This collection contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption—elements that form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The texts within this volume—Ladder to Akaniṣṭha, Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage, The Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force, and Husks of Unity—are among the most widely studied commentaries on this topic and have formed the basis for spiritual study and practice for centuries. In these eloquent and inspiring translations, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahāpaṇḍita explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, illuminating its profound insights into the nature of reality and how to utilize these insights through the practice of meditation.
"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
Jigme Lingpa (1730–1798) was one of the great saints of eighteenth-century Tibet. His profound spiritual revelations and erudite writings have proven to be some of the most enduring classics of the Buddhist tradition.
Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887) was an accomplished scholar and prolific writer with the rare ability to present profound philosophical thought in a manner directly applicable to personal practice.
Getse Mahāpaṇḍita Tsewang Chokdrub (1761–1829) revitalized the Nyingma tradition through his commitment to the study and preservation of the Ancient Tantras and the revival of many Nyingma monasteries. His commentaries on the development stage have become central reading for numerous practitioners of Buddhist Tantra.
This collection contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption—elements that form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The texts within this volume—Ladder to Akaniṣṭha, Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage, The Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force, and Husks of Unity—are among the most widely studied commentaries on this topic and have formed the basis for spiritual study and practice for centuries. In these eloquent and inspiring translations, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahāpaṇḍita explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, illuminating its profound insights into the nature of reality and how to utilize these insights through the practice of meditation.
Praise
"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
Author
Jigme Lingpa (1730–1798) was one of the great saints of eighteenth-century Tibet. His profound spiritual revelations and erudite writings have proven to be some of the most enduring classics of the Buddhist tradition.
Patrul Rinpoche (1808–1887) was an accomplished scholar and prolific writer with the rare ability to present profound philosophical thought in a manner directly applicable to personal practice.
Getse Mahāpaṇḍita Tsewang Chokdrub (1761–1829) revitalized the Nyingma tradition through his commitment to the study and preservation of the Ancient Tantras and the revival of many Nyingma monasteries. His commentaries on the development stage have become central reading for numerous practitioners of Buddhist Tantra.
