Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection : Dzogchen Teachings Given in the West

Rating:
Summary: Precious and clear
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: Useful record of Dzogchen Empowerments
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightenment In This Life Time
Review: Tashi Delek and Greetings!
While relying on this book and seriously contemplating these teachings one can transform this world into a pure land- Dewachen. All things are perfect naturally- hence the Great Perfection.
I highly recommend "Enlightened Journey" by Tulku Thundup as a foundation before reading this text.
May you be happy and understand the ways to attain true happiness.
S.Chukdong.

Rating:
Summary: Hard To Understand
Review: This book is not for the beginner, in fact you wonder whom it's aimed towards. His Holiness The Dalai Lama did a wonderful job with this book and many of the things are well thought and well explained, but it's hard to understand. The book does not have a beginner's touch at all. I wouldn't recommend this one unless you have had some basic Dzogchen education. Again, who is this book aimed towards? beginner? or expert?