Reviews (5)

A TANTRIC MEDITATION MANUAL THAT REVEALS THE MOST PROFOUND SECRETS OF THE ANCIENT YOGIS
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's Clear Light of Bliss, gives extensive instructions on the generation stage and completion stage of Secret Mantra, the most profound and powerful teachings Buddha ever gave.Geshe Kelsang explains in great detail how we can generate a deeply peaceful mind and achieve powerful concentration by harnessing the subtle energy system within our own body.Utilizing this energy source, we can meditate powerfully and effectively on the true nature of reality, destroying the ignorance that prevents us from experiencing the supreme joy of permanent happiness and freedom from suffering.
The real Holy Grail
How many of us have walked past this book whilst browsing in a book shop without even spotting it much less buying it, reading it and appreciating it for what it is?I have had a taste of the clearlight and I have had a taste of bliss.I know on a deep experiential level that the instructions are true and precious beyond words.Imagine as a christian walking over a the holy grail and the body of christ buried below the floor and not knowing they were there, not that the finding would ever do you much good. Clearlight of Bliss is the real holy grail becasue it tells how enlightenment works and how to get there in precise detail without any of the usual new age mumbo-jumbo or contradictions or loose ill-defined language prevalent elsewhere.It is exact, crystal clear and written with complete authority. I do not believe any other author comes close.However, It can not be readily understood if the reader has not read other books nor can it be readily understood by anyone who has not practised highest yoga tantra - the search for the holy grail is long but the way is mapped out, illuminated and the guide has gone before you and come back for you and will be your friend and companion on the way.This book is more than a spiritual travalogue of the path it is a precise set of instructions set out for all to see.
Detailed explanation of Tibetan Buddhist "Raja Yoga"
This is my favorite of the 5 Kelsang Gyatso books I've read.Many other Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhist) books refer to or even provide some explanation of the Vajrayana psychic system (which seems to me to parallel the Hindu Raja Yoga approach).But, in his usual thorough manner, the author provides a very organized and detailed description herein.I attended one of his weekend gatherings and was impressed with him, though I've heard he's had some falling out with other Vajrayana lamas.His New Kadampa school is, I believe, a follow-up to the now defunct Kadampa school of Tibet which, I believe, the present Gelugpas (headed by the Dalai Lama) evolved from.It seems to me that the Gelugpa "Mahamudra" is VERY different from the Kagyu Mahamudra.The latter is quite similar in many respects to the Nyingmapa Dzogchen.The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are: Nyingmapa (the oldest based on 9th century translations), the Kagyu and Sakya (evolved about the same time), and the Gelugpa (the newest, I believe).Though the relatively recent Rime ecumenical movement attempted (pretty successfully) to provide cross-over teachings across the four schools.In any case, this book, while certainly not easy reading, provides a great source of information on esoteric, hard-to-find Vajrayana principles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. General    3. MahÃ¥amudrÃ¥a (Tantric rite)    4. Meditation    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Religion    7. Tantric Buddhism    8. Buddhism    9. RELIGION - WORLD RELIGIONS    10. Tibet   

Reviews (5)

One of the best concise books on the Vajrayan Dharma.
Padmasambhava as most of you know was completedly enlightened. So, what a blessing it is to have access to material writen and dictated by himself. Under his immedeate counsel.
it is what it says it is
Another important volume, also important to remember that intent is the crux of any action. Inspiring regardless of how much the advice is put into practice, and of course, this lifetime isn't quite over yet.

The father of Tibetan Buddhism
Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is credited as being the main person who brought Buddhism to Tibet, and is also understood by Tibetan Buddhists to have been a Buddha himself.Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Religion - World Religions    3. Oriental & Indian philosophy    4. Religions of Indic & Oriental origin    5. Buddhism    6. Eastern philosophy    7. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (4)

Words from Infinity
This book speaks directly to the human spirit,to the timeless being inside each of us. The Bardo Guidebook gives us a glimpse into our true nature, and what it means to be human. If you can read,read this book.

