Luminous Mind: The Way of the Buddha

by Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche

Luminous Mind is a remarkable compilation of the oral and written teachings of the late Kalu Rinpoche - who was called "a beacon of inspiration" by the Dalai Lama. A master of meditation and leader of the Shangpu Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, Kalu Rinpoche taught with an inviting, playful and lucid style that was just one natural manifestation of his own profound realization. The teachings presented in Luminous Mind are immediate and timeless.

As the Dalai Lama notes in his foreword, Luminous Mind covers "the full range of Buddhist practice from the basic analysis of the nature of the mind up to its ultimate refinement in the teachings of Mahamudra." This anthology of Kalu Rinpoche's writings and oral teachings resonates with his wisdom and compassion.

Comparing Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche with Milarepa, the greatest mediation master Tibet has ever known, His Holiness the Dalai Lama extols the author of Luminous Mind as a "beacon of inspiration" for spiritual practitioners of all traditions. Noting that "there have been few like him before or since," His Holiness urges us to delve into this remarkable anthology of the late Kalu Rinpoche's essential instructions so that we may encounter "the full range of Buddhist practice from the basic analysis of the nature of the mind up to its ultimate refinement in the teachings of Mahamudra." Drawn from both his lucid writings and his eloquent oral presentations, this unprecedented book lays bare the full grandeur of Kalu Rinpoche's legacy. At the same time, the gentle words and playful stories of this master of meditation are filled with a depth of clarity and warmth that could only arise from a profound realization of both wisdom and compassion.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 1993

Reviews

[D.M. Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vajrayana Buddhism is a very difficult subject to understand for a Westerner. It sits on a foundation of thought that is completely foreign to the West and, despite the influx of Buddhist teaching in the West in the past twenty years, it is still a subject largely incomprehensible to the Western mind.

Kalu Rinpoche was one the most important Tibetan Buddhist teachers of the last five hundred years. He was a man of extraordinary attainment. He is, in fact, my spiritual grandfather for lack of a better term in that my teacher was his direct disciple.

The Luminous Mind is one of the most important books on Vajrayana practice ever written. It is clearly written and concise. It is an essential practice aid for any student of Vajrayana and helps break through many of the issues that become complicated for students, especially those who do not speak or read Tibetan.

I am on my third copy of this book having given two previous copies away to students seeking to understand Vajrayana and its relevance to Western living.

[Valerio Amanti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una presentazione estremamente completa del buddismo, nella tradizione tibetana. Fatto di molti capitoli breve, da una parte si legge facilmente, d'altra parte questo è il suo limite perché l'organicità dell'esposizione ne risente. Essendo la trascrizione degli appunti dell'autore, che ha insegnato in Francia per decenni corsi di buddismo, tende ad avere uno stile a volte poco chiaro, alcuni concetti sono ripetuti innumerevoli volte, altri sono appena accennati e non è sempre facile collegarli con tutto il resto.

[Daniel]

Overview of Buddhism

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, clear teachings from Kalu Rinpoche on the Kagu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Nonattachment is essential in all situations; things and events have only relative value and are fundamentally illusion."

[Andrea Casetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on Tibetan Buddhism