Cloudless Sky [Paperback]

Jamgon Kongtrul (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 1993

This book opens the way to a deeper knowledge of mahamudra, a Buddhist system of meditation on the nature of the mind. In providing a detailed commentary on the Vajra Song of the first Jamgön Kongtrül (1813–1899), the author elucidates the stages of ground, path, and fruition for those who wish to meditate according to this system.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In the purity of its vision, it can be a door that opens, even for a moment, onto the meaning of ground, path, and fruition. . . . Cloudless Sky is perhaps most valuable as part of Jamgön Kongtrül Rinpoche's transmission, a way for him to continue to function as guide and spiritual friend."— Tricycle --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German, Tibetan

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (February 9, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877736944
• ISBN-13: 978-0877736943
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,801,261 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear exposition of ground, path and fruition mahamudra, October 26, 2004

By 

Peacock Eye - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cloudless Sky (Paperback)

The third Jamgön Kongtrul (1954-1992), Buddhist monk and teacher, was one of the heads of the Kagyü order of Tibetan Buddhism.

In this book he provides a commentary on the vajra song (vajra doha) of the first Jamgön Kongtrul ("the Great"), sung upon realizing mahamudra. Masters have often expressed their insights in the form of these songs, whose meaning is considered indestructable and unchanging. This particular doha is part of the Kagyü Gurtso, or "Ocean of Kagyü Songs."

From the foreword: "Using the vajra song as a starting point, Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche presents both an overview of mahamudra, the heart of the Kagyu teachings, and some very practical advice for those who wish to tread upon the mahamudra path.

From the commentary: "What is meant by mahamudra? Mahamudra consists basically of three aspects: ground, path, and view mahamudra.
"Ground mahamudra is the unity of relative truth and ultimate truth. It is freedom from both the two extremes of eternalism and nihilism.
"Path mahamudra is the union of skillful means and wisdom. (...) one accomplishes the two types of accumulations, merit and wisdom. In essence, the path consists in uniting these two accumulations.
"Fruition mahamudra is freedom from the extremes of samsara and nirvana. (...) Fruition mahamudra is the realization of the unity of dharmakaya and the form kayas.
"In other words, mahamudra is recognizing the nature of one's own mind."

The book also contains a moving biography of the third Jamgön Kongtrul by Bokar Rinpoche.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Mahamudra, December 14, 2004

By 

Neal J. Pollock (VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cloudless Sky (Paperback)

I found this book (in English) in a bookstore in Kathmandu, Nepal. Synchronistic. I believe it was the very first Mahamudra book I've read. It was a delightful, though short, introduction. I recommend it highly for those who wish to get their feet wet. In a way, the title says it all. Enjoy!