"Ocean of Nectar" is the first complete commentary in English to Chandrakirti's classic "Guide to the Middle Way," one of the most important scriptures in Mahayana Buddhism and regarded to this day as the principal text on emptiness, the ultimate nature of reality. In this long-awaited major work Geshe Kelsang provides an entirely new translation of Chandrakirti's verse masterpiece and explains with outstanding clarity the philosophical reasoning establishing Buddha's most profound view of the middle way. In the course of the book he also charts the progress of a Mahayana practitioner from the initial cultivation of compassion through to the attainment of full enlightenment, providing an indispensable guide for the serious student of Mahayana Buddhism.
*'Geshe' is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns.
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation Master and internationally renowned Teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. Presenting Buddha’s teachings in a way that is relevant and suitable for modern people with busy lives, he shows how these teachings can be used by anyone, Buddhist or non-Buddhist, to solve problems, improve relationships and eventually attain a deep and lasting inner peace and happiness.
He has also created all the conditions necessary to support the study and practice of Buddhism in modern society: writing 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddha; establishing over 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world; developing modern study programmes; training qualified Teachers; and establishing local, national and international courses, festivals and retreats. Through all these and other activities Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is giving new life to Buddhism, enabling people everywhere to discover inner peace and happiness through Buddha’s teachings, thereby bringing greater peace to a troubled world.
The term "Rinpoche," added to Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso's name, is a Tibetan word that means "Precious One," and has been added as a mark of deepest respect.
This is an incredible book, but not easy to understand without the benefit of commentary and discussion from a person who really understands its meaning. The subject matter is the most important of all - the true nature of reality. Buddha contends that the reason why we are suffering is because we conceptualise all things that exist in our world as having nothing to do with our mind, and failing to recognise their illusion like nature, we suffer. This book, a commentary to Guide to the Middle Way by Chandrakirti, explains the correct view that we need to adopt to attain permanent liberation from suffering. Not for the faint hearted but definitely for those who like to ponder profound truths.
An extraordinarily helpful commentary on the Buddhist view of reality which it should be noted requires participation in a qualified study and meditation programme in order to get the most benefit from the great kindness of its author, an authentic Spiritual Guide, the Venerable Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Thoroughly recommended for those wishing to understand the profound Buddhist realisation of the emptiness of self and all other phenomena.