Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection [Hardcover]

The Dalai Lama (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 2001

Exploring this esoteric subject in print for the first time, His Holiness offers the reader an unprecedented glimpse into one of Buddhism's most profound systems of meditation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Like all wisdom traditions, Buddhism trades on the transmission of doctrines and approaches from one generation to the next. Tibetan Buddhism also places great value on the teachings' human lineage. Dzogchen, literally "great perfection," is the primary teaching of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, and was brought to Tibet in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, who is venerated as the "second Buddha." His powerful gift is transmitted through this collection of addresses given from 1982-1989 by the 14th Dalai Lama. As Sogyal Rinpoche (The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying) puts it in his foreword, "To receive such teachings from His Holiness is... something quite extraordinary." For advanced students of Tibetan Buddhism this is a significant gift indeed, for it rings not only as an offering from the tradition's greatest living teacher, but also echoes with the compassionate authority of a purity kept clear by Tibet's 2,000-plus-year-old history. Beginners will be challenged, if not defeated, by the complex system here, but most readers can find joy and wisdom in the two brief addresses in the appendix. Here Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje and the Dalai Lama speak softly yet powerfully to people of this brash, busy, chaotic world if we will but pause to listen.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A brilliant explanation of Dzogchen, presented with a unique perspective and breadth. -- A Tibetan Buddhist Journal on February/March 2005

A book of uncommon richness, and a remarkable testimony to His Holiness's learning, insight and many-sided genius. -- Branches of Light --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (March 13, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155939157X
• ISBN-13: 978-1559391573
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,222,824 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

73 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful record of Dzogchen Empowerments, May 30, 2001

By 

P. Nagy "revreader" (Chapel Hill, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection (Hardcover)

Recently His Holiness the Dalai Lama published highly edited transcripts of four empowerments he gave into the traditional Nyingma teaching of Dzogchen or Great Perfection. Both Dzogchen and Mahamudra represent important indigenous developments of Tantric teachings in Tibet. Like all wisdom traditions, Buddhism rests upon the transmission of heart-essence realization and dharma from one generation to the next. Dzogchen, literally "great perfection," is the primary teaching of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, having been carried to Tibet in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, who is recognized as a "second Buddha." This actualization of what Dzogchen is is sent out through this collection of empowerments given from 1982-1989 by the 14th Dalai Lama. Sogyal Rinpoche (The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying) requested these teachings, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama obliged with emphasis on the 5th Dalai Lama's visionary receipt of Dzogchen teaching, which is summarized simply by the verse: "Ema! Phenomena are, without exception, Perfect within the continuum of self-arising rigpa." Ema is an expression of wonder and astonishment. Whereas rigpa is a technical term for root single awareness that illuminates all; whereas ordinary awareness is that but as refracted into various experiences of subject and object, so that the unity becomes a secret, except for those who are aware of the nature of the root awareness then everything is the root awareness. To attempt to understand enough so that one can cut through the veils of separations that is usually the habit mind. Of course the development of habitual indwelling in non-divisive bliss might be more fun than reading hundreds of books. But as the verse say there is no difference at the root or in the stem and branch or such preferences seeming important. Empowerments are a principle way the Tibetans are bringing Buddha dharma to the west. An empowerment is the oral recitation of the teaching with impromptu commentary for the audience. It is done with a ritual format so that there can be prayers, chants and other meditation aids going on but the most important aspect of the empowerment is that the teacher and his assistants as well as the whole audience is speaking at the time from within the nondual realization of what is being taught. In other words the Dalai Lama and his retinue are all within a state of actualization of the reality to which the teaching refers. As the audience is also so attuned the psychic contagion can be intense and experiences can quickly and deeply cut through the fog of our surface consciousness. Now this volume is likely to be popular among students of Buddhism, but, except for the Appendix: Compassion, the Heart of Enlightenment; the texts would confuse the novice. Because of this I recommend several other texts that provide more systematic accounts of the Dzogchen traditions and how they fit in with the wider traditions of Buddhist practice. The Golden Letters: The Three Statements of Garab Dorje, the First Teacher of Dzogchen, Together With a Commentary by Garab Dorje, edited and translated with a commentary by John Myrdhin Reynolds (Snow Lion Press) In many ways the best guide to Dzogchen teachings. Includes explanations that were previously thought too secret to publish. Mipham's Beacon of Certainty: Illuminating the View of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection by Mi-Pham-Rgya-Mtsho Nes Ses Rin Po Chei Sgron Me edited and translated with commentary by John W. Pettit (Wisdom Publications) offers the necessary links between Madhyamika and Dzogchen. And as a relatively easy introduction the The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, edited by John Shane (Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy: Snow Lion Press) provides a useful introduction.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compares Dzogchen to other systems & philosophies, March 6, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection (Paperback)

