Penetrating Wisdom: The Aspiration of Samantabhadra

by Dzogchen Ponlop

A description of the Tibetan Buddhist Dzogchen path of awakening, with instructions and guidance for following it.

With deep compassion, sharp observations, and arresting metaphors, the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche explicates "The Aspiration of Samantabhadra" for both new and experienced practitioners. This Dzogchen prayer explores the different manifestations of rigpa, our basic awareness in daily life, and constitutes a set of instructions for refining the path of practice. Taken from material from a series of talks in Germany and the United States, Penetrating Wisdom includes the text of the prayer, Rinpoche's always-lively commentary, and lucid answers to questions posed by his students.

This book is a commentary on an ancient, well-known Tibetan Buddhist prayer of aspiration that expounds on the Dzogchen path to enlightenment. Containing key fundamentals about the Vajrayana path--the guru-student relationship, the role of faith in Vajrayana Buddhism, recognizing basic awareness, and the notion of reality that is beyond mental concepts--this book is a clear and accessible explication of a complex system of philosophy and meditation techniques that are central to Tibetan Buddhism.

While the author is a traditionally trained master in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, he has won great appreciation in the West for his humor, familiarity with Western culture, and his unique talent for using examples that are drawn directly from Western metropolitan lifestyles. He has lived and taught in Europe and North America for many years.

Genres: Buddhism, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Karma Sungrap Ngedon Tenpa Gyaltsen was enthroned as the Seventh Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche by Rangjung Yeshe Dorje, Gyalwang Karmapa XVI, in 1968. A former Tibetan Buddhist monk, he remains a lay teacher in the Karma Kagyu lineage as well as the Nyingma tradition.

A graduate of Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies (the monastic college at Rumtek) and Columbia University in New York, Rinpoche is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Reviews

[Ceci · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the very best books I've ever read about the Buddhist path. In plain English, this book gives you a deep and readable look at Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, by way of the relaxed erudition and generous dash of humor that has earned Dzogchen Ponlop a well-deserved international audience. Recently re-released with a cover featuring the author's photograph.

[Artchelle Arcillas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly enlightening and I would say a slap on my face-book.

I was able to take note and I aim to be more self-aware moving forward.

Soon, I'll reread this book and see how far I've come.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In clear and relevant terms drawn from both ancient history and the computer age, this book explains what sets Dzogchen / Vajrayana / Mahamudgra apart from other Buddhist philosophies -- a forgiving, accepting, and integrative approach to our inevitable experience of confusing human emotions that falls somewhat along the lines of Vipassana Yoga or Somatic Therapy:

"Instead of trying to stop it, let it come. Invite it more. Look at the nature of passion more nakedly. Look at the nature of aggression, look at the nature of ignorance, look at the nature of anything... That simple process of looking at it in every moment actually brings liberation on the spot."

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting... Not quite the commentary i was expecting, but then again... Well worth a read for those who don't know the text or are looking for a way in

[Johnny Lafky]

One is tempted to suggest that this is it!