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Buddhisms
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Great Perfection
Great Perfection: The Outer and Inner Preliminaries by Dzogchen Rinpoche, with an introduction by Dzogchen Ponlop, translated by Cortland Dahl (Heart Essence Series: Snow Lion) In the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, the Great Perfection is considered the most profound and direct path to enlightenment. The instructions of this tradition present a spiritual shortcut – a direct approach that cuts through confusion and lays bare the mind's true nature of luminous purity. For centuries, these teachings have been taught and practiced in secret by the great adepts of the Buddhist tradition.
Great Perfection contains detailed instructions on the foundational practices of this tradition from The Excellent Chariot, a practice manual compiled by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche. Distilling the teachings of the Heart Essence of the Dakinis, The Excellent Chariot leads readers through the entire Buddhist path, starting with basic Buddhist contemplations that work to dislodge ingrained patterns of thinking and behaving, and continuing on to the most advanced and secret meditative practices of the Great Perfection.
The Third Dzogchen Rinpoche (1759-1792) was the abbot of Dzogchen Monastery, one of the largest monastic centers in eastern Tibet. He was known particularly for his mastery of the Great Perfection teachings and his clear and accessible works on this topic. The book is translated by Cortland Dahl, who graduated from Naropa University with a master's degree in Buddhist Studies and Tibetan language and currently works as director of both the Rime Foundation and Tergar Institute.
In addition to the translation, Great Perfection contains an introduction by the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, a contemporary Great Perfection master, and an extensive glossary of key Great Perfection terminology.
Great Perfection is part of the Heart Essence Series, which presents translations of seminal writings on the Great Perfection. The series aims to provide scholars, teachers, and practitioners of these profound teachings with accurate and readable translations of the most important Great Perfection texts.
For centuries, the Heart Essence of the Dakinis has been treasured as one of the most profound and direct paths to enlightenment in the Tibetan tradition. The teachings contained in this volume illuminate the preliminary practices of this sacred path. Drawing upon many of the greatest sages of India and Tibet, its lucid explanations are sure to inspire beginners and seasoned meditators alike. – Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, author of The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness
The aim of the preliminary practices is to establish a foundation for all spiritual progress. To dispense with these foundations in order to practice teachings one supposes to be more profound is like building a palace on the surface of a frozen lake. If one's practice of the preliminaries is profound, the main practice will be profound as well. One can therefore be grateful to Cortland Dahl for having given us a clear and insightful translation of the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche's magnificent teachings on the preliminary practices of the Khandro Nyingtik. When it comes to the meaning of the Great Perfection, the birth of understanding depends entirely upon these preliminaries. – Matthieu Ricard, author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill
This amazing volume enshrines the Buddhist teachings for beginners, teaching how to deal with everyday life, how to apply one's mind to the pure teachings of the Buddha, and especially the extraordinary physical, vocal, and mental exercises that awaken the enlightened nature of the mind. This wonderful volume is rich in blessings and filled with practical advice. – Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, author of The Healing Power of Mind
Great Perfection contains a complete description of the traditional preliminary practices to be completed before initiation into advanced practice. This beautifully written guide puts the essential teachings in an accessible, easy to practice format. This translation of the foundational practices will be of great use to Westerners wishing to step onto the Buddhist path of enlightenment.
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