What do you think?
Rate this book
Progressive Stages Of Meditation On Emptiness
This is a new edition. Updated in 2016 by Lama Shenpen Hookham. Progressive stages of meditation on emptiness (Tib. stong nyid sgom rim) is a series of meditation practices on a particular aspect of the Buddha's teachings. The idea is that by beginning with one's first rather coarse common sense understanding, one progresses through increasingly subtle and more refined stages until one arrives at complete and perfect understanding. Each stage in the process prepares the mind for the next in so far as each step is fully integrated into one's understanding through the meditation process. "The Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness is a signature teaching and systematic method of instruction taught by my amazing guru, Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. Profound and concise, it is a transformative way for sincere students at any level of study to connect with the experience of shunyata. Lama Shenpen Hookham's skillful presentation of Rinpoche's teaching on these progressive stages so many years ago has been a great and enduring gift to the dharma world. I am delighted by this revised edition, which will benefit all who take its pithy wisdom to heart" - Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche "Khenpo Rinpoche's text, expertly translated and arranged by Lama Shenpen Hookham, is an eminently practical tool to familiarize ourselves with the notoriously difficult Buddhist notion of emptiness through a gradual approach and make it a personal experience in all its facets" - Karl Brunnholzl
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
About the author
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso
13 books8 followersKhenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Tibetan: མཁན་པོ་ཚུལ་ཁྲིམ་རྒྱ་མཚོ་རིན་པོ་ཆེ་, Wylie: mkhan po tshul khrim rgya mtsho rin po che), born Sherab Lodro, is a prominent scholar-practitioner in the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. With Khenchen Thrangu, he was a principle teacher at Rumtek Monastery shedra, and thus trained most of the current generation of Karma Kagyu tulkus and lamas, notably including Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Read
February 5, 2021I think this is an incredibly deep book but i listened to on audible and for me, i need to sit down with it and take it a page at a time. My brain didn’t allow me to absorb it the way it needs to be digested. I will revisit my review because currently i am lost on its message.
June 12, 2019
Probably ground-breaking for westerners at the time, but in 2019 I'd rather have read a modern take on this all with fewer words in Tibetan and a more up-to-date philosophical perspective than the thought experiments and quibbles of old Mahayanas. :) Perhaps a modern view would nullify the need for all of this to begin with, simply presenting an operative, step by step approach as a way of practice solely anchored in the benefit to the practitioner rather than in an age-old semi-religious debate that has led to bloodshed between warring schools.
Although unable to abide in the Shentong final realization that is the Clear Wisdom Mind, my interim conclusion until such time is that this is all about how in ancient times (... and for most people today), the distinction between ontology and epistemology wasn't known or clear.
As epistemology, this approach is very useful. As ontology, the claim that something non-conceptually known is Absolute, presented as some self-evident truth, is very unsatisfying.
***
To simply practice the steps required to attain such realization, I recommend The Mind Illuminated:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Disclosure: the author is my teacher and friend.
Although unable to abide in the Shentong final realization that is the Clear Wisdom Mind, my interim conclusion until such time is that this is all about how in ancient times (... and for most people today), the distinction between ontology and epistemology wasn't known or clear.
As epistemology, this approach is very useful. As ontology, the claim that something non-conceptually known is Absolute, presented as some self-evident truth, is very unsatisfying.
***
To simply practice the steps required to attain such realization, I recommend The Mind Illuminated:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Disclosure: the author is my teacher and friend.
July 18, 2020
A crystal clear and breezy tour through the evolution of emptiness in Buddhist philosophy, from the emptiness of self of the Shravaka to the emptiness of phenomena of the Cittamatra to the emptiness of the conceptual mind in the Madhyamaka, and all the schools in between. This book lays an important foundation for understanding Buddhist philosophy.
September 15, 2010
This book covers the different Tibetan Buddhist approaches to the contemplation of emptiness. It is done, as the title suggests, in a progressive fashion so you get the complete picture of how each school developed.
A basic understanding of the Tibetan Buddhist concept of emptiness is really advised, otherwise there is too much room for confusion and misinterpretation. Even better, studying the text with a qualified teacher and other advanced students. When studying the concept of emptiness there is the real possibility of descending into nihilism if you do not have a sound basic practice of meditation and a qualified teacher.
The practices for each stage are included at the end of the appropriate chapters, so this is a book to own, as you will be working on this for lifetimes. It is a well-written text and ideal for the student who want to expand their knowledge and practice of emptiness.