Superb
The Bardo Guidebook contains ancient teachings made current, brought into the now through the artful language, precision, and clarity of translator Erik Pema Kunsang.This book is a gift handed by the universe to the Rinpoche, by the Rinpoche to Erik Pema Kunsang, and by him to us.
A MASTER'S WORK
An extraordinary introduction to -- and preparation for -- the art of living and dying. "The Bardo Guidebook" is written in astonishingly elegant, simple prose, and provides a great service: the mere act of reading it diminishes one's personal pain and suffering. The book, written by a Tibetan rinpoche, is a living thing that needs to be read each day. The translation is lyrical and pellucid, yet pulls no punches; it is mountain-stream clear. If I were to live out the rest of my days with just three books, this (and something by Dickens and Faulkner) would be among them. -- BRUCE WAGNER, LOS ANGELES
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Religion - World Religions    3. Buddhism    4. Eastern philosophy    5. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (4)

Phenomenal
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.

Overflowing with Information
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.

clarity and purity
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.Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion - World Religions    2. Religion    3. Buddhism    4. Mahamudra    5. Meditation    6. Tibet    7. Buddhism - General    8. Tantric Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

Mostly standard, but also some real gems
This collection of topically arranged excerpts from various speeches is mostly pretty basic, but it does provide some interesting points on empowerments (see Tsele Natsok Rangdrol's Empowerment), Menla practices (see Thrangu Rinpoche's Medicine Buddha Teachings), Lojong mind training (see Pema Ch�dr�n's Start Where You Are), ch�d (see Jerome Edou's Machik Labdron & the Foundations of Ch�d), & the Bardos (see Sogyal Rinpoche's The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying & Rangdrol's Mirror of Mindfulness).The collection as a whole is somewhat similar to Rangdrol's Heart of the Matter & Tulku Urgyen's Vajra Speech though they are a bit more advanced IMHO.It includes a number of line drawings (my favorite is the dancing skeletons), very concise & well-arranged excerpts, & a great many entertaining legends & teaching stories (including Shariputra's mother in hell saying the Mani automatically & the famous Buddha's/dog's tooth story).It also includes an exposition of the Shangpa/Karma Kagyu lineages including his disciple Bokar Rinpoche (Meditation Advice for Beginners & Opening the Door to Certainty) & a chapter on Tibetan medicine.His statement on the deities is quite interesting: p. 86: "The manifestation of peaceful & wrathful deities is not an external phenomenon, but the expression of the very dynamics of the pure nature of our mind, the tathagatagarbha.During our life, these deities are located in our body--the 42 peaceful deities are in the heart-the 58 wrathful deities are...at the summit of the head."He seems to provide a bridge between ancient mythology & elements of faith (e.g. Tibetan medicine addressing 3 humors & spirit possession) on the one hand; & modern science, psychology & scholarship on the other: thus, metaphysically: p. 132: "The universe is not absolute reality, but a projection of the mind of beings;" psychologically, p. 141: "Ch�d is a profound practice using special methods to uproot the ego" & p. 170: "If its destiny is to take rebirth as a man it feels attraction for the future mother & aversion for the future father.If its destiny is to be reborn as a woman, it feels, on the contrary, attraction for the future father & aversion for the future mother" -highly reminiscent of Freud's Oedipus complex; historically, p. 181: "The sutras-the texts recording the teaching of the Hinayana & Mahayana-have their origin in Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha.Tantras-the texts containing the Vajrayana teachings-have been revealed by the Buddha Vajradhara (Tibetan, Dorje Chang) as an expression of the Dharmakaya."But, despite these gems, the book mostly contains standard information about Tibetan beliefs, has poor punctuation, & is mostly descriptive.

Authoritative detailed explanation of tantric Buddhism
This is the English translation of a compilation of editedtranscriptions of recordings of various teachings given by the much-missed great Shangpa and Karma Kagyu master around the world.Itappeared first in French andit contains some unfortunate and misleading errors (ignored for did notknow, etc.) that give the impression that it was somewhat rushed intoprint, but no wonder.It is a true treasure. It is the third in a set:Excellent Buddhism concerning this master's own life and experiences, andProfound Buddhism about the general Hinayana-to-Mahayana approach are theother two.It is salted with many traditional accounts of the efficacy ofthe tantric (yoga) approach to the Dharma while placing it firmly withinorthodox Buddhism.There is an explanation of the various classes oftantra, details of the preliminary (preparatory) practices and many othertopics.Here is what you always wanted to know about the radical approachthat is the Vajrayana taught in a straightforward and sensitive fashion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Religion / Buddhism    3. Religion / Eastern    4. Buddhism    5. Doctrines    6. Eastern philosophy    7. Tibet    8. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (2)

