A Torch Lighting the Way to Freedom: Complete Instructions on the Preliminary Practices

by Dudjom Rinpoche, Padmakara Translation Group (Translator)

The foundations of Vajrayana practice are laid out with eloquence and precision here by one of the greatest Tibetan Buddhist masters of our age. His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche’s commentary on the preliminary practices (ngöndro) is informed by his profound realization and wide-ranging scholarship, and illuminated with an array of quotations from the Vinaya, Sutra, and Tantra traditions. In addition to the commentary on the outer and inner preliminary practices, he provides other invaluable instructions on the correct view, conduct, and activity of a practitioner. Dudjom Rinpoche taught that the realization of the teachings of the Great Perfection depends entirely on the practice of these preliminary practices, thus his compassionate exposition of them here makes this book a particularly precious resource for anyone who seeks to remove the obstacles between themselves and the total freedom of enlightenment.

Genres: Buddhism

400 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8, 2011

About the author

His Holiness Kyabjé Jigdral Yeshe Dorje, best known as Dudjom Rinpoche (Tib: བདུད་འཇོམས་ Wylie: bdud-'joms) is held to be the reincarnation of Terton Dudjom Lingpa, Garwang Dudjom Pawo. He was a "householder" lama, rather than a monk, and was married twice, producing nine children, the eldest of whom is H.H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. Widely respected throughout the Tibetan religious community, when the Tibetan Government in Exile requested the leaders of the various Nyingma lineages to choose a "Supreme Head"—as the other three schools of Tibetan Buddhism had long done—for representational purposes in the diaspora, Dudjom Rinpoche was unanimously nominated to the position, which he held until his death. He was succeeded in that office by H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

Reviews

[Ruan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The words "priceless treasure" seem cliche but this book truly is a priceless treasure. It has clear and profound and complete instructions on the full path of the foundational practices leading to enlightenment and Buddha-hood. It clearly highlights all the essential points. This work from the highly attained yogi and acclaimed scholar illumines many aspects of the rare and precious Buddhist Dharma. Contains many profound and practical insights in easily accessible language. Much gratitude to the translators and the Author. May all beings benefit