A basic understanding of the Tibetan Buddhist concept of emptiness is really advised, otherwise there is too much room for confusion and misinterpretation. Even better, studying the text with a qualified teacher and other advanced students. When studying the concept of emptiness there is the real possibility of descending into nihilism if you do not have a sound basic practice of meditation and a qualified teacher.
The practices for each stage are included at the end of the appropriate chapters, so this is a book to own, as you will be working on this for lifetimes. It is a well-written text and ideal for the student who want to expand their knowledge and practice of emptiness.
August 21, 2023
This is NOT an easy read but if you really want to get your arms around emptiness (as much as anyone can do that on a conceptual level), this is a powerful aid. Andrew Holochek has said he was told to read the book 10 times to truly absorb the learnings and be influenced by it in a way that moves you along the path to realization. I've just finished my 1st time through. 9 more to go!
September 30, 2024
4/5🌟
Gonna have to revisit this at least 100 times to fully understand wtf I just read
Gonna have to revisit this at least 100 times to fully understand wtf I just read
March 27, 2025
Initially, I found the book challenging. My first two readings were marked by a restless mind, making it difficult to fully grasp the depth of Rinpoche’s teachings. The nuanced exploration of emptiness, progressing through various meditative stages, required a level of mental stillness I had yet to cultivate.
However, as my practice deepened and my mind became more receptive, revisiting this text proved to be a revelation. Rinpoche’s clear and systematic approach illuminated the path toward understanding emptiness, making complex concepts accessible and practical. The book’s structure, guiding readers through progressive meditative stages, serves as both a map and a companion for those committed to this profound journey.
Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness is a treasure trove of wisdom. It not only elucidates the philosophical underpinnings of emptiness but also provides practical guidance for meditation. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and experience of emptiness, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
However, as my practice deepened and my mind became more receptive, revisiting this text proved to be a revelation. Rinpoche’s clear and systematic approach illuminated the path toward understanding emptiness, making complex concepts accessible and practical. The book’s structure, guiding readers through progressive meditative stages, serves as both a map and a companion for those committed to this profound journey.
Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness is a treasure trove of wisdom. It not only elucidates the philosophical underpinnings of emptiness but also provides practical guidance for meditation. For anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and experience of emptiness, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
July 4, 2025
Phenomenal book. Not one to read lightly. Completely lost me after around page 70. But not in a bad way. I recognize I’d feel the same about pages 1-70 a year ago. But now I can recognize their brilliance.
So masterfully, he distills the logic behind the perennial philosophy, those set of ideas and insights that keep coming back over hundreds of thousands of years from meditation or hard scientific inquiry or therapy or social analysis or so much more. This thing that seems to lie at the core of our existence and at the core of all descriptions of the ultimate nature of reality. This nondual characterization and experience of Consciousness, big-C.
He doesn’t really hold any hands and gets right into the meat of it, hence why I got lost about halfway through. I’m very excited to return to the book again years from now though, and couldn’t recommend it more. 5 stars!
So masterfully, he distills the logic behind the perennial philosophy, those set of ideas and insights that keep coming back over hundreds of thousands of years from meditation or hard scientific inquiry or therapy or social analysis or so much more. This thing that seems to lie at the core of our existence and at the core of all descriptions of the ultimate nature of reality. This nondual characterization and experience of Consciousness, big-C.
He doesn’t really hold any hands and gets right into the meat of it, hence why I got lost about halfway through. I’m very excited to return to the book again years from now though, and couldn’t recommend it more. 5 stars!
December 17, 2022
Wow, I did not know the book is from 1986 :) So it definitely is ageless. BUT the book was not for me. I’d say it’s a library (or encyclopedia) of knowledge about Buddhist schools, goes over the most branches and where they separate. But since I’m not Buddhist , for me it’s kind of ironic - to learn 5 different levels of meditations, and then in the end, the big master goal, is to forget about everything You have learned, to forget about all concepts, and just be. Well, surprise, I just… am. :D No need to go through the steps :D I have listened to a lot of books about Buddha’s teachings (not the same as Buddhism) and this book wouldn’t even make it into top 10.
September 9, 2021
Well explained
If technicality is removed and studied in plain English, it is an excellent treat. I made notes for my practice from each chapter to sit with a given concept. I didn’t give up concepts until end or until I was ready to see the underlying nothingness- there is really nothing. To see there is nothing and then rely on it (emptiness) as if it is something is indeed scary. This book is a good read.
If technicality is removed and studied in plain English, it is an excellent treat. I made notes for my practice from each chapter to sit with a given concept. I didn’t give up concepts until end or until I was ready to see the underlying nothingness- there is really nothing. To see there is nothing and then rely on it (emptiness) as if it is something is indeed scary. This book is a good read.