Concise and worth reading
I'd probably give this 4.5 stars if I could, but plumped for the 5.It's nicely concise though it does reiterate a lot of basic material.It does add some very fine specific comments for more advanced practitioners as well.It is Choknyi Nyima Ripoche's commentary on Karma Chagme's 17th century text of the same title.It does not, I believe, address the entire original text, however.This book is a good follow-up or precursor (as you choose) to Gyatrul Rinpoche's commentary on the same Karma Chagme text, published in 2 volumes as "Naked Awareness" and "A Spacious Path to Freedom."An additional related text, "Natural Liberation" is attributed to the earlier master Padmasambhava.These 3 are translated by B. Alan Wallace and, I believe that, the introductions make the connection between the two original texts. However, even the 3 together are not a complete exposition of the Union.It is unknown if even all 4 texts together completely cover Karma Chagme's original text and its teachings.The present text by Choyni Nyima (and translated by Erik Pema) is far shorter than the others.All 4 of these books are high quality, more advanced than most present texts, and well worth reading.They are among the clearest and pithiest of currently available English translations of Mahamudra and Dzogchen texts and help one to not only understand their relationships, but more importantly to understand the underlying truths within them.They also provide considerable practical guidance for the practitioner.Mahamudra is contended to be the highest teaching within the Kagyu tradition (among the 4 Tibetan Buddhist traditions).Dzogchen is similarly regarded for the Nyingma tradition.Thus, such original works can be said to address the very highest Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhist) teachings.While their terminologies differ considerably, the main concepts (especially the view and fruit) of the two teachings are extremely similar.Authors frequently flip between the two to communicate explanations to the reader.The Rime movement (supported by such great masters as Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche) emphasized cross-tradition studies between and among the 4 main Tibetan Buddhist schools, and many contemporary masters also include Bon Dzogchen as well.This medieval work can be viewed as a precursor to this ecumenical viewpoint.It is obvious (even in translation) that Karma Chagme was a great, enlightened master.This volume contains a wealth of valuable material and is highly recommended.

What it is....
This book consists of a text by Karma Chagmey, one of the founders of the Palyul division of the Nyingma school of Vajrayane Buddhism. At first I was put off by it, since it implicitly promises to discourse on the principlesof not one, but two, sublime paths, Dzogchen _and_ Mahamudra; then aftergoing through a pretty normal (for Vajrayana texts) progression through thefour thoughts that change the mind, etc., becomes a discourse on Guru Yogawith Chenrezig as the Lama. In other words, there is a faint sense ofhaving shown up for the lecture and having to begin at the very beginningand patiently work up to the real juicy parts. This attitude, of course, isone of our major obstacles in the West to really appreciating the"advanced teachings." We want them, but don't want to go throughthe boring parts. On re-reading the text, however, I found it very charmingand down to earth. It made my practice feel more centered by getting meback to basics (refine the details) while keeping the goal (the sublime) inmind. As an overview of all of the essentials of the path, it also helps myNgondro. Sort of puts things into a kinder, gentler perspective. I now findit a great companion on trips, being relatively thin (for packing andcarrying in a camera bag or pack), written in everyday (to the extent thisis possible) language and lacking in pretension. Chokyi Nyima's commentsare also helpful, and he does occasionally drop in the technical tidbit weall long for. Finally, if you have any Palyul empowerments, it is great tosee a book written around the lineage founder's text. It is great to knowthe founder was kind and had a sense of humor, and especially that heencouraged lay practitioners. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Eastern - Buddhism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Buddhism    6. Oriental & Indian philosophy    7. Eastern philosophy    8. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (4)

