Kagyu Lineage

KARMA CHAKME'S MOUNTAIN DHARMA (Vol. 1)     £ 20.95   The first volume in this series is an excellent resource on the Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind to the Dharma, plus the Mahamudra preliminaries or Ngondro. Commentary is given by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. These extensive and beautiful teachings include how to apply these and other practices in order to benefit others. Volume One also covers the foundational teachings on the three vehicles and the vows and precepts. Although the emphasis is on the Kagyu and Nyingma lineages, all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism are included. The great master Karma Chakme Rinpoche, born in 1613, was one of the most highly realized and accomplished scholar-yogis of Tibet. In order to benefit all practitioners pursuing the path of Dharma, he composed over one hundred volumes of teachings, of which this text, Mountain Dharma, represents the essence. "Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma is a complete text for those who want to practice Tibetan Buddhism. It is very precise and very clear. If you become well acquainted with this text, you have everything you need to achieve enlightenment." Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

---

KARMA CHAKME'S MOUNTAIN DHARMA - VOLUME 2     £ 20.95   The second volume in this series examines the complete path of Mahamudra from initial experience to full realization. Commentary is given by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. There is emphasis on how to conduct a proper retreat, plus the longevity practices of White Tara and Tseringma, geomancy, Chod practice, and how to use compassion as protection from fear and danger. This volume introduces the tantras, and gives highest yoga tantra instructions for Vairochana purification practices. The great master Karma Chakme Rinpoche, born in 1613, was one of the most highly realized and accomplished scholar-yogis of Tibet. In order to benefit all practitioners pursuing the path of Dharma, he composed over one hundred volumes of teachings, of which this text, Mountain Dharma, represents the essence. "Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma is a complete text for those who want to practice Tibetan Buddhism. It is very precise and very clear. If you become well acquainted with this text, you have everything you need to achieve enlightenment." Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

---

KARMA CHAKME'S MOUNTAIN DHARMA - VOLUME 3     £ 20.95   The third volume in this series with commentary given by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. The great master Karma Chakme Rinpoche, born in 1613, was one of the most highly realized and accomplished scholar-yogis of Tibet. In order to benefit all practitioners pursuing the path of Dharma, he composed over one hundred volumes of teachings, of which this text, Mountain Dharma, represents the essence. "Karma Chakme's Mountain Dharma is a complete text for those who want to practice Tibetan Buddhism. It is very precise and very clear. If you become well acquainted with this text, you have everything you need to achieve enlightenment." Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche.

---

The Dharma     £ 14.25   Author: Kalu Rinpoche Fundamental teachings covering the four noble truths, the bardo, mandala offering, vows and mahamudra. This collection of teachings by the late renowned Kagyu master Kalu Rinpoche were given in America in 1982 and cover a wide range of topics, including the Four Dharmas of Gampopa, siddhi, women and Dharma, and an aspiration prayer: the Eight Thoughts of a Great Person. Also included is a short teaching by Lama Norlha on the Five Skandhas.

---

Medicine Buddha Teachings     £ 11.50   Author: Thrangu Rinpoche, Khenchen New edition. Commentaries by Thrangu Rinpoche on the Medicine Buddha Sadhana and the Medicine Buddha Sutra, known as the Twelve Great Aspirations of the Medicine Buddha. Thrangu Rinpoche not only elucidates the details of this particular practice, but also many of the basic principles of tantric theory and practice in general. Included is the Medicine Buddha Sadhana along with two shorter versions. "Each deity has its own particular relative blessing. If one meditates on the Medicine Buddha, one will eventually attain enlightenment, but in the meantime one will experience an increase in healing powers both for oneself and others and a decrease in physical and mental illness and suffering. Deity meditation is just another version of shamatha and vipassana. When one meditates on the form, the attributes, entourage and environment, and the internal mandala of the deity, and when one recites the deity's mantra, one is practicing shamatha; and when one realizes that all that one is meditating on is mere empty appearance, one is practicing vipassana. But because meditation on the deity and on the union of the deity and one's own root lama instantly connects one with the empty clear light nature - the power of this form of shamatha is immeasurably greater than that of ordinary tranquillity meditation." Lama Tashi Namgyal.

