Wild Awakening: The Heart of Mahamudra and Dzogchen

by Dzogchen Ponlop

Mahamudra and Dzogchen are perhaps the most profound teachings within all of Tibetan Buddhism. The experience of Mahamudra, or "great symbol," is an overwhelming sense of extraordinary clarity, totally open and nondualistic. Dzogchen, or "great perfection," is the ultimate teaching according to the Nyingma tradition and also represents the pinnacle of spiritual development. These are the two paths that provide practitioners with the most skillful means to experience the fully awakened state and directly taste the reality of our mind and environment. And yet these concepts are notoriously difficult to grasp and challenging to explain. In Wild Awakening, Tibetan Buddhist master Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche presents these esoteric teachings in a style that reveals their surprising simplicity and great practical value, emphasizing that we can all experience our world more directly, with responsibility, freedom, and confidence. With a straightforward approach and informal style, he presents these essential teachings in a way that even those very new to Tibetan Buddhism can understand.

Genres: Buddhism, Religion, Spirituality, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Meditation

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2003

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

[Martin Weyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful map for two of the biggest journeys human spirit can undertake, that of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Those two paths (that may be different, and yet lead to the same realization) are considered as the most profund Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Needless to say, that such a book does not replace a personal teacher; however, if you're looking for a precise guide and overview, that explains the basics and shows which accomplishments have to be done, this book is a great choice. Written by an outstanding contemporary master, in a clear and readable language, it can be used both as an introduction and manual, that helps you understand, where you're standing and where to go.

[Kitap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of studying with Ponlop Rinpoche twenty years ago at The Naropa Institute in Boulder, CO, and any twinklings of sincere devotion I feel toward the Buddhist path and teachings are rooted in my devotion to and admiration for Rinpoche. This book, recording some of his talks over the years, gives a clear sense of his early teaching style, and is a treasure; I only wish it also included his hilarious and insightful takes on films like Pulp Fiction and Groundhog Day.

As with every aspect of the path, devotion does not arise naturally or easily for everybody, nor is it something that is necessarily constant. It is similar to our experience of meditation practice. Every time we sit and meditate, it is different. Sometimes our practice is deep and calm. We might feel that our practice is a wonderful achievement and that we can work with all of our thoughts and emotions. At other times we might feel as though we have never sat on a cushion before. We might feel that we have lost everything, including all qualities of calmness. The same is true for devotion, except that it fluctuates even more. (p. 25)

The most important aspect of this [intensified, complete, Secret Mantrayana] trust is trust in our own heart. In addition, trust in the instructions of the lineage is crucial. The lineage teachings say that we may attain enlightenment "right now." That thought might cause us some worry and make us very uncomfortable. The question is, do we really want to achieve enlightenment now? If we really want enlightenment and if we have trust, we are there in any moment. (p. 145)

In bringing us to the recognition of the three vajra natures, the Vajrayana path brings us to a very different level from the level of the basic Sutrayana path. When we speak of the three vajra natures of body, speech, and mind as being continuous from beginningless time, we might wonder when all these things began. How far back do we go in our history of confusion? In fact, beginningless time does not have to do with time. It has to do with nowness. The beginning of samsara is now and the end of samsara is now. (p. 154)

We do not have to trust completely; we only have to be open minded enough to say, "Maybe there is a possibility of inconceivable truth." If our minds are not open, then it is nearly impossible for these experiences to arise. We should ask ourselves what we want and what we need. If we want to experience genuine devotion, bliss-emptiness, or enlightenment, then we need to open up. (p. 158)

[Ceci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure. I return to it again and again.

[Catherine Pawasarat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a very helpful companion to my recent month-long Mahamudra retreat. As good as I think this book is, please be wise and do NOT undertake Mahamudra or Dzogchen meditation without a living teacher to guide and support you. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has a delightful sense of humor (we think we want to wake up, but we keep hitting the snooze button. Then our guru comes and ... don't want to spoil it for potential readers) If you're looking for some additional support for your Mahamudra or Dzogchen practice, this book is a fine one.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild Awakening is a good book. Almost half of the book is actually excellent—I mean the part that describes Mahamudra, especially up to the 4 yogas. It offers clear-cut direct transmission. The second part that introduces Dzogchen is flawed with what I would name conventional, formal presentation (too conventional, too formal). The Mahamudra presentation, therefore, is more perfect than the Great Perfection (Dzogchen) presentation. (I wish the second part were as excellent as the first part.)

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book four stars because I wouldn't recommend "Wild Awakening" for someone who hasn't connected with a teacher of either Mahamudra or Dzogchen. Many of these practices are meant to be esoteric, with the practitioner initiated into them after studying with a qualified guru that one can wholeheartedly accept. It's wonderful to have access via books like this to such knowledge and practices, but it's important to be aware of of the limitations as well. This is a potential drawback to practicing Vajrayanan Buddhism in general, as well as one of its strengths. In terms of content as it applies to practitioners of either of these paths, I give this book five stars.

[James Chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that pulled me into the realm of Buddhist philosophies. The book was, at times, a difficult read for me (previously being totally unexposed to Buddhism). However, as I slowly read through the text I occasionally "got" what Ponlop was trying to convey -- it was these moments of realization and clarity that sparked an intense interest in Buddhism inside of me.

Anyone who is curious about the way of Buddhism should definitely give this a try.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditation in action. Rinpoche is the living Buddha. You will get hits of it in this book.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great presentation of Mahamudra, Dzogchen, and the Vajrayana buddhist path.

[Don Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise explication of Mahamudra and Dzogchen paths for anyone who may come to it without prior knowledge. Highly recommended.

[B]

Didn't finish entirely but when I read it the division of the hinaya mahyana and vajrayana was very interesting and gave me food for thought and a different approach to contemplation