The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding

by Longchen Rabjam

HARDCOVER 293 pp.

Genres: Buddhism

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Same author as:
- Longchenpa
- Kloṅ-chen-pa Dri-med-ʼod-zer

Reviews

[Blaine Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book that one "reviews" in the sense of evaluating or comparing to other books. The nature of the text in this book stands as one of the purest articulations of primordial consciousness and awakened mind that human beings have ever expressed... after all, can the Great Ultimate, God, Primordial Luminous Awareness be reviewed? Herein lies a sustained vision of vast expanse that stands alone in clear natural simplicity so profound that only a very few will resonate with it. Longchenpa's text is one of the primary expositions of the (once secret) teaching in Tibetan Buddhism known as Dzogchen, the Great Perfection. It is one of his Seven Treasury writings that established Dzogchen in 14th century Tibet as being among the most subtle and refined of all Buddhist teachings. If the idea of a secret teaching for the select few puts you off, its best to look elsewhere. If, however you're intrigued by and attracted to a teaching that purports to be one of the most definitive visions of awakened mind in all world literature, you're probably a natural mystic and should look into this book.

Since there is another translation of Longchenpa's text (Keith Dowman's Natural Perfection: Longchenpa's Radical Dzogchen), some comparisons of translations can be made. The current translation is by Richard Barron (Chokyi Nyima) under the direction of Chagdad Tulku Rinpoche and members of the Padma Translation Committee. It consists of a forward, introduction, and translator's preface followed by 1) a dual language (Tibetan/English) translation of the source verses, and 2) a translation of Longchenpa's auto-commentary on his own text. It's a gorgeous hardbound book available from Tibetan Treasures (https://tibetantreasures.com/collecti...). The section of source verses is rather difficult to follow since it is not broken into stanzas nor is it numbered which also makes finding the source verses discussed in the commentary difficult. Keith Dowman's translation (Natural Perfection above) of the source verses is broken into sections with subheadings making it much easier to follow and understand Longchenpa's presentation. I found both Barron’s and Dowman’s translations useful, although I felt each had better and worse phrasings and word choices. Dowman’s introduction is outstanding and speaks clearly to contemporary readers as to the highly select nature of the text and teaching.

Buddhists beware: if you’re on a path, any Buddhist path, this is probably not a book for you. Even if (or especially if) you’re serious about practicing meditation and studying Buddhism, this is still probably not a book for you. Dzogchen is for those Buddhists who are ready to completely leave the raft behind, the raft of course being the entirety of Buddhist teachings, practices, vehicles, schools, teachers, etc. This book speaks to those who are ready to let go of the path of accumulation and gradual attainment. Although presented in Buddhist language, it is really for anyone who has cultivated a mystical-poetic awareness and understood the limitations of language, concepts, meanings, and conventional teachings of any culture. When that time comes, Dzogchen's Great Perfection, the natural primordial ever-present awareness, will be yours to claim.

[Markus Loebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

the gate to a profound Ati Yoga practice, a timeless knowledge to avoid confusions of this time,
thanks for participating : - )

[Stephen Blache · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound treatise on the characteristics of the ineffability, openness, spontaneous presence, and oneness of the three transmission methods of the Dzogchen approach to Buddism. A root text in English and Tibetan, followed by the commentary.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I read it slowly and will do it again.