August 10, 2022
Buddhism - in one simple step
The gist of the teachings seems to be this......
Most of Buddhism, any doctrine or instruction, school or formal organization's directive for students....above and beyond.......THOUGHTS...... WILL COME AND GO......SO BE IT........RELAX!
......everything else, ignore it!
Seems right me...... and, by the way The Buddha Himself...... Just read the book....
The gist of the teachings seems to be this......
Most of Buddhism, any doctrine or instruction, school or formal organization's directive for students....above and beyond.......THOUGHTS...... WILL COME AND GO......SO BE IT........RELAX!
......everything else, ignore it!
Seems right me...... and, by the way The Buddha Himself...... Just read the book....
February 28, 2018
Second reading. First was on retreat with a small group. Retained a general sense of how Emptiness unfolds. On the second reading, I've a stronger grasp of the Chittimantra phase of emptiness, reality as mind perceiving itself. Mind as the total ground of all consciousness.
The Madhyamaka refutations are still slippery for me.
Keeping in mind the need to work with relative reality.
The Madhyamaka refutations are still slippery for me.
Keeping in mind the need to work with relative reality.
July 13, 2022
Simple, straightforward, profound.
The book explains 5 different stages of Emptiness, with theoretical and practical advice for each. It doesn't go into too much detail, but for someone already familiar with other non-dual philosophies it's understandable.
I've contemplated the initial two stages and it helped my practice and daily perspective. These teachings are very potent.
The book explains 5 different stages of Emptiness, with theoretical and practical advice for each. It doesn't go into too much detail, but for someone already familiar with other non-dual philosophies it's understandable.
I've contemplated the initial two stages and it helped my practice and daily perspective. These teachings are very potent.
January 7, 2023
Concise, Comprehensive, Usable
This is the single best introduction + advanced meditative implementation of shunyata process. Superb from both intellectual and meditative points of view. Highly recommended for all levels of practitioners. Read. Many. Times. And practice this material daily.
This is the single best introduction + advanced meditative implementation of shunyata process. Superb from both intellectual and meditative points of view. Highly recommended for all levels of practitioners. Read. Many. Times. And practice this material daily.
July 17, 2021
The path of Enlightenment
This is an incredibly concise, clear, and authoritative description of the practices and stages to achieve the clear bright light of eternal being according to the Buddhist tradition.
This is an incredibly concise, clear, and authoritative description of the practices and stages to achieve the clear bright light of eternal being according to the Buddhist tradition.
October 9, 2021
Flawless
Suchness of emptiness, prajnaparamita here presented is without doubt profound. Each investigation is clear and adds to norr removes its presence, there is only clarification.
Suchness of emptiness, prajnaparamita here presented is without doubt profound. Each investigation is clear and adds to norr removes its presence, there is only clarification.
June 21, 2022
Outstanding and pithy overview of an essential subject for Vajrayana meditation practitioners. This is my fourth time reading it and I expect I will read it again. Much appreciation for the teacher and translator/editor.
November 3, 2023
Referred by Swami Sarvapriyananda in one of his youtube talks. This book gives a short and crisp overview of different schools / levels of buddhism and corresponding meditation practices. The final chapter does felt like a convergence of Buddhist's non-self with Advaitin's non-dual Self.
February 10, 2018
This is the book I've been looking for.
June 16, 2018
A bit more of a survey of the various Buddhist schools' views on emptiness than a direct guidebook for those seeking to explore the concept thoroughly, for themselves.
July 20, 2020
Concise overview of the different stages of meditation to discover the true meaning and understanding of emptiness
November 11, 2020
Great
A wonderful inspiration for meditation and exposure to Buddhism itself. I intend to read it several more times. Thank you.
A wonderful inspiration for meditation and exposure to Buddhism itself. I intend to read it several more times. Thank you.
February 12, 2023
The book, in its scope, was true to its title but I found it beyond my current level of understanding
March 5, 2023
Have read this many times and each time hear a new gem.
March 26, 2024
The author presents a concise presentation of the view of five different understandings of Emptiness. This is accompanied by explanations of meditation for each stage. Clear and convincing.
January 29, 2025
Heavy going if you’re not already firmly grounded in the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism (or early in the journey.) Lots of rich material that will merit a reread.
July 26, 2021
This holds up well over time. Nice explanations.
March 23, 2021
Just, wow! Why did I not read this sooner?