This is the most technical of the 9 Dalai Lama books I've read so far. This is appropriate, however, for such a deep subject as Dzogchen-claimed by the Nyingmapa School to be the ultimate teaching. The Dalai Lama does NOT dispute this but dedicates a significant portion of his book (actually a collection of oral presentations given mostly in California in the late `80's) to "the correspondence between Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen" (p. 120) per Dodrupchen Jikme Tenpe Nyima (1865-1926). Highest Yoga Tantra is the highest teaching of his own Gelugpa School. He points out both similarities and differences, compares it to Mahamudra (the highest teaching of the Kagyu School), the highest teaching of the Sakya School, and the Madhyamaka Prasangika philosophy as well. However, as he states on p. 176: "I am explaining Dzogchen, but in order to explain it, at this point I shall employ the vocabulary of the new schools of tantra." At least for me, he cleared up considerable ambiguity/confusion regarding the differences between this philosophy (now dominant in Tibet) and the Cittamatra.

Thus, this is NOT an introductory text. In fact, it's quite uneven-but then it wasn't written, it was a series of lectures. It includes some extremely basic Buddhist material (including his referring to the Southern Buddhism Schools as the "Fundamental Vehicle" on p. 98). This, as well as the final lecture, reflects his great compassion for all-emulating Avalokiteshvara & Tara. Indeed, he discusses some very erudite subjects with great sensitivity: emptiness (the 4 empties), free will, & (especially) context. He states:
p. 143: "there are many different presentations of emptiness."
p. 144: "it is very important to examine what the reference of any particular term may be."
p. 160: "even though the context may appear to be similar, we cannot assume that a particular term will retain the same meaning whenever it occurs."

Most of this book is a comparison of Dzogchen with other systems rather than an exposition of its methods-perhaps its sub-title might be amended. However, one lecture is a wonderful commentary on Patrul Rinpoche's "The Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King" which demonstrates the Dalai Lama's great erudition, knowledge of Dzogchen, and his rare ability to translate complex concepts into simple language. He chose this text because it is (p. 91) "quite short but of great substance." He also makes a very enlightening (for me) statement about a particular Dzogchen technique:
p. 56: sky gazing: "direct your gaze toward the space between you and external phenomena."

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Precious and clear, December 20, 2004

By 

Susie (France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection (Paperback)

I thought people would be interested to see all the reviews given to this precious, clear, beautifully written book, so am posting them here. Susie.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama brings to his explanation of Dzogchen a perspective and breadth which are unique. To receive such teachings from His Holiness is, I feel, something quite extraordinary."--Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"For our time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodies the completely pure essence of the Buddha's wisdom and limitless compassion for all beings. His knowledge of the teachings of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism in general, and the Dzogchen teachings in particular, is impeccable. His deep understanding and generosity of spirit make him an unerring and reliable guide through the subtleties of the profound vehicle of Tibetan Buddhist practice known as Dzogchen. Students are fortunate to have access to this collection of rare teachings-the most direct teachings available on mind's true nature-and, through them, to meet such an extraordinary teacher."--The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

"In this beautifully translated and edited volume, His Holiness, foremost proponent of the Ri-me movement in contemporary Buddhism, displays his enormous erudition, profound insight and inexhaustible good humor in illuminating the profound theory and practice of Dzogchen. This work is a genuine treasure for scholars and contemplatives alike."--B. Alan Wallace

"For unsurpassed, highest perfect scholarship, Dzogchen comes as near as language permits us to discussing the ineffable."--Bloomsbury Review

"H.H. the Dalai Lama, Buddhist leader and world peacemaker, sets forth herein perfectly clear instructions for the attainment of buddha mind and the heart essence of dzogchen. Studying, contemplating, and meditating on these teachings will reveal the true meaning of precious human life. This book is a beacon for the new millennium!"--Khenpo Palden Sherab Rinpoche & Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche.

"What greater treasure than this volume hosting four separate teachings on Dzogchen given by the Dalai Lama to Western students?"--Sangha Journal

"He offers here not only luminous insight into the heart of spiritual practice, but also practical advice on how to bring such teachings into daily life. His humor adds a warm grace note throughout. Clear, easy to understand--Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection is a perfect book for our times."--Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

"...The Dalai Lama's expertise in the area of Dzogchen, combined with his clear manner of presentation, make the text an accessible resource for practitioners and students interested in Dzogchen meditaion."-- Religious Studies Review