John Blofeld – författare

This book, first published in 1980, comprises separate sections on Taoist and Buddhist contemplative yogas, each divided into a theory part (summarising their fundamental principles and outlook) and a practice part (detailing their various practices).

This book, first published in 1980, comprises separate sections on Taoist and Buddhist contemplative yogas, each divided into a theory part (summarising their fundamental principles and outlook) and a practice part (detailing their various practices).

First published in 1970, The Way of Power is an exploration of the school of Mahayana Buddhism prevalent in Tibet and Mongolia, known as the Vajrayana.

Divided into two parts, the book provides an introduction to the background and theory behind the Vajrayana before progressing to a study of Vajrayana in practice. In doing so, it provides an overview of the history, development, and contemporary status of the Vajrayana, and takes a look at the different schools and sects. The book’s primary focus is the use of Tantric mystical techniques.

The Way of Power will appeal to those with an interest in Buddhism, religious psychology, and religious history.

First published in 1970, The Way of Power is an exploration of the school of Mahayana Buddhism prevalent in Tibet and Mongolia, known as the Vajrayana.

Divided into two parts, the book provides an introduction to the background and theory behind the Vajrayana before progressing to a study of Vajrayana in practice. In doing so, it provides an overview of the history, development, and contemporary status of the Vajrayana, and takes a look at the different schools and sects. The book’s primary focus is the use of Tantric mystical techniques.

The Way of Power will appeal to those with an interest in Buddhism, religious psychology, and religious history.

First published in 1985, The Chinese Art of Tea is an exploration into the history of tea and the Chinese art of tea, known as ch’a-shu.

The book begins by delving into the history and legends surrounding tea before moving on to a study of the Emperor Hui Tsung’s treatise on tea and approaches to tea during the Ming Dynasty. It discusses tea gardens, teahouses, the relationship between tea and ceramics, and the connection between tea and health. The book also features a detailed manual for practising the art of drinking tea, including advice for choosing tea, buying tea, different types of infusion and drinking vessels, and the attitude required for obtaining the fullest satisfaction from tea.

The Chinese Art of Tea is ideal for anyone with an interest in the history and art of drinking tea, and the social and cultural history of China.

First published in 1985, The Chinese Art of Tea is an exploration into the history of tea and the Chinese art of tea, known as ch’a-shu.

The book begins by delving into the history and legends surrounding tea before moving on to a study of the Emperor Hui Tsung’s treatise on tea and approaches to tea during the Ming Dynasty. It discusses tea gardens, teahouses, the relationship between tea and ceramics, and the connection between tea and health. The book also features a detailed manual for practising the art of drinking tea, including advice for choosing tea, buying tea, different types of infusion and drinking vessels, and the attitude required for obtaining the fullest satisfaction from tea.

The Chinese Art of Tea is ideal for anyone with an interest in the history and art of drinking tea, and the social and cultural history of China.

This book, first published in 1968, examines the I Ching, one of the oldest books in the world and certainly the most influential in Chinese thought. This modern translation features extensive explanatory material, and is the product of the author’s great experience in the field and of close contact with Chinese scholars and experts.

This book, first published in 1968, examines the I Ching, one of the oldest books in the world and certainly the most influential in Chinese thought. This modern translation features extensive explanatory material, and is the product of the author’s great experience in the field and of close contact with Chinese scholars and experts.

First published in 1974 Beyond the Gods argues that true mystics transcend religious boundaries, and that Eastern mysticism has increasing relevance for the troubled minds and spirits of the West. Blofeld’s approach is a highly personal one based on encounters with monks, lamas, and recluses in their mountain retreats. He also includes a vivid description of the Chinese religious scene and chapters on the mystical practices of Taoism, Ch’an (Zen) and the Tantric Buddhism of Tibet. The book seeks to answer broader questions like – what has Eastern mysticism to offer the West, how can we free ourselves from the pressures of modern life or benefit from eastern methods of cultivating the sublime mystical experience?

This is an interesting read for scholars and researchers of Buddhism, Taoism, and religion in general.

First published in 1974 Beyond the Gods argues that true mystics transcend religious boundaries, and that Eastern mysticism has increasing relevance for the troubled minds and spirits of the West. Blofeld’s approach is a highly personal one based on encounters with monks, lamas, and recluses in their mountain retreats. He also includes a vivid description of the Chinese religious scene and chapters on the mystical practices of Taoism, Ch’an (Zen) and the Tantric Buddhism of Tibet. The book seeks to answer broader questions like – what has Eastern mysticism to offer the West, how can we free ourselves from the pressures of modern life or benefit from eastern methods of cultivating the sublime mystical experience?

