Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State [Paperback]

Chogyal Namkhai Norbu (Author), Adriano Clemente (Editor), John Shane (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 12, 2003

Clear explanation of the Dzogchen teachings and practices that reawaken and establish us in our true nature.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (May 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559390573
• ISBN-13: 978-1559390576
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #713,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom From A Master, January 9, 2004

By 

louienapoli "louieb" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State (Paperback)

As a newcomer to Dzogchen I find this book invaluable. Norbu Rinpoche articulates the ineffable. His emphasis on going beyond the limitations of any particular dogma or tradition is also so refreshing and, in my experience, unusual that I knew I was reading the words of a master. The book is inspiring. It made me want to put its teachings into practice. It's also highly practical and written to be completely clear. Norbu Rinpoche's unadorned, down-to-earth way of communicating sublime and subtle concepts is wonderful. His reputation is superb and this book is a good example of why he is so highly regarded as a master teacher. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's just great.

25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Complex simplicity, September 5, 2004

By 

pineflint "pineflint" (Tokyo Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State (Paperback)

I dunno. Maybe it is the innate complexity of the subject matter, maybe something is lost in translation from Tibetan to Italian and then to English, maybe its impossible to treat such a profound topic in 130 pages, or maybe it is just me -- but after reading this book I don't feel I know much more about Dzogchen than I did before.

Although this is the first book I have read about Dzogchen, over the last 17 years I have read hundreds of works on Buddhism (mostly Theravada and Zen but also some Tantra) and practiced in several monasteries in America and Japan. So I feel I should have gotten more out of this than I did.

The author is clearly sincere and knowledgeable about his topic, and the topic itself seemingly has much to offer, but I found this volume unable to answer the simple beginner's question: "what is Dzogchen?" The language seems highly ambiguous and contradictory in many places, the organization and presentation of the material is unclear, and the book is peppered with images that are not discussed and seemingly have no relationship to the text.

The book is not a total disaster. The author has some success in showing how Dzogchen differs from other aspects of Buddhism, and spends some time discussing "the base" or true nature of mind. But many more questions are raised than answered, at least in my mind. He also emphasizes the need for a teacher and direct experience. So maybe its simply that Dzogchen is too complex to be discussed in such a short, introductory format. At least I can say this book raised my interest, and I'll be seeking out more answers on this abstruse but fascinating corner of Buddhism.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Introductory text, November 28, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: Dzogchen: The Self-Perfected State (Paperback)

This is one of the first books I had read on Dzogchen. I think it's a nice introduction and it includes some key concepts, but it's not as good as some of the author's other works--especially the advanced book entitled "The Supreme Source" which is most excellent. I also prefer "The Mirror" and "The Cycle of Day and Night." Norbu is, I think, recognized as one of today's Dzogchen Masters. However, this short book simply cannot and does not do the subject justice. I would also recommend the view of Tulku Urgyen and his sons Drubwang Tsokni and Chokyi Nyima who have published a number of fine Dzogchen works.