ENTRANCE TO THE GREAT PERFECTION: A Guide to the Dzogchen Preliminary Practices, comp., trans., and introduced by Cortland Dahl

ENTRANCE TO THE GREAT PERFECTION: A Guide to the Dzogchen Preliminary Practices

compiled, translated, and introduced by Cortland Dahl

Blending contemporary and traditional perspectives, this wonderful book offers accessible and insightful guidance on the profound foundational practices of the Great Perfection. This groundbreaking work contains classic commentaries by the renowned Tibetan masters Jigme Lingpa and Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, alongside a lively contemporary discussion by filmmaker, author and spiritual teacher Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse that discusses how to incorporate these ancient practices into the fast-paced lifestyle of the Western world. Also included are a lengthy introduction to the world of Tibetan Buddhism and its meditative practices, as well as the long and short preliminary practice liturgies and numerous appendices on the nine yanas and other topics.

Cortland Dahl received a master's degree in Buddhist Studies from Naropa University. He has worked as an instructor at Kathmandu University's Centre for Buddhist Studies, a translator at the Nitartha Institute, and an interpreter for various lamas. Currently he serves as director of the Rimé Foundation (www.rimefoundation.org), which he founded in 2004, and codirector of Tergar International (www.tergar.org), under the direction of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. Cortland is also a member of the Nitartha Translation Network and has worked extensively with the Dharmachakra Translation Committee. His published works include Great Perfection, Volumes I & II.

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Table of Contents

Book Excerpt

"Experiences" and "Mandala Offering" Articles from the Snow Lion

"Empowerment" Article from the Snow Lion

REVIEWS
"The ngöndro, or preliminary practice, is treasured in the Ancient School of Tibetan Buddhism as vital for effecting a profound inner transformation, and as a foundation for the very highest teachings of the Great Perfection, or Dzogchen. In particular, the Longchen Nyingtik ngöndro—revealed by the great saint Jigmé Lingpa, following a series of visions in which he was blessed by the omniscient Longchen Rabjam and received the transmission of his wisdom mind—has long been cherished by followers of all traditions on account of its power, depth, and poetic beauty. Now, in this inspiring book, with Jigmé Lingpa's original commentary alongside Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's brilliant and practical guide, we have a perfect blend of ancient and modern, offering us nothing less than a path to enlightenment, as relevant and effective today as ever before."—Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"A thoroughly accessible and highly recommended resource for anyone intrigued to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.—Midwest Book Review

"[Dahl] has compiled and clarified texts by Jigme Lingpa, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jigme Trinle Ozer and Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche"—Khandro

"Dahl offers a valuable contribution for those engaging in this practice.... Dahl writes with the humility that characterizes the best translations, and with an eye to the balance of accuracy and readability. The book makes a strong case for approaching the Buddhist path in a holistic way."—Sam van Schaik, Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly

9781559393393, 1559393394