Conjuring the Buddha: Ritual Manuals in Early Tantric Buddhism

Ritual manuals are a common and personal form of Buddhist literature, dating back to the late fifth century. They offer an intimate counterpart to the canonical sutras and tantras, speaking to the lived experience of Buddhist practice. Conjuring the Buddha explores the spread of ritual manuals in early tantric Buddhism, arguing that they were the literary precursors to the tantras and crucial to the emergence of esoteric Buddhism. It examines ninth- and tenth-century tantric manuals from Dunhuang, revealing lost moments in the development of rituals and the use of poetic language to evoke affective experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Ritual manuals stand as one of the most prevalent and deeply personal expressions of Buddhist literature, with a rich historical presence dating back to at least the late fifth century. These invaluable texts have been meticulously preserved and cherished by individual practitioners, spanning a diverse spectrum of roles, including monks, nuns, teachers, disciples, and laypeople. They serve as an intimate counterpart to the canonical sutras and tantras, offering a profound reflection of the lived experience of Buddhist practice.

In his groundbreaking work, Conjuring the Buddha: A History of Early Tantric Buddhist Ritual through Tibetan Manuscripts Discovered Near Dunhuang on the Ancient Silk Road, Jacob P. Dalton delves into the captivating realm of early tantric Buddhist ritual. Through the lens of the Tibetan manuscripts unearthed near Dunhuang on the ancient Silk Road, Dalton presents a historical narrative that sheds light on the emergence of ritual manuals as a significant literary form within the Buddhist tradition.

According to Dalton, the spread of ritual manuals provided Buddhists with an extraordinary avenue to engage with their tradition in novel and locally specific ways. These manuals emerged as the literary precursors to the tantras, playing a pivotal role in the development of esoteric Buddhism. By examining a series of ninth- and tenth-century tantric manuals from Dunhuang, Dalton uncovers lost moments in the evolution of rituals such as consecration, possession, sexual yoga, the Great Perfection, and the subtle body practices of the winds and channels.

Furthermore, Dalton delves into the artistry of poetic language employed in ritual manuals, showcasing how metaphor, simile, rhythm, and rhyme were skillfully deployed to evoke meticulously crafted affective experiences. Through this exploration, Dalton offers an unprecedented glimpse into the personal practice of early tantric Buddhists, providing valuable insights into the origins and development of the tantric tradition.

In conclusion, ritual manuals occupy a cherished place within the vast tapestry of Buddhist literature, offering a profound connection between the practitioner and the sacred. Through the lens of Conjuring the Buddha, we gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of these manuals and their role in shaping the evolution of Buddhist practice. Dalton's meticulous research and insightful analysis shed light on the rich tapestry of early tantric Buddhism, enriching our understanding of this profound and intricate tradition.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205832