From Publishers Weekly
Wise, who brought us Tibetan prayer flags in a gift box with "Blessings on the Wind," offers another treat for grownups who are interested in Tibetan Buddhist practice. This pop-up book features five colorful Tibetan altars, such as might be found in a home or monastery. Wise and Beer encourage readers to use the book as a devotional tool, finding a quiet space and spreading the book (which opens with two "doors" from the center of the cover, like a temple) to the appropriate pop-up for meditation. Each pop-up page includes a mantra to recite as well as a glorious three-dimensional image of Green Tara, Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri, or the Medicine Buddha. All five embody different spiritual qualities and can be called upon in various times of need--Medicine Buddha in case of sickness, for example, or Green Tara to protect the devotee from fear. Some readers may also wish to incorporate use of a 108-bead rosary (not included).Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
This gallery of art and wisdom offers unique, multidimensional meditation. Traditionally, meditation on Tibetan Buddhist deities allows the practitioner to assimilate their divine qualities. Tibetan Buddhist Altars: A Pop-Up Gallery of Traditional Art and Wisdom offers a novel approach to inspire meditation: the pop-up altar. This colorful collection of three-dimensional renderings of traditional thangka paintings features five important deities presented in stunning pop-up scenes, paired with appropriate mantras and brief histories. This portable shrine contains altars that venerate five distinct key figures: Shakyamuni Buddha inspires morality and reflection, Padmapani Avalokiteshvara teaches compassion, Green Tara protects from fear and brings longevity, Manjushri inspires knowledge and wisdom, and the Medicine Buddha alleviates affliction and suffering. Both practical and whimsical, this one-of-a-kind gift book is sure to be a hit with both followers of Buddhism and lovers of art alike.

FROM THE PUBLISHER