The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen

by Namkhai Norbu, John Shane (Compiler)

A contemporary exploration of, and personal meditation on, the Buddhist tradition of Dzogchen and its many teachings for modern life—by an esteemed Tibetan masterIn The Crystal and the Way of Light, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu examines the spiritual path from the viewpoint of Dzogchen. He discusses the base path and fruit of Dzogchen practice, and describes his education and how he met his principal master who showed him the real meaning of direct introduction to Dzogchen.By interweaving his life story with the teachings, he both sets Dzogchen in its traditional context and reveals its powerful contemporary relevance. The book is richly illustrated with photos of Buddhist masters, meditational deities, and Dzogchen symbols.

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

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 31, 1986

About the author

Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche (Tib. ཆོས་རྒྱལ་ནམ་མཁའི་ནོར་བུ Chos-rGyal Nam-mkha'i Nor-bu) was one of the foremost 20th century masters of Dzogchen and lead Buddhist retreats through out the world. As a child he was recognized as the reincarnation of the great Dzogchen Master Adzom Drugpa (1842-1924) and later by the sixteenth Karmapa as a reincarnation of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651), the first Dharmaraja of Bhutan. (Dharmaraja in Sanskrit and Chögyal in Tibetan are both honorific titles meaning "King of the Teachings." Rinpoche is likewise an honorific meaning "Precious One.")

In 1960, following the deterioration of the social and political situation in Tibet, he moved to Italy on the invitation of the well-known orientalist Prof. Giuseppe Tucci. There, he contributed to giving a concrete stimulus to the spread of Tibetan culture in the West. After teaching Yantra Yoga in Naples for several years, in the mid-seventies he started giving Dzogchen teachings, encountering a growing interest throughout the West.

Reviews

[Joe Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is simply the most concise, profound, and informative dharma book available in the English language.

[Gustavo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an interesting read that adds to the spiritual reverberations of seekers.
I did find it easy to read but the concepts introduced were a little too many for me. I'm sure I'd take much more from this book if I was more savy.
Overall I think its a good complement for people into Budhism. I recall hearing about Dzogchen from Alan Watts and this helps a lot understanding what he meant.

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very accessible and straightforward presentation of the basics of Dzogchen contemplation, along with a few stories about different Dzogchen masters (which I skimmed over). A number of simple analogies are presented so that the reader can understand what is needed to practice Dzogchen in their daily lives. For readers lacking sufficient awareness to keep from becoming lost in thought (a prerequisite to Dzogchen), the book lists a number of non-Dzogchen practices that may be helpful to build attention.

I found this to be a better introduction to Dzogchen than the more-recommended Flight of the Garuda (and with Dzogchen, the introduction is really all that exists to be conveyed).

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Rinpoche gives a lot of interesting information about his own life and about how Dzogchen relates to other types of Buddhism. I wouldn't recommend it to someone who isn't interested in the technicalities of Buddhism, though.

[Yeshe-Phillip Carbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you practice Dzogchen you must read this book.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable teachings; will have to read again!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating!! Pun intended ;) An extraordinary and precious gift to humanity.

[Emi Kanter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this to be the best introductory book on Dharma by my root lama.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clear.

[Deep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear description of Dzogchen. Great read. Some ritual/superstition, but overall good signal/noise ratio.

[Silvio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you.

[alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for anyone interested in learning and understanding Dzogchen.

[Eric]

A

[Cody]

Autobiographical and framed by the notions of the Base, the Path, and the Fruit, this text offers a solid conceptual foundation for approaching Dzogchen that's at once personal and practical.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesante pero no muy preciso, como suelen ser estos libros. Da muchas pautas, muchas que ya había visto. Es interesante el método de dzogchen y ya lo había estado practicando. Quizá solo es cuestión de tiempo y de desarrollarlo más.

[Paul Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a superb intro to Dzogchen for intermediate students!

[Jay Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are you waiting for?

This is probably available through the post, so you don't even need to go looking.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful for the narratives and the clear explanations in the this book, with context and humor.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderul introduction into Dzogchen and enlivening anyone's meditation practice.