Quintessential Dzogchen: Confusion Dawns as Wisdom

by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Erik Pema Kunsang (Translator), Marcia Binder Schmidt (Translator)

This hands-on guidebook adapts the Dzogchen path for the modern student while adhering to traditional principles. The book is based on the direct, accessible style of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and offers a thorough grounding in how to study, contemplate, and meditate in this rich spiritual environment. Guided by an introductory teaching by Rinpoche, as well as 42 selected teachings from great Dzogchen masters, readers learn to access the pure, clear awareness that lies hidden under the constant flow of anxious thoughts.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Philosophy, Meditation, Eastern Philosophy, Personal Development, Nonfiction

306 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Dewi Rhys-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent review of dzogchen. The book will benefit beginners and those who have met dzogchen before. It contains 42 short pieces by different masters of dzogchen. The contributors come out of the buddhist tradition and therefore use terminology that will be unfamiliar to the beginner. Don't let this stop you benefitting from reading the book. Whatever specialist subject you read about you will meet unfamiliar terms. Just let them pass over you and as you read more about dzogchen or watch videos about it on the internet you will slowly gain an understanding of their meaning and significance. Don't try to understand it all at the first reading. Or even the second! Also, there are occasional references to traditional beliefs, such as reincarnation. If you don't agree with them, it doesn't matter. Just pass over them and look for the core ideas as these could guide you along a path to greater happiness and wellbeing.

[Eugene Pustoshkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книга не для новичков, а для тех, кто более-менее имеет опыт исследования буддийской Дхармы на практике, особенно учения дзогчен. Представляет собой сборник текстов, содержащих важные учения и наставления. Особенно важными я нашёл наставления Тулку Ургьена, Падмасамбхавы, Шабкара и, конечно же, Лонгчена Рабджама (а также некоторых других мастеров).

Некоторый (незначительный с точки зрения содержания) недостаток книги — в отсутствии единой сквозной редактуры: например, в одних местах пишут «сансара», в других — «самсара». С другой стороны, обложка и оформление изумительны. На самом деле, иной раз удивляешься, что издатели западных буддийских книг порою совсем не заботятся об эстетике и дизайне обложке, чего не скажешь о замечательной традиции внимательного отношения к оформлению книг в легендарной серии «Самадхи».

[Richard · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am at a loss. What about this is different from any of the other contemplative texts that use vague language and inject magical nonsense into meditation instructions? On Having No Head keeps the practical dzogchen crown.

[Tyler Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Only criticism is the obsession with masters and their role in "enlightenment."

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! A collection of writings by different masters, well translated and compiled by students of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Erik Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt. The readings take you gradually along the path to awakening with clear concise teachings that leave no doubt.

[Joseph Josephson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very beautiful book. I thank all the Deities, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Great Masters for making this profound ocean of wisdom available to a common westerner. This instruction is very straightforward and cuts to the core of experiencing rigpa.