Often misunderstood, Tantrism is one of the most elaborate and colorful forms of Buddhism that focuses on a particular style of mediation and ritual. Having far more to do with the sacred than the sexual, Tantric Buddhism is believed to have originated around the 5th Century AD in the rich cultural basin of old Bengal and spread throughout the Asian world. Today is widely practiced in Tibet, Japan and the West.

"The Secrets of Trantic Buddhism" presents accessible translations of 46 classic texts found in the Carya-Giti, a collection of teachings by more than twenty famous Siddhas, or Tantric adepts, who lived during the illustrious Pala dynasty of the 10th and 11th centuries. Cleary unlocks the mysteries of these texts and provides commentary for each that explains the ancient teachings in a way that makes them seem fresh and contemporary.

These teachings emanate from one of the most dynamic sources of international Buddhism, at the height of its religious development. They are completely nonsectarian and will be greeted enthusiastically to those interested in spirituality, world religions, and classic Buddhism.

"Catila
The flow of existence is impenetrably deep
its current swift;
Both banks are muddy, the middle can't be fathomed.
Catila builds a bride for the sake of Truth;
People going to the Other Side cross over in safety.
The tree of illusion's cut asunder, the pieces joined;
The strong axes of nonduality is fashioned in nirvana.
Climbing the bridge, go neither right nor left;
Enlightenment is close, not far away.
Any of you people who would go across,
Ask Catila, the unsurpassed master."