Based on the Madhyamakavatara by Chandrakirti, the book draws on five schools of Buddhist thought as a progressive model for meditators to gradually explore the evolution of their own meditation practice. Wonderfully clear and lucid explanations. A great help in deepening understanding and filling in the gaps we might have in our study of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
Based on the Madhyamakavatara by Chandrakirti, the book draws on five schools of Buddhist thought as a progressive model for meditators to gradually explore the evolution of their own meditation practice. Wonderfully clear and lucid explanations. A great help in deepening understanding and filling in the gaps we might have in our study of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings.
July 4, 2024
A book that aims to start simple and work through more and more profound explanations on Buddha's most difficult teaching, emptiness, is an ingenious idea that struggles to be materialised.
The book actually starts deep and plunges the reader into greater depths at tremendous speed. The book is only 100 or so pages long with a large font size, so it is too compact for the incredibly sagacious teaching it is trying to unfold.
This is not to say to book is a failure, in fact it is highly useful if the reader takes the right approach. The entire book needs to be read with great care and at great pace preferably not after work and at a relaxed and leisurely time for the reader to slowly absorb on what is being said. Even the introduction cannot be skipped like the unwanted add on a YouTube channel or unnecessary title sequence of a Netflix series. The introduction here carries important explanations on how to engage with this material and helps readers to understand what is about to be explained. The content of the book is essentially the epistemology of ontology, or to put it in layman's terms, the Absolute Truth on the nature of reality (I will simply refer to this as emptiness).
Each chapter of the book explains one level of emptiness but attaches this to a particular Buddhist school. This description of separate schools may not assist with the understanding of emptiness but does help when one encounters multiple explanations from different traditions.
Each explanation is threaded together by a dream analogy to help tie it all together, but really most will find that more explaining is needed for the teachings to soak in. Preferably classes and discussion would help (which is where I started many years ago). What can make the book even more confusing is the last section where one finds an explanation of Shentong also known as Dzogchen, which is a highly acute precision of perception that you may be bettor off with leaving on the shelf until earlier points of the book have been contemplated and meditated on.
Despite the vast criticism I have given, I really do just love the idea of explaining emptiness is this step by step manner whilst tying it back to teachings of different traditions. This book is far better served as a companion to one studying emptiness to help map out what stage a teaching of emptiness belongs to.
TLDR: A book too short and compact to fully explain the complex mind-bending ideas of emptiness. I advise others, before taking up this book, to attend classes on emptiness or read other books on emptiness (such as Kelsang Gyatso's "Heart of Wisdom"). This book I believe is best used as a short handbook on emptiness, a pocket map that shows the path from the Shravakan’s emptiness of self, to the Shentong’s highly nuanced emptiness of other.
The book actually starts deep and plunges the reader into greater depths at tremendous speed. The book is only 100 or so pages long with a large font size, so it is too compact for the incredibly sagacious teaching it is trying to unfold.
This is not to say to book is a failure, in fact it is highly useful if the reader takes the right approach. The entire book needs to be read with great care and at great pace preferably not after work and at a relaxed and leisurely time for the reader to slowly absorb on what is being said. Even the introduction cannot be skipped like the unwanted add on a YouTube channel or unnecessary title sequence of a Netflix series. The introduction here carries important explanations on how to engage with this material and helps readers to understand what is about to be explained. The content of the book is essentially the epistemology of ontology, or to put it in layman's terms, the Absolute Truth on the nature of reality (I will simply refer to this as emptiness).
Each chapter of the book explains one level of emptiness but attaches this to a particular Buddhist school. This description of separate schools may not assist with the understanding of emptiness but does help when one encounters multiple explanations from different traditions.
Each explanation is threaded together by a dream analogy to help tie it all together, but really most will find that more explaining is needed for the teachings to soak in. Preferably classes and discussion would help (which is where I started many years ago). What can make the book even more confusing is the last section where one finds an explanation of Shentong also known as Dzogchen, which is a highly acute precision of perception that you may be bettor off with leaving on the shelf until earlier points of the book have been contemplated and meditated on.
Despite the vast criticism I have given, I really do just love the idea of explaining emptiness is this step by step manner whilst tying it back to teachings of different traditions. This book is far better served as a companion to one studying emptiness to help map out what stage a teaching of emptiness belongs to.
TLDR: A book too short and compact to fully explain the complex mind-bending ideas of emptiness. I advise others, before taking up this book, to attend classes on emptiness or read other books on emptiness (such as Kelsang Gyatso's "Heart of Wisdom"). This book I believe is best used as a short handbook on emptiness, a pocket map that shows the path from the Shravakan’s emptiness of self, to the Shentong’s highly nuanced emptiness of other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews