“Here translated into very accessible English, beautifully presented in a spacious edition appropriate to the expansive Dzogchen doctrine, is Patrul Rinpoche's summary of the path of integrated practice for an authentic compassionate practitioner. It is a moving and transcendent vision of Buddhism uniting wisdom, care for others, and mantra.”
Description
An exquisite poem from one of Dzogchen’s greatest teachers.
The Essential Jewel of Holy Practice is a vibrant philosophical and ethical poem by one of Tibet’s great spiritual masters. Patrul Rinpoche presents a complete view of the path of liberation from the perspectives of the Madhyamaka understanding of emptiness and the Mahayana ideal of compassionate care refracted through the Dzogchen perspective on experience, yielding a sophisticated philosophical approach to practice focusing on the cultivation of clear, open, luminous, empty awareness and of liberation leading to the transformation of one’s moral capacity and sensitivity. Patrul Rinpoche’s verses speak intimately and directly to the reader and inspire one to develop one’s mind for the sake of ethical perfection and liberation.
The translators’ introduction provides a foundation for reading the poem and their commentary to the verses assists the reader in understanding Patrul Rinpoche’s allusions and technical terms.
Reviews
“Patrul Rinpoche’s Essential Jewel is a treasure trove packed with wisdom and skillful means for all levels of Buddhist practice. Garfield and McRae here offer a fresh translation of Patrul’s song of instruction, presented in a bilingual format and accompanied by their novel, Madhyamaka-inspired interpretation of the nature and origins of Vajrayana and Dzogchen. The blessings of the six-beat mantra are sure to bring awakening in our hearts!”
“Pith upon pith in such readable English! With a modern feel and traditional ring. Jay Garfield and Emily McRae delight us with their easy language, offering an open door to the great heart and core wisdom of Tibet’s incomparable Patrul Rinpoche.”