to history or to sexuality, this is the book that will make you really understand and grasp what those beautiful traditions are about !

Life changing

This is an incredible book, in depth and transformative. The knowledge the author possesses is deep, and far beyond new age gurus and teachers. I can't recommend this enough!

Got better as I listened on.

.The beginning was a bit confusing to me. I liked it much better as I listened along. Enjoyed the guided meditation. Thank You .