Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha [Paperback]

Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche (Author), His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 1993

Luminous Mind is a remarkable compilation of the oral and written teachings of the late Kalu Rinpoche, who was called "a beacon of inspiration" by the Dalai Lama. A master of meditation and leader of the Shangpu Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, Kalu Rinpoche taught with an inviting, playful, and lucid style that was just one natural manifestation of his own profound realization. As the Dalai Lama notes in his foreword, Luminous Mind covers "the full range of Buddhist practice from the basic analysis of the nature of the mind up to its ultimate refinement in the teachings of Mahamudra." This anthology of Kalu Rinpoche's writings and oral teachings resonates with his wisdom and compassion. Comparing Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche with Milarepa, the greatest meditation master Tibet has ever known, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extols the author of Luminous Mind as a "beacon of inspiration" for spiritual practitioners of all traditions, and urges us to delve into this remarkable anthology of the late Kalu Rinpoche's essential instructions so that we may encounter "the full range of Buddhist practice from the basic analysis of the nature of the mind up to its ultimate refinement."

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

From the Back Cover

Comparing Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche with Milarepa, the greatest mediation master Tibet has ever known, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extols the author of Luminous Mind as a "beacon of inspiration" for spiritual practitioners of all traditions. Noting that "there have been few like him before or since," His Holiness urges us to delve into this remarkable anthology of the late Kalu Rinpoche's essential instructions so that we may encounter "the full range of Buddhist practice from the basic analysis of the nature of the mind up to its ultimate refinement in the teachings of Mahamudra." Drawn from both his lucid writings and his eloquent oral presentations, this unprecedented book lays bare the full grandeur of Kalu Rinpoche's legacy. At the same time, the gentle words and playful stories of this master of meditation are filled with a depth of clarity and warmth that could only arise from a profound realization of both wisdom and compassion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Wisdom Publications (June 9, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0861711181
• ISBN-13: 978-0861711185
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #539,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ESSENTIAL Kalu Rinpoche teachings!, March 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha (Paperback)

There are now several books out there which present the teachings of His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, and many of them are quite good. However, when people ask me to recommend one book, this is the one I tell them to get. This book is very well-organized, and provides a wealth of information about Tibetan Buddhism in general, and Kalu Rinpoche's lineages (Shangpa Kagyu and Karma Kagyu) in particular. The information about the Shangpa lineage is unparalleled. the book is organized so that a beginning student will not be overwhelmed, while long-time practitioners will be rewarded with a wealth of practical instructions. This book was organized by one of Rinpoche's foremost western disciples, Lama Denis Tondrup, and the notes and glossary, which I think he is resonsible for, are invaluable. If you wish to know about the different stages of the Tibetan Buddhist path, or if you feel a connection to Kalu Rinpoche but don't know much about his tradition, I cannot think of a better book to read. This is a book I return to again and again, and I always find just the right advice. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has written, in the forward to this book, that Rinpoche ws a "beacon of inspiration." Reading this book, you will come to see just how radiant that beacon continues to be!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, authoritative., October 24, 2001

By 

Nicholas R. Hunter (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha (Paperback)

This book is a wonderful, authoritative and comprehensive account of the path of Vajrayana Buddhism, as expounded by one of the greatest teachers of the last (20th) century.

I would only add that this book is perhaps not ideal for the complete novice. The teachings are presented in a rather dry, traditional style. People without some previous exposure to Tibetan Buddhist teachings might find the material somewhat confusing. Those interested in a more easily readable introduction to this topic might first try Sogyal Rinpoche's "The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying" or Lama Surya Das' "Awakening The Buddha Within" before returning to this volume.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authentic dharma, March 7, 2009

By 

J. Conant (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha (Paperback)

The book is a collection of teachings by Kalu Rinpoche, which are always excellent. A quote by Ken McCleod, Kalu Rinpoche's former student, says a lot: "In perusing these pages, I relived the days when I translated for Rinpoche, enthralled by his magical blend of anecdotes, crystal-clear explanations, and profound instruction." As I perused the book myself, preparing to write a review, I came across the following anecdote, which I'd like to share.

"An old Tibetan woman who practiced Dharma had a son who was a merchant and frequently traveled to India for business. One day his mother said to him, 'India is the Buddha's country. Please, be so kind as to bring me some relic of the Buddha that might inspire my devotion.'

The son left but, consumed with worry over his business, forgot his mother's request and returned home empty-handed. Again and again, he broke his word, and his elderly mother was desperate to have some relic before she died. So one day she said to him, 'If you forget my relic once more when you go to India, I'll kill myself right in front of you when you come back.'

But on his next trip to India, the son was preoccupied with business and forgot. On the way back, he remembered his mother's words. Fearing that she might actually carry out her plans, he wondered what to do. On the side of the road, he saw the skull of a dog, and from it he removed a tooth, which he carefully wrapped in fine cloth. When he arrived home, he said 'Look, Mother, look what I've brought you! A tooth of Buddha Shakyamuni himself!'

His mother believed him and, ecstatic, placed the tooth on her shrine, fervently praying and making offerings. It is said that the tooth made miraculous gems appear, and that when the woman died, extraordinary signs manifested.

A dog tooth in itself carries no particular blessing, but because the woman believed it to be the Buddha's tooth, the power of her faith caused her to receive the blessings of the Three Jewels.[Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha] Their blessing is pervasive, but it is our faith that opens us to it."