Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom: Development Stage Meditation in Tibetan Buddhist Tantra

Description

The four works here translated for the first time are- "Ladder to Akanistha" by Jigme Lingpa, "Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage" by Patrul Rinpoche, "The Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force" by Patrul Rinpoche, and "Husks of Unity" by Getse Mahapandita Tsewang Chokdrub. Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption. These three elements form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The authors of these timeless classics-Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahapandita-have all profoundly shaped Tibetan Buddhism with their vast scholarship and deep spiritual realization. In these eloquent and inspiring writings, they explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, showing not only its profound insights into the nature of reality, but also how to make this view a living experience through the practice of meditation.

Getse Mahapandita Tsewang Chokdrub (1761-1829) revitalized the tradition of the Nyingma School through his commitment to the study and preservation of the Ancient Tantras and the revival of many Nyingma monasteries. Among his extensive literary works, his commentaries on the development stage have become central reading for numerous practitioners of Buddhist Tantra.

"The development stage is one of the central practices of Buddhist Tantra. The texts contained in this volume are among the most widely studied commentaries on this topic and have formed the basis for spiritual study and practice for centuries. . . . I feel blessed to have the writings of Dza Patrul Rinpoche, which express even the most profound Dharma in the most ordinary language. His writings have always accompanied me on the path like a compassionate master by my side. I have no doubt these precious texts will benefit many people as they have benefited me."-Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, director of The Cup and Travellers and Magicians "The Vajrayana tradition is rich in authentic scriptures written by realized masters. This book presents four of the most authoritative and widely studied works from the Nyingma School, elucidating the Tantric practices of deity visualization, mantra recitation, and meditation. For anyone interested in these profound practices, especially those engaged in retreat, these texts are essential reading."-Erik Pema Kunsang, translator of Wellsprings of the Great Perfection