Tantric Grounds and Paths: How to enter, progress on, and complete the Vajrayana path

I have read the translations of Je Tsongkapa's 'Great Exposition of Secret Mantra' and find this concise volume to be amazing. Why? Because it is written for busy westerners who still want to practice Tantra and gain some essential qualified experience. For example, in Je Tsongkapa's text, in the section on Action Tantra, one finds that in order to properly practice Action Tantra, it is helpful to bathe in the river Ganges before each session, at least three times a day. Also, learning 100+ hand mudras is also a prerequisite. In 'Tantric Grounds...' Geshe Kelsang states that we need to gain essential experience of all four classes of Tantra but spends most of it's pages elucidating the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra. This book is very practical. The section on Completion Stage of Highest Yoga Tantra reveals the uncommon practise of Vajrayana Mahamudra extracted from the Kadam Emantion scripture revealed by Manjushri to Je Tsongkapa directly and is just now, with the publishing of this book, being presented in written form for the first time. The book is deceptively small. I feel it is very profound.

I can clearly say that by reading this text I have found meaning in my life. Integrating a pure tantric practice while referring to this text has been invaluable. This text is for someone who is interested in understanding Buddha's intention for a quick path to enlightenment. It is a bit technical but it gets to the point.

I am currently studying Buddhism seriously and have found this book invaluable. However I have the empowerments and a teacher. I stongly reccomend those interested in this path do the same.

Most books spend the majority of the book telling you what they're going to write about and then in the last chapter throw in a few tidbits of useless information. From the first sentence of Tantric Grounds and Paths it is chock full of astounding information about true tantric practice. It's deep stuff and you really should try and find a teacher to guide along your path. A truly truly amazing book if you want to study Buddha's Secret Mantra teachings.

For those who are studying and practicing Buddha's Tantric teachings this book explains everything. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso doesn't hold any information back. He is a very pure and qualified Tantric Master. His kindess and love for all living beings is shown through his clear and profound explanations.This book has immeasurable benefits with many practices that can lead us to full enlightenment. Especially for those who have had Tantric empowerments and are able to rely fully on their Spritual Guide.