Light Comes Through: Buddhist Teachings on Awakening to Our Natural Intelligence

by Dzigar Kongtrul

Our thoughts and emotions can take us anywhere. In an instant they can bring us down or lift us up. If we don't attend to the mind, the source of all our thoughts and emotions, it can seem like a runaway train. Yet when guided by wisdom, our mind can lead us to awakening. How do we utilize this resource?

The Buddha asked big questions concerning the causes and conditions of happiness and suffering and how we can shape our mind and attitude to support our well-being. According to the Buddhist teachings, when our natural intelligence is sparked by contemplation and meditation, we discover insights into what true happiness means—and how to achieve it. The distilled wisdom of the Buddhist tradition leads us to clarity of mind, and step by step, the light of our natural intelligence comes through.

With the humor and insight he is known for, Dzigar Kongtrül engages us in a playful, and challenging, investigation of disturbing emotions, our relationships with others, the trap of self-centeredness, and the practicalities of working with a Buddhist teacher. Most important, he shows us the subtlest use of our own natural intelligence—its ability to recognize the nature of reality itself.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion

144 pages, Hardcover

First published July 8, 2008

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my bible. Words to live by.

[Denise Nader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un texto esencial para cualquier persona interesada en seguir el Dharma. Dzigar Kongtrul es un Maestro que sabe atravesar el ruido que produce nuestra propia mente confundida y nos deja ver el potencial que tenemos para alcanzar la iluminación. Un libro claro, hermoso, agudo, compasivo.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars. Some parts of this book were really great and gave me insight about “natural intelligence” and how to uncover it in my day-to-day life. But in the last third the book lost some steam and relevance for me. I’d still recommend it. A good book.

[Stephanie Barko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the October 2025 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about dealing with negative emotions, how to transform them to something more positive in your life, from a Buddhist perspective. I really liked the way information is presented by this author, found this very readable. Although this is a Buddhist author, I found some themes not so differnt from recent reading by Christian writers. There is a section on the value of faith; the author states: "Our instinctual longing...for meaning and goodness is the light coming through" and reflects our ability to recognize something greater than ourselves. The author names five negative emotions and then details how to let go of those feelings and move on to other "higher" emotional states. There is even a description, based on a Buddhist parable, of "codependence" although it is not called that here, the Buddhist term is Lenchak.

[Scott Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to basic Buddhist principles that can help develop skill in day-to-day engagement. Dzigar Kontrul is the teacher of Pema Chodron, and Pema Chodron has embraced Kontrul's explanation of 'shenpa' (the tug and pull into role-locks a person experiences as he or she encounters circumstances throughout the day) as a foundation of her recent teachings. Kontrul's conceptualization of 'shenpa' is laid out here in this text, along with other Buddhist thought that can be very helpful for all levels of practitioners.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was recommended by a friend, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to get a handle on their emotional states, especially when they feel really out of control. The author puts difficult concepts across very well and succintly. A slim volume, but chock-full of good stuff!

[Bill McDavid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. I plan to read it again sometime.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

an exceptional re-introduction to Buddhist meditation for those (like myself) who imagine they know anything about it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great book of Buddhism, a bit of hard to read at first because of the deep meaning, but definitely worth the effort.

[K.S.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of Dharma.

[John]

The most concise and useful of Kongtrul Rinpoche's books.