Advanced Bardo Teachings
I found this book to be one of the very few really advanced teachings on the Bardo.The advice is short and to the point.Many sentences are designed to bring the level of understanding of the meditator to a new place when he or she is ready.I do not think it is the best book to introduce the bardo teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.There are many books that do this better.A lot of this book will make more sense after having become familiar with the basic ideas from another book and after having some experience with meditation.A few of the sentences indicate how one person resting in rigpa would navigate bardo space and I have not yet found these indicators in other books.FYI The Bardo is the space between death and rebirth that a sentient being passes through on the way to reincarnation.The Bardo is also the place where the mind projects its contents and can become entangled within itself or where the mind can rest in awareness space and let everything unfold.Looked from this view point, the Bardo teachings are about how to meet any experience without getting karmaically entangled.

Yes. This is the bardo. This is a dream.
This concise guide for training in what George Harrison called the Art of Dying includes only those instructions that agree with the 'old' and the 'new' traditions of Tibetan Vajrayana.So, the reader gets the distilled honey of many a-yogin's hard work, without the beestings of sectarian sniping.
Advanced, multi-school view of the Bardos
According to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche's Introductory Discourse, "The author of this text, Tsele Natsok Rangdr�l, was an extremely learned and accomplished master of Tibet, rivaling the fame of Longchen Rabjam and Mipham Rinpoche."This is evidenced by the high quality of this text (as well as the author's other book "Lamp of Mahamudra")."The Mirror of Mindfulness" addresses the various bardos and, thus, relates to the "Tibetan Book of the Dead" and Sogyal Rinpoche's recent "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying."The text is translated without commentary or notes, but includes a list of Dzogchen Tantras and an extensive (pp. 93-128) Glossary.It also includes references to different Tibetan perspectives--the 8 practice lineages (i.e. "independent schools of Buddhism that flourished in Tibet: Nyingma, Kadampa, Marpa Kagy�, Shangpa, Kagy�, Sakya, Jordruk, Shije, and Ch�d" per p. 100) and types (pp. 47-9 Sarma and Nyingma).It quotes from many other texts (e.g. pp. 49-50 Tantra & Union of Sun & Moon Tantra).The author is succinct but quite understandable, despite the advanced nature of his text, and provides very pithy advice: pp. 56-7 "it is essential to trust that whatever appears, such as sounds, colors, and lights, the peaceful and wrathful deities, the bindus, light rays, light paths, and pure realms-all are nothing other than one's natural manifestation."His down-to-earth manner facilitates comprehension: p. 62 "Although sinful people may perceive the workmen of the Lord of Death, these are in fact nothing more than their own karmic experiences.In reality, no matter what appears or how it appears, the crucial point is recognizing it to be nothing but personal experiences."He provides some surprising information: p. 70: the bardo of becoming (which sounds like a karma-based purgatory) where "one's innate god and demon separate one's acts of virtue and evil by dividing up white and black pebbles."His "Concluding Verses" on pp. 79-81 are somewhat similar to Geshe Dhargyey's "The Wheel of Sharp Weapons": "The death experience is only your own conceptual thinking.Without constructing thoughts, abandon them in the space of self-cognizance.This is the essential practice of the bardo of dying.The fixation on appearance or disappearance, as being good or bad, is your mind.This mind is the self-expression of Dharmakaya perceiving whatever there is.Not to think, make concepts, accept, or reject what is perceived.That is the essential practice of the bardo of dharmata."The Glossary is quite helpful: p. 97: "COEMERGENT IGNORANCE (lhan cig skyes pa'I ma rig pa)`Co-emergent' means arising together with or coexistent with one's mind, like sandalwood and its fragrance.`Ignorance' here means lack of knowledge of the nature of mind," p. 111: LORD OF DEATH (gshin rje) A personification of impermanence and the unfailing law of cause and effect," and p. 116: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (rang snang) The example for this is the dream experience.Sometimes this term has been translated as "one's own projection" or "self-display." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Eastern philosophy    3. Religions of Indic & Oriental origin    4. Tibetan vajrayana   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. General    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    5. Religion & Spirituality / Buddhism    6. Religion / General    7. Religion-Buddhism - General    8. Self-General    9. Tibetan Buddhism    10. Trafford Publishing,trafford,Being Guru Rinpoche,1-4120-8407-5,06-0162,1412084075,060162,archetype,chhimed rigdzin,dzogchen,khordong,meditation,nyingma,padmasambhava,personal transformation,psychotherapy,tantra,tibetan buddhism,vajrayana   

