Synopses & Reviews
Vajrayana Buddhism differs from other branches of Buddhism in providing an accelerated path to enlightenment based on Dzogchen principles. The word dzogchen, translated variously as Great Perfection and Great Completeness, conveys the idea that our nature as intrinsic awareness has many qualities that make it “perfect”: indestructibility, incorruptible purity, non-discriminating openness, flawless clarity, profound simplicity, all-pervading presence, and attitude of equality toward all beings. The path to connecting to these qualities was once secretly held and privately transmitted; The Great Gate: A Guidebook to the Gurus Heart Practice makes the Vajrayana path and techniques available to contemporary seekers. Drawing on the work of four renowned Tibetan masters, The Great Gate compiles concise instructions on Dzogchens foundational practices, which comprise a powerful method for turning the mind toward the Dharma and opening to the Dzogchen perspective. This revised edition features a new translation and an extensive commentary by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Synopsis
The Great Gate, A Guidebook to the Gurus Heart Practice, is a compilation of instructions on the preliminary practices by the great masters, Chokling Dewey Dorje, Dudjom Rinpoche, Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche. Clear direct and personal, these teachings lucidly explain the application of key practices in the Vajrayana path, the pinnacle of which is the Great Perfection, the deepest and most undeviating way to attain enlightenment. The methods of the masters presented in this book focus on the simple approach of a meditator that is saturated with direct, pithy instructions. This is a tradition of plainly and simply stating things as they are, allowing the student to gain personal experience by challenging their intellect and guiding them towards realization.
About the Author
Nyingma School master Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche (c.1870—c.1940) was the first incarnation of the revered Treasure Revealer Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1921—1996) is considered one of the great modern meditation masters; Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche is his spiritual heir. H. H. Dujdom Rinpoche (1904—1987) was the supreme head of the Nyingma lineage. Erik Pema Kunsang, and his partner and editor Marcia Schmidt are the founders of Ranjung Publications.