The Small Golden Key: To the Treasure of the Various Essential Necessities of General and Extraordinary Buddhist Dharma

by Thinley Norbu

In The Small Golden Key , Thinley Norbu Rinpoche explains in simple, concise language the important ideas and practices of Buddhism, with special attention to the Vajrayana teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. He discusses the origins of Buddhism in India and its spread to Tibet; the important lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, with emphasis on the Nyingma school; the differences between the Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana teachings; the outstanding features of the Mahayana; and some of the special qualities and practices of the Vajrayana.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Kyabjé Dungsé Thinley Norbu Rinpoche (Tib. གདུང་སྲས་ཕྲིན་ལས་ནོར་བུ་, Wyl. gdung sras phrin las nor bu), eldest son of Dudjom Rinpoche and father of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, was a prominent teacher within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, and considered to be an emanation of Longchenpa.

Reviews

[dp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't bad, but it's essentially a book of lists. It's a nice Vajrayana reference text. Certainly more of a key than a treasure chest

[Theodore James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful introduction to the Nyingma lineage. Sometimes it feels very brief and slightly rushed, but it's a good place to start for anyone curious.