This is an interesting read for scholars and researchers of Buddhism, Taoism, and religion in general.

First published in 1977, in this unique and beautifully illustrated book called Mantras, John Blofeld, an acknowledged authority on Buddhist yogic contemplation, explains the significance and operation of the sacred ‘words of power’. With the dramatic growth of interest in the religions and mysticism of the East, more and more people have become fascinated by ‘mantras’, the sacred formulae memorised for meditation in India, China and Tibet. Their precise meaning and exactly how they work have, understandably, long been surrounded by an aura of secrecy in order to guard against distortion and abuse. Meditators chant them sonorously and rhythmically or repeat them inwardly, and often visualise the syllables as emanating rays of gloriously coloured light. The efficacy of mantras as an aid to meditation is beyond doubt- but many people believe that the syllables themselves are imbued with marvellous or miraculous powers.

John Blofeld explores these more controversial aspects with great insight and sensitivity. Much of his knowledge is derived from first-hand experience and from lips of monks and lamas encountered during a lifetime in the East. This is an interesting read for scholars and researchers of religion, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

First published in 1977, in this unique and beautifully illustrated book called Mantras, John Blofeld, an acknowledged authority on Buddhist yogic contemplation, explains the significance and operation of the sacred ‘words of power’. With the dramatic growth of interest in the religions and mysticism of the East, more and more people have become fascinated by ‘mantras’, the sacred formulae memorised for meditation in India, China and Tibet. Their precise meaning and exactly how they work have, understandably, long been surrounded by an aura of secrecy in order to guard against distortion and abuse. Meditators chant them sonorously and rhythmically or repeat them inwardly, and often visualise the syllables as emanating rays of gloriously coloured light. The efficacy of mantras as an aid to meditation is beyond doubt- but many people believe that the syllables themselves are imbued with marvellous or miraculous powers.

John Blofeld explores these more controversial aspects with great insight and sensitivity. Much of his knowledge is derived from first-hand experience and from lips of monks and lamas encountered during a lifetime in the East. This is an interesting read for scholars and researchers of religion, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

First published in 1973, The Secret and Sublime is a warmly sympathetic account of Taoism, a colourful religion and way of life. Perhaps for the first time, all aspects of Taoism are brought within the covers of one book: popular Taoism with its lavish ceremonies, demon exorcism, oracles, ghosts, fox- fairies and adepts with strange powers; yogic Taoism with its emphasis on rejuvenation and longevity attained by means of sexual conservation yogas or by the ‘internal alchemy’; philosophical Taoism comprising ancient teachings which foreshadow present day youth''s revolt against ruthless compulsion, hypocrisy, sterile pedagogy and over concern for money; and mystical Taoism which, like Zen, aims at direct experience of that reality which, lying beyond the confines of conceptual thought, is nevertheless ‘closer than a mother to a child in her womb’.

Most of the book relates to the author’s personal experiences as the guest of Taoist recluses practising, amidst surroundings of exquisite natural beauty, the Taoist art of ‘doing by not doing’- action that is ego free. This is an interesting read for general readers interested in Taoist philosophy.

First published in 1973, The Secret and Sublime is a warmly sympathetic account of Taoism, a colourful religion and way of life. Perhaps for the first time, all aspects of Taoism are brought within the covers of one book: popular Taoism with its lavish ceremonies, demon exorcism, oracles, ghosts, fox- fairies and adepts with strange powers; yogic Taoism with its emphasis on rejuvenation and longevity attained by means of sexual conservation yogas or by the ‘internal alchemy’; philosophical Taoism comprising ancient teachings which foreshadow present day youth''s revolt against ruthless compulsion, hypocrisy, sterile pedagogy and over concern for money; and mystical Taoism which, like Zen, aims at direct experience of that reality which, lying beyond the confines of conceptual thought, is nevertheless ‘closer than a mother to a child in her womb’.

Most of the book relates to the author’s personal experiences as the guest of Taoist recluses practising, amidst surroundings of exquisite natural beauty, the Taoist art of ‘doing by not doing’- action that is ego free. This is an interesting read for general readers interested in Taoist philosophy.