Dreaming in the Lotus: Buddhist Dream Narrative, Imagery, and Practice
"The author, a specialist of Asian culture and language and dream analysis, explores the powerful role that dreams play in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. She also explores lucid dreaming and the complex function of dreams in the biographies of Buddhist figures. Highly interesting and practical in its applications." (The Beacon)"Excellent. I strongly recommend it for anyone desiring to enter into the world of dream studies." (Tibet Journal)"Serinity Young has written a scholarly and very readable analysis of the function of dreams as an integral aspect of Buddhism's spiritual teachings and practices. After an informative analysis of how, in Buddhism, dreams shape the understanding of the waking world, she shows their specific role in both the public and private spheres of Tibetan Buddhism. Especially interesting is her discussion of how dreaming became the formalized practice known as Dream Yoga--a practice designed, as she says, 'to harness all aspects of human consciousness in order to direct it toward enlightenment.' Anyone with an interest in dreams or dream interpretation--and especially how these have been vested with religious authority in Buddhism--will find many suggestive insights in Young's book." (Ainslie T. Embree, Columbia University, and former Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, India)"'There would be no Buddha and no Buddhism without dreams.' Serinity Young's thought-provoking study of dreams in the sacred biographies of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism makes a very strong case to support that sweeping claim. She has made an important contribution to Buddhist Studies and to dream research. The book will acquaint students and scholars of Buddhism with important issues about dreams and dream research and how they relate to the Indo-Tibetan religious context. This excellent work. offers dream researchers crucial historical and theoretical background on dreams and dreaming in Eastern religion." (Journal of Buddhist Ethics)"A brilliant analysis of the role of dreams in Buddhism. Packed with rich interpretive insights. An important book that will be welcomed by many with an interest in evolving Buddhist perspectives on dreaming." (Dream Network)"A thoughtful exploration of dreams and visions in the context of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist practice. What distinguishes this book is the clear insistence on understanding these phenomena within their cultural context before embarking on cross-cultural exploration." (The Middle Way)"This scholarly yet highly readable and intelligent book examines the powerful role that dreams play in Buddhist culture and religion... Filled with interesting insights, sound research, and beautiful images, this book is an important addition to Buddhist scholarship." (Choice)“A complex and provocative study of dream in Tibetan Buddhism... Of particular interest is her extended treatment of gender in relation to dreams, revealing differences between what men and women dream about, how the culture validates their dreams, and the sharp contrast between female powers as experienced in men's dreams and social reality." (Shambhala Sun)"Dreams play an uncelebrated but important role in the Buddhist tradition.Dreaming in the Lotususes dream as a vehicle to understand Buddhism while simultaneously tracing Buddhism's understanding of dreams. Full of examples of dreams and dream imagery from throughout Buddhist history,Dreaming in the Lotusshows that dreaming itself can be a practice for awakening... As Dr. Young progresses through Theravada and into the Tibetan tradition, her discussion becomes more and more intriguing." (Tricycle)