Uniting Wisdom and Compassion: Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva

by Chokyi Dragpa, Heidi I. Koppl (Translation)

Uniting Wisdom and Compassion is a unique presentation of the Buddhist path by Chokyi Dragpa, the foremost Gelug disciple of the famed nineteenth-century Tibetan master Patrul Rinpoche. Its quotations and direct instructions from realized sages of the past reinforce one another, subtly penetrating the mind and preparing it for meditation. This book, while fully accessible to newcomers, is especially powerful for serious, established practitioners.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2004

Reviews

[Gyalten Lekden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear and direct commentary on Thogme Zangpo's source text. The root text itself is clear and easy to understand, both in Tibetan and in most English translations, so this commentary does not expand on it exhaustively but instead provides short summaries of every verse along with scriptural quotations and other quotations, primarily from Kadampa masters, to serve as supports for each verse. It is really direct and easy to read, with no frills or excess.

While some of the translation choices were different than I wold make, and I did notice one or two small translation errors, the English is overall very accessible and it reads quite easily. This is a wonderful supplement to the root text, which is much beloved and practiced across all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, and yhis translation in particular does a good job at helping unlock this meaningful prayer for the English-speaking Dharma world.

The newer printing of this book has changed the title to "Illuminating the Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva."

[Harish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for every begginer who wants to know about buddhism

[Mckinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with the text of the practices, this book provides commentary and references other important texts.