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Religion / Buddhism    3. Religion / Eastern    4. Buddhism    5. Doctrines    6. Eastern philosophy    7. Hinayana Buddhism    8. Tibet    9. Tibetan Buddhism    10. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (1)

Excellent clarity on a complex subject
This book is illuminating in both its parts: the translation of the philosopher Tsongkhapa's text and the introduction provided by the translator. The text, with the introduction as a guide, lays out the systematic morality of tantric Buddhism and does so in a way that is comprehensive and accessible. I highly recommend this book to any person interested in Buddhist tantric practice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Rituals & Practice    2. Buddhism - Tibetan    3. Buddhist ethics    4. Discipline    5. Early works to 1800    6. Eastern - Buddhism    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Spiritual life    10. Tantric Buddhism    11. Buddhism    12. Religion / Buddhism / Tibetan   

Reviews (6)

Very Creative, A Jazz Riff OnThe Style ofChogyamTrungpa
Many reviewers are clearly missing the point of how CREATIVE and valuable this work is. Ngakpa Chogyam is following Chogyam Trungpa's unique presentation of Tibetan Buddhist philosphy in an immediate phenomenological, psychological style. Both Chogyams are/were concerned with NOWNESS and Consciousness, not Opaque, Irrelevent aspects of TB. Both Chogyams are very intelligent and articulate in describing the energetic tendencies of samsaric consciousness in the context of emptiness and form. You will either get it/appreciate it or you don't. Whether they are a legitimate lineage is to miss the point. Both Chogyams are artists-psychologists who are highly creative and poetic in their endeavors and controversial because of that. This work is worth serious study and reflection. Also read, 'Wearing the Body of Visions', by Ngakpa Chogyam, as well as 'Transcending Madness,' 'Crazy Wisdom,'The Myth of Freedom' and 'Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism' by Chogyam Trungpa and you will CLEARLY understand where Ngakpa Chogyam is coming from.
Spectrum of Ecstacy and the agony of those who openly disparage
Cheers Gakusei!
ooh ... controversy
This book is about emotions, and judging from the other reviews, it has the power to inspire a broad spectrum of them.I for one found it to be perhaps the single most useful and helpful of any book dealing with that subject.Clearly, others have not.
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Spiritual life    8. Tantric Buddhism    9. Tibet    10. Mind, Body, Spirit    11. Religion / Buddhism    12. Tibetan Buddhism   

Reviews (11)

Lotus
Anyone interested in the Aro gTer should ask to see the pictures of the interesting ceremony called "The Full Lotus". This should help the seeker to decide if this is the organisation for them.

needy
The author of this book is a member of a small Buddhist flavored cult called the Aro gTer.H.H.The Dalai Lama has refused to acknowledge the authenticity of this group, and has in fact, publically advised Dharma practioners to avoid them. They in turn state that as the H.H. is not a Nyingma practioner he has no say over them. This is too simplistic, since the Chinese invasion of Tibet all schools of the Tibetan Vajrayana acknowledge the authority of His Holiness. In any case the Aro's point is undermined by the fact that the head of the Nyingma, Mindrolling Rinpoche, has also declared the Aro to be inauthentic. As have all of the other Nyingma lineage holders. Why bother with a fake when we live in a time when the real thing is so readily available? In the Nyingma Tradition there is Namkhai Norbu, Tarthang Tulku, Sogyal Rinpoche, and numerous others. There is no reason to settle for a western imitation.

there have to be better books on the topic
Even though I'm enamored of the Nyingmapa school and highly idealize the student-teacher relationship traditional to several different religions, I found this book to be highly dissatisfying -- even maddening.I was expecting to read a nice devotional book from the Nyingmapa perspective that would make it easier for me to explain the student-teacher relationship as positive and essential for spiritual growth.Instead, the book's tone was so strident, confrontational, and (it seemed to me) uncompassionate that I found myself questioning whether Buddhism was the benevolent religion I had taken it to be, and whether perhaps the student-teacher relationship shouldn't be reformed!
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism    2. Buddhism - General    3. China    4. Doctrines    5. Religion    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Religious aspects    8. Spiritual life    9. Tantric Buddhism    10. Teacher-student relationships    11. Tibet    12. Religion / Buddhism    13. Tibetan Buddhism   

