Penetrating Wisdom: The Aspiration of Samantabhadra

by Dzogchen Ponlop

The reason we rely on the Vajra master is that we have already tried many different methods to wake ourselves up, but none of them really worked. We set our alarm clock for the next morning and then in the morning it beeps with a very unconfident beep. When this feeble beep happens, our great samsaric command is to move a hand with tremendous habitual power and press the snooze button. Then we go back to our comfortable samsaric sleep. We go back again to the dreams and nightmares to which we are attached. Fifteen minutes later, the alarm clock beeps again. Again we press the snooze button. We don't have this faith, this confidence, in the inconceivable truth that can wake us up. This goes on for ages. That's why the Hinayana and Mahayana journeys take so long. 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. Given as 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.

Genres: Buddhism, History

192 pages, Hardcover

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!