Dakini Teachings [Paperback]

Padmasambhava (Author), Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator), Nyang-ral Nyima Ozer (Author), Yeshe Tsogyal (Author), Erik Pema Kunsang (Author), Marcia Binder Schmidt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2004

Padmasambhava, the Indian mystic and tantric Buddhist master, is second only to Buddha Shakyamuni as the most famous personage in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism. In the ninth century, he made the journey across the Himalayan Mountains to establish Buddhism for the people in that country. Now, more than 1,000 years later, we are able to hear and be touched by his voice as contained within this collection of oral advice. The selections in Dakini Teachings are timely advice - short, direct instructions relating to the three levels of Buddhist practice: Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The main emphasis of Padmasambhava's teaching is that spiritual knowledge must be personalized and not remain as mere theory. The book includes an introductory discourse by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and a short biography of Padmasambhava by Jamgon Kongtrul the First.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Tibetan (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; 2nd edition (June 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9627341363
• ISBN-13: 978-9627341369
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #464,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comment on a Profound Teaching, January 10, 2011

By 

Kelly Mackin "Unlabel Everything" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dakini Teachings (Paperback)

Yeshe Tsogal and his Holiness Guru Rinpoche cut through the noise of everyday life and have given the human race a profound set of teachings that is accessible to a new student, but which delivers the most concise exposition on the teachings that I have ever read. This is a book of discussion and practices, and by working through the commentaries and practices, it is almost inevitable that one will develop a profound respect for this amazing being and his most loyal student, Yeshe Tsogal, Princess of Karchen.

This book was written 1,500 or so years ago by Guru Padma by Tsogal, who concealed it in code and hid it in a cave. Guru Padma named the individual who would find it generations later.

The book begins with a foundational set of practices that enable even a novice to develop a different awareness of one's own mind, it's structure, components, and their interaction. The results of those practices are then built upon by succeeding chapters. Buddhism at this level is a profound science of the nature of our minds, how they work, and where the perception of phenomena can become distorted. It also contains advice for the student in how to correct herself or himself within the context of the teachings; an area where most Buddhist books in English are silent.

In particular, Guru Rinpoche describes the outer, inner, secret, and sublime components of awareness in a way that is accessible to anyone with average or better capacity. For a book that was written so long ago, it is profoundly fresh in most places and even Rinpoche's jokes and wry sense of humor come through completely alive.

He assists the practitioner on almost every page and anticipates the problems that modern students might have with the material.

While the text is eminently readable and enjoyable, this profound teaching also represents a spiritual commitment to the path and is therefore not appropriate for those who have not yet received initiation or taken refuge. If you have those experiences and connections, then for me I can say that this profound treasure has deepened my faith and taken me a great distance down the path that has no path and to walk upon the ground of the three kayas. It can help you to see how to view phenomena, to connect conduct with the view, and to learn to be at one with awareness.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, September 14, 2011

By 

John "Tinny" (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dakini Teachings (Paperback)

This text is essentially a dialogue between Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal which covers the beginnings of Buddhist practice (Refuge, developing Boddhicitta) through Yidam Meditation and essential instructions. A main topic throughout is also the student-teacher relationship.

The text is a terma, or a hidden treasure which was meant for future generations.

I would imagine that everyone who reads this will be on their way :) No joke. Which is not to say that there aren't other ways, but this is one.