Reviews (5)

Analogy Central
While this book includes some exposition of standard material (usually in shortened form) such as Ngondro, tales of past gurus, etc., it also includes more advanced knowledge.The stories are fun, but I refer the reader to Jan Brunvand's many books on Urban Legends.But, the author does a lot more in 210 pages.This is NOT an introductory text--it's more advanced.The author clearly and concisely delineates the differences between approaches (yanas) but also with Mahamudra and Dzogchen.He also explains the Dzogchen view of the relationship between development and completion stages--which in the 100 or so Vajrayana books I've read, I've never heard before.And, it actually makes sense to me!Amazing.He also gives a bit of information about the relationship between Trekcho and Togal, though most of this work is more Trekcho oriented.Overall, the book is written in an easily read style, and the author uses many, many analogies to improve communications and help the reader visualize what is being transmitted.Analogies, while not actually proving anything can certainly illustrate points being made so as to elicit an understanding response from the reader.Several chapters of this book are included in "The Dzogchen Primer," but they are the more elementary ones and, IMHO, not the really fine ones.After reading some more introductory Dzogchen and/or Mahamudra books (there are lots of them out there by Norbu or Thrangu Rinpoche or others), this would be a fine book to read.

very sweet
Tulku Urgyen was a fine example of a true yogi. Just Like Zen
While the author teaches in the Dzogchen tradition as he clearly explains in this book, for this reader I can see no difference between it and Zen."Direct pointing" to that which we call mind is the essence of this book, a real "how-to-do-it" explanation.I have studied Buddhism, and Zen in particular, for over 20 years and this is one of the most helpful texts I have ever come across.I would recommend it to any serious student of Buddhism.Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern - Buddhism    2. Philosophy    3. Oriental & Indian philosophy    4. Religions of Indic & Oriental origin    5. Buddhism    6. Eastern philosophy    7. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (2)

A Treasure for Heruka Practitioners
This book is essentially a commentary on the sadhana (liturgy) for doing the Tantric practices of the Heruka Body Mandala, practices originally laid out by the Indian master Ghantapa in ancient times. Heruka is the Tantric manifestation of the enlightened compassion of all the Buddhas.Tantric practices are designed to quickly lead one to enlightenment in one lifetime by transforming ordinary appearances and ordinary conceptions into pure ones. Tantric practices have two stages, generation stage and completion stage, which are beyond the scope of this review to explain. This book seems to focus primarily on the generation stage practices, but further study will reveal a wealth of completion stage teachings as well. At the back of the book it also contains the sadhana, as well as other surrounding practices, such that one can understand and practice these amazing teachings merely with the purchase of this book. Tharpa publications also publishes the sadhana separately, as well as a CD of the sadhana so you can learn the melodies, pronunciation, etc.. But, you really must have the empowerment and oral transmission of the teachings for them to have any effect, so the readership for whom this book may prove useful (rather than merely interesting) may be fairly limited. I don't know of any teacher except the author who gives this particular empowerment and transmission to Westerners. And even if some do, this author is in such ill-favor in the lama community (over the silly Dorje Shugdan controversy) that I doubt any other teacher will be recommending this author's books to students for any practice, even though Geshe Kelsang's books are consistently the best in class. Clear and understandable Tantric instructions of Heruka.
This book is an explanation on how to practice Heruka's body mandala. The author has explained in detail so the reader is able to follow through on a extesive practice.If you are a tantric practioner that needs someguidance from a qualified teacher this is the book for you. In the back ofthe book there is a few sadhana that coordinate with the teachings. Thebook is quite advanced. If you are a beginner in Buddhism this is probablynot a good first book to read. Try Universal Compassion by the same author. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - World Religions    4. Buddhism    5. Mahamudra    6. Meditation    7. Tantric Buddhism    8. Tibet   

