Treasures from Juniper Ridge

Padmasambhava's Advice #3

by Padmasambhava, Tulku Urgyen (Foreword), Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator)

Treasures from Juniper Ridge is a collection of “hidden” or terma teachings given by Padmasambhava, the Tantric master who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet. According to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Padmasambhava hid many teachings to be uncovered later by “revealers of hidden treasures.” The special quality of the terma teachings is that they provide guidance appropriate for each period of time and individual person. By working with Padmasambhava, Yeshe Tsogyal, his mystic spiritual consort, was able to compile and codify these precious insights and hide them for use by future generations.

Treasures from Juniper Ridge presents a variety of significant revelations for seekers on the advanced path of the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition, as well as in-depth explanations of assorted aspects of practice: deity-focused meditation, nonconceptual meditation, death and dying, and recognizing the nature of mind. The book outlines ways for the modern student to apply these teachings while remaining true to Vajrayana Buddhism’s traditional principles

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2008

About the author

According to tradition, Padmasambhava was incarnated as an eight-year-old child appearing in a lotus blossom floating in Lake Dhanakosha, in the kingdom of Uddiyana, traditionally identified with the Swat Valley in present-day Pakistan. His special nature was recognized by the local king who married him to one of his daughters, Mandarava. She and Padmasambhava's other main consort, Yeshe Tsogyal, developed into realised practitioners. Many thangkas and paintings show Padmasambhava in between them.
Padmasambhava's ability to memorize and comprehend esoteric texts in a single hearing established his reputation as a master above all others. Knowing that the life force of the wife and son of evil minister was about to end, he constructed an accident which resulted in their death. As a result, Padmasambhava was banished from the court and exiled in a charnel ground. Transiting various heavens and hells, he developed the power to transcend the cycle of birth and death, accomplishing the so-called great transference.
His fame became known to Trisong Detsen, the 38th king of Tibet (742–797), whose kingdom was beset by evil mountain deities. The king invited Padmasambhava to Tibet where he used his tantric powers to subdue the evil deities he encountered along the way, eventually receiving the Emperor's wife, identified with the dakini Yeshe Tsogyal, as a consort. This was in accordance with the tantric principle of not eliminating negative forces but redirecting them to fuel the journey toward spiritual awakening. In Tibet he founded the first monastery in the country, Samye Gompa, initiated the first monks, and introduced the people to the practice of Tantric Buddhism.
In Bhutan he is associated with the famous Taktshang or "Tiger's Nest" monastery built on a sheer cliff wall about 500m above the floor of Paro valley. He flew there from Tibet on the back of Yeshe Tsogyal, whom he transformed into a flying tigress for the purpose of the trip. Later he travelled to Bumthang district to subdue a powerful deity offended by a local king. Padmasambhava's body imprint can be found in the wall of a cave at nearby Kurje Lhakhang temple.
According to Tibetan tradition, the Bardo Thodol (commonly referred to as the Tibetan Book of the Dead) was among many treasures hidden by Padmasambhava, subsequently discovered by a Tibetan terton, Karma Lingpa.

Reviews

[Tom Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you find something that, when you are reading it, rings the bell of truth in you, over and over again. This is one of those books. Thanks to my friend, an old member of the great Sangha, for mentioning Padmasambhava to me. I feel blessed to have seen a record of some of his teachings.

[Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Buddhist religious text filled with incredibly insightful teachings. The translation work is very impressive, I never really had a hard time understanding the concepts.

If you're Buddhist or interested in Buddhism, then read it. If not, then don't. Personally, I think I'm a little bit better of a person after reading it.

[Georgia Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear instruction on awakening into enlightenment.

Easy to read instructions on the path to enlightenment.
I really felt relieved to receive these instructions into this practice that is so simple yet hard to do!

[bad · Rating 5 out of 5]

collected teachings of padmasambhava (the lotus born) given to lady tsogyal and others, sealed away as secret treasures for later generations.

[Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me lots of insights on how to change your mind, but might be difficult for some people to understand.