Customer Reviews

White Lotus: An Explanation of the Seven-line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava

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Anyone working their way through the Longchen Nyngthig Nyngdro could benefit from this book. The seven line prayer is, of course, an essential component of the Guru Yoga practice of this particular nyngdro. This commentary explains the prayer on four different levels, that of skillful means, Secret Mantra, Inner Most Secret and pith instructions.

The introduction also provides a very interesting analysis of how 21st century Westerners can approach the vast number of miracle-stories associated with Guru Rinpoche with out falling into the extremes of naive belief or scientific skepticism.

For those without a background in Tantra, nyngdro practice or who are not familar with the teachings of Guru Rinpoche this book will be quite baffling. Those with some previous reading or who have received teachings on the practice of guru yoga will probably benefit from this slim but thought provoking book.

I've read a lot of texts over the years. This one is among the most remarkable. The 1st Mipam Rnpoche takes as his theme an explanation of the famous Seven Line Prayer to Padmasmbhava, and does so beginning with the literal, plain meaning and then proceeds to elucidate it in terms of the 9 Yanas of the Nyingma/Dzogchen system, all the up through Trekcho and Togyal in breathtakingly clear descriptive language. Finally Mipam's elucidation goes beyond the 9 Yanas, beyond Buddhism, beyond religion and philosophy to the experience itself. To really comprehend what is being said, one should read this short text aloud many times.

The cover of the book is a detail from a thangka painted by the extraordinary polymathic Dzogchen master Gonpo Tseten Rinpoche, which he gave to Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. A photo of the entire painting and a biography of Gonpo Tseten Rinpoche can be found on the Rigpa Wiki site.

This is a gem of a most extraordinary commentary on the Seven Line Prayer by Mipham. I would strongly encourage reading this if you are a new or long time practitioner. Mipham opens the inner recesses of this powerful prayer many times over for us. This book will be treasured throughtout one's life and beyond.

This is an excellent book for practitioner of the 7-line Guru prayer. Not for non-practitioner unless theya re thinking of becoming a practitioner. There are other books I would recommend for buddhism for non pracititoners: Gates to Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings of a Tibetan Master; When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. or any of Pema Chodron's books; and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library)

This is an explanation of one of the most popular prayers/chant in Tibetan Buddhism. For those readers who are familiar with it or recite it, this is required reading. Otherwise, its a strange novelty to those just exploring Buddhism. Many people think that Buddism is just about silent meditation. For beginners through intermediate students, it should be.

Therefore, this is an advanced book for initiates to various Tibetan schools. I was inspired early on to explore this school, yet is not for everyone. Handle it with care.

The following is not a review but a comment on this beautiful book.

Please note that the cover photo is a painting of Padmasmabhava (Guru Rinpoche) by the talented artist and teacher Lama Gonpo Tsedan Rinpoche. This thanka (painting) was given to Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.

Lama Gonpo escaped from Tibet to South India and came later to California where he gave incredible and matchless Dzogchen teachings to a fortunate few. In the mid-80's, he returned to Tibet as soon as it was opened as he was dedicated to rebuilding his community of anis (nuns) and Ngagpas (male practitioners). He passed away in Tibet in 1991.

To quote from W. Seal: "Rigdzin Trinley Ozer (Lama Gonpo Tsedan), was Panchen Vimalamitra in person, one can easily trace his lineage of transmission through his root teacher, Patrul Rinpoche of Tso, to Adzom Drukpa, to Khyentse Wango, and so forth all the way back to Garab Dorje...."

This is a very profound multi layerd commentary on the most important prayer in the Nyingma Linage. We are very lucky that this has been translated. Please do not hesitate to purchase this book, you will find gems of wisdom here for years to come.
And remember, please be kind to animals, don't eat them.
Peace!