CONTENTS

Preface to the Second Edition . . . . . v
Preface to the First Edition . . . . . vi
List of Illustrations . . . . . xi
Introduction . . . . . xvii
I. Adi-Buddha The "Primordial Buddha," considered the self-existing, infinite source of all things in certain Buddhist traditions. . . . . . 1
II. Buddhas . . . . . 9
III. Dhyāni-Buddhas The five "Meditation Buddhas" who represent different aspects of enlightened consciousness. . . . . . 27
IV. Dhyāni-Bodhisattva Celestial beings who postpone their own final enlightenment to help all sentient beings reach salvation. . . . . . 43
V. Vajrapāṇi A powerful protector deity whose name means "Holder of the Thunderbolt." . . . . . 49
VI. Avalokiteśvara The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion, one of the most widely revered figures in Buddhism. . . . . . 55
VII. Lokeśvara A title meaning "Lord of the World," often used as another name for Avalokiteśvara. . . . . . 71
VIII. Kuan-shih-yin The Chinese name for the Bodhisattva of Compassion, often depicted in female form as Guanyin. . . . . . 77
IX. Kwan-non The Japanese name for the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as Kannon. . . . . . 89
X. Mañjuśrī The Bodhisattva of Transcendent Wisdom, typically depicted with a sword to cut through ignorance. . . . . . 109
XI. Feminine Divinities Female deities and enlightened beings, such as the various forms of Tārā. . . . . . 117
XII. Yi-dam A personal tutelary or "meditational" deity used in Vajrayana practice. . . . . . 141
XIII. Dharmapāla The "Protectors of the Dharma," wrathful deities who defend Buddhist teachings from obstacles and enemies. . . . . . 147
XIV. God of Wealth Often referring to Jambhala or Kubera, deities associated with prosperity and abundance. . . . . . 155
XV. Minor Gods . . . . . 165
XVI. Historical Figures who were Deified original: "Historical Personages deified" . . . . . 165
Ts'ogs-Sin (Tsok-shin) Tibetan for "Assembly Tree" or "Refuge Tree," a visual representation of the entire lineage of gurus, Buddhas, and deities. . . . . . 179
Explanations of the Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, and Japanese words used in the text . . . . . 183
Bibliography . . . . . 203
Index . . . . . 209