---

Mind At Ease     £ 13.99   Author: Traleg Kyabgon A uniquely insightful overview and practice guide to mahamudra meditation. The focus of these teachings is to point out to the practitioner the true nature of reality - which is beyond concept, limitation, and measure. Rinpoche gives a brief history of how the mahamudra view and techniques developed and shows how this particular school of thought fits in with other Tibetan Buddhist systems. He then goes on to present the basic principles of mahamudra, providing an exploration of mahamudra fundamentals and thorough explanations of ground, path, and fruition mahamudra, including meditation techniques for investigating, experiencing, and contemplating these teachings. Traleg Kyabgon's approach is straightforward - he presents the mahamudra teachings as a means of seeing things in, as he says, "a positive and open light, even things we might normally regard as bad and undesirable can be interpreted in a more uplifting way due to the expansiveness of the mahamudra vision."

---

Nyima Tashi - The Songs and Instructions of the First Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche     £ 14.95   Author: Yeshe Gyamtso The story of the first Traleg Rinpoche, Nyima Tashi, with a translation of a collection of his songs and teachings. The Traleg Kyapgons have been principal lineage holders of Thrangu monastery of the Karma Kagyu tradition in Eastern Tibet since the sixteenth century. Before then, in fact before the name Traleg Kyapgon was bestowed upon a succession of incarnations, this holy being served the Buddha's teachings and demonstrated the achievement of awakening many times under many names. This book details some of these previous incarnations. In essence, the Traleg Kyapgon is held to be an incarnation of the bodhisattva Vajrapani, the personification of the power of all Buddhas. "Appearances, sounds and thoughts have been the dharmakaya from the beginning. If you know that and are without fixation on them, there is nothing to be done to the appearances of the six groups. Self-liberated in that state of relaxation, they are great bliss, the dharmakaya. This is the unsurpassable wisdom of all Buddhas. It is entire point of all dharma." Nyima Tashi.

---

On Buddha Essence - A Commentary on Rangjung Dorje's Treatise     £ 11.99   Author: Khenchen Thrangu A new commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche on the Third Karmapa's classic text on Buddha nature. In the nineteenth century Jamgon Kongtrul composed a commentary to the text, which Thrangu Rinpoche has used here as the basis for the teachings in this book. According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, human being's true nature, or Buddha essence, is the foundation from which all wisdom develops. In order to discover our Buddha nature, the meditator needs to know how to meditate correctly and must properly understand the reason for practicing meditation. We also need training in how the philosophy and practice come together in the development of insight. This text contains instructions on how to discover Buddha essence in ourselves. "By wholeheatedly following these step-by-step instructions, we can experience the inexpressible wisdom and goodness of our mind. What could be more precious than that!" Pema Chodron. "Thrangu Rinpoche explains the aspects of impermanence, permanence, temporality, and the eternal nature of the three kayas with great clarity and alacrity, showing readers the practical implications of these otherwise rarefied Buddhist concepts." Traleg Kyabgon.

---

A Song for the King     £ 10.99   Author: Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche A translation with commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche on the Indian master Saraha's A Song for the King, a short but profound verse text from classical India that is a basis for the mahamudra tradition. "Saraha's Song for the King is a sublime ode to enlightenment, famous in Tibet for nearly a millennium. Traditionally counted as one in a trilogy of poetic songs offered by Saraha to the king, queen, and people of eastern India, a Song for the King uses a series of linked metaphors to lead the listener through the stages of mahamudra meditation. The oral teaching on Saraha's Song by contemporary master Thrangu Rinpoche, is based upon a famous sixteenth century commentary by Karma Trinley. Thrangu Rinpoche's careful analysis helps the reader savour both the aesthetic richness and the contemplative instructions of Saraha's verses." Kurtis Schaeffer. "A Song for the King is the most important work in a generation about the pithiest and deepest of Saraha's great trilogy of Indian Buddhist tantric songs. Michele Martin's translation and annotations are lucid and well informed, and Thrangu Rinpoche's learned but accessible commentary allows readers to use Saraha's poem as key to seeing, meditating, and acting in the profound Indo-Tibetan tradition of mahamudra, the great seal of reality." Roger Jackson.