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Buddhism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Oriental & Indian philosophy    6. Religions of Indic & Oriental origin    7. Buddhism    8. Eastern philosophy    9. Tibetan vajrayana   

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Buddhism    3. Eastern philosophy    4. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (1)

Two great texts translated with extensive commentary
This book resulted from a seminar in Nepal.It is based on 2 short "songs" by Naropa ("The View Concisely Put" and "A Summary of Mahamudra") but also includes: Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary, a legendary history of Naropa's training by Tilopa, and Q&As.His approach is quite traditional, but his style is conversational and pragmatic.He includes (p. 89-90): refutations/limitations of other approaches, a comparison of (pp. 119 & 128): Mahamudra vs. regular Shamatha, (p. 140-6), (p. 152): 5 wisdoms, the 6 paramitas, (pp. 166-7): "bringing joy & sadness onto the path," etc.He also includes several teaching stories such as: (p. 126): the master wrestler looking for his jewel (while he was wearing it) story and the (pp. 187-8): Milarepa teaching Paltabum story-with lots of analogies.Reading it, it seemed to me that Mahamudra meant turning the eye on the "I".The author gave a number of quotable statements:
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Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Eastern - Buddhism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Tibetan Buddhism    6. Buddhism    7. Eastern philosophy    8. Tibetan Vajrayana   

Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Buddhism    3. Eastern philosophy    4. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (1)

Some rare explanations of differences between schools
The author is justly famous for his "Lamp of Mahamudra" & "Mirror of Mindfulness."He addresses both Mahamudra (MM) & Dzogchen, including many very fine quotes from Kagyu & Nyingma masters & from Tantras.For example: p. 17: from "Subsequent Tantra of the Bathing Elephants"-"The mind essence of sentient beings is the luminous nature of self-awareness, the unfabricated awakened state, a continuity that is spontaneously present.Once you embark on the path of ripening and liberating this luminous nature, you clearly perceive the fruition within your own being."The 1st � of the book addresses the nature of Tantric empowerment; I didn't find it applicable as it mostly reproaches people of his era (Middle Ages) though some may still apply: p. 61: "There are many meditators, but few who know how to meditate."But the 2nd � includes very rare & valuable teachings such as the limitations of Gampopa's "Jewel Ornament of Liberation"-now I know why I didn't really like this famed text!He explains the differences in Madhyamaka & MM in depth, stating that: p. 71: "This creation of emptiness out of mere belief is the Middle Way of meditation.It possesses the dualistic concepts of a meditator & an object of meditation.One doesn't realize the view through that.Because it counteracts the fixation of a concrete reality it can exhaust an immense amount of obscurations, but it cannot bring enlightenment."He also explains that rigid meditation requirements are not necessarily applicable to MM practitioners: p. 91: quoting Lord Kodragpa, "I, a yogi of Mahamudra, have no posture, gaze, or fixed attention.I simply practice in whatever thought arises."The Glossary provides some data on the masters cited in the text.Of course, the book must be read considering the Middle Age, Tibetan multi-school context.Unlike most authors, Rangdr�l minces no words & deftly points out important differences in views & practices.He is a heavy proponent of practice lineages vs. academic/rationalist approaches.This small book is worth reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - Tibetan    2. Eastern - Buddhism    3. Philosophy    4. Religion - World Religions    5. Advice on careers & achieving success    6. Buddhism    7. Eastern philosophy    8. Tibetan vajrayana   

Reviews (1)

Song Of Karmapa, Aspiration Of Mahamudra
Excerpt from back cover: The Karmapa, "he who carries out the activity of all the buddhas", was the first recognized incarnate lama in Tibetan history. The teachings of the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339), have been transmitted through an unbroken lineage until the present day. His "Aspiration Of Mahamudra", one of the most famous meditation manuals of all times, clearly states the key points of the profound views of Mahamudra, Madhyamika and Dzogchen. Reading this song points out the ultimate transmission, the realization of our innate wisdom. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's commentary on the "Song Of Karmapa" presents direct instructions on utilizing the deepest spiritual knowledge.
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Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Buddhism    3. Eastern philosophy    4. Tibetan vajrayana