---

The Kagyu Lineage & Activity of the Karmapas     £ 5.00   Author: Bardor Tulku Rinpoche The Kagyu Lineage & Activity of the Karmapas This text is a concise but in-depth teaching on one of the four main Buddhist traditions of Tibet, the Kagyu Lineage. It presents the stories of the great figures of this tradition -- from Tilopa in ancient India, down to the present Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Along with this history are clear explanations of the nature of lineage and the place of the Kagyu tradition in Buddhist history. As the story unfolds, we get a glimpse of the extraordinary enlightened beings who have preserved and transmitted the teachings and realization of the Buddha in an unbroken way into our present time.

---

Taking Refuge      £ 6.95   Author: Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche Taking Refuge; A Teaching on Entering the Buddhist Path The refuge ceremony is the first formal step in the Buddhist path. At an inner level, taking refuge is the beginning of the path we take toward true sanity and liberation. This text would be especially good for those who are contemplating a committment to Dharma practice. It explains the nature of what are known as the "objects" of refuge, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. It also emphasizes the importance of connecting with an authentic and unbroken lineage of Buddhism in establishing your practice. Rinpoche also answers many questions about the refuge ceremony and about the basic ideas of Buddhism.

---

The Practice of Green Tara     £ 9.95   Currently unavailable! Author: Bardor Tulku Rinpoche The Practice of Green Tara A complete teaching on the Green Tara practice as performed daily at KTD Monastery. Includes an explanation of the 21 Praises of Tara, photos of the mudras associated with the practice, and a large folding line drawing of the 21 Taras. There is a special section at the end of this text on the previous lives of Ven. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche.

---

Wish Fulfilling Wheel - The Practice of White Tara     £ 14.95   Out of stock! Author: Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche The Wish-Fulfilling Wheel; The Practice of White Tara White Tara's special function is to promote long life, both for the practitioner and for others, such as our lamas. This book is a complete explanation of all aspects of the practice by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. It includes two complete practice texts in English and Tibetan.

---

Living in Compassion     £ 11.95   Author: Bardor Tulku Rinpoche Living in Compassion This book is an accessible and practical resource on the Buddhist path, centered around bringing the practice of compassion to everything we do. It begins with a teaching on marriage and relationships as seen from a Buddhist perspective, with emphasis on the application of personal discipline and the understanding of karma in our personal and family lives. The second section is a complete, detailed commentary on The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, one of the most important Tibetan texts on the path of compassion and wisdom. In the third and final section of the book, Bardor Rinpoche gives a complete teaching on the six perfections, the transcendent qualities of generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.

---

Music in the Sky - The Life, Art and Teachings of the 17th Karmapa     £ 12.95   A detailed portrait of the young Karmapa, his escape from Tibet, his first teachings and a selection of his poetry. As the second millennium drew to a close, the fourteen-year old Seventeenth Karmapa, Ogyen Trinle Dorje, leapt from a window of his monastery in Tibet. Evading his Chinese guards, he began a gruelling, dangerous journey to exile in India. Now, for the first time in print, this book offers a series of the charismatic seventeen year-old Karmapa`s teachings and poetry. Included are brief biographies of all the previous Karmapas, specially composed by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Includes 59 colour photos. "The bright sun of the Gyalwa Karmapa shines through this book. It illuminates his young life from his discovery in Eastern Tibet through his journey to India. The text also reveals the breadth of his teachings and the beauty of his poetry and art. It has been my experience that the Seventeenth Karmapa delights in the study of Buddhism, demonstrating a seriousness and concentration well beyond his years. Anyone wishing to know more about him and the ancient tradition of Buddhism he embodies would do well to read this book." Thrangu Rinpoche.

---

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JAMGON KONGTRUL     £ 23.50   A translation of the autobiography of Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, one of the most influential Tibetan teachers and scholars, and proponent of the Rimey nonsectarian movement. Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-1900) was also a prolific writer and this book includes two additional texts: one, authored by Kongtrul himself, discusses the past masters of whom he was considered to be an emanation; the second was written by one of his close personal students and recounts Kongtrul's final days and funeral rites. "Reading the autobiography of this supreme master gives us an understanding of the truly wondrous deeds that bodhisattvas perform, filling our minds with awe and our hearts with faith. It inspires us to actualize our own inherent potential that allows the qualities of the bodhisattvas to manifest within ourselves. This book is a priceless treasure to be studied and revered." Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. "If one wants to get a complete picture of Tibetan Buddhism as a whole, especially from an inner perspective, I think there is no book more important to read than Autobiography of Jamgon Kongtrul. This is the autobiography of a yogi who studied, practiced, and found the essence of each and every spiritual path in Tibet." Ringu Tulku.

---

Beautiful Song of Marpa the Translator     £ 12.50   A collection of selected teachings by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso on the clear light nature of mind, and four songs by Milarepa. This collection of transcribed teachings contains Rinpoche's explanations of the clear light nature of the mind in connection with the Buddha nature inherent in all sentient beings. He explains how to meditate on the clear light, how to develop compassion, plus the practice of tonglen and some very poignant afvice on taking adverse conditions to the path. In the second part of this book Khenpo gives teachings on four songs by the great yogi Milarepa - Three Nails, Eight Ornaments of Profound Definitive Meaning, and Three Kinds of Confidence in Genuine Reality.

---

Collected Works of Chogyam Trungpa Vol 1     £ 37.00   Volume One in this series contains Chogyam Trungpa's early writings, produced during the time he lived in Britain (1963-1970). Includes Born in Tibet, Meditation in Action, Mudra, and Selected Writings.

---

Crazy Wisdom      £ 17.99   Uses the life of Padmasambhava and his eight manifestations to illustrate the principle of "crazy wisdom", which begins with the process of ruthlessly cutting through layers of psychological deception in order to uncover basic sanity. Crazy wisdom is described by Chogyam Trungpa as an innocent state of mind that has the quality of early morning - fresh, sparkling, and completely awake. He shows it to be the starting point for an exciting spiritual journey and from this profound point of view, spiritual practice does not provide comfortable answers to pain or confusion. On the contary, painful emotions can be appreciated as a challenging opportunity for new discovery. In particular, he discuses meditation as a practical way to uncover one`s own innate wisdom in the midst of everyday life. "In the context of Padmasambhava`s life and his eight aspects we see that the Buddhist approach to spirituality is one of ruthlessly cutting through any chance we might have of confirming ourselves at any particular stage of development on the spiritual path. When we discover that we have made some progress on the spiritual path, that discovery of progress is regarded as a hindrance to further progress. So we don`t get a chance to rest, to relax, or to congratulate ourselves at all. It is a one-shot, ongoingly ruthless spiritual journey. And that is the essence of Padmasambhava`s spirituality."Chogyam Trungpa.

---

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa     £ 12.99   The author exposes the traps that practitioners fall into by attempting to use Buddhist teachings as a support for rather than an antidote to the problems of the ego. This classic work is a brilliant discussion of the many forms of self-deception and sidetracks along the spiritual path. "Walking the spiritual path properly is a very subtle process, it is not something to jump into naively. There are numerous sidetracks which lead to a distorted, ego-centred version of spirituality; we can deceive ourselves into thinking we are developing spiritually when instead we are strenghening our egocentricity through spiritual techniques. This fundamental distortion may be referred to as spiritual materialism...The problem is that ego can convert anything to its own use, even spirituality. Ego is constantly attempting to acquire and apply the teachings of spirituality for its own benefit. The teachings are treated as an external thing, extenal to 'me', a philosophy which we try to imitate. So if our teacher speaks of renunciation of ego, we attempt to mimic renunciation of ego. We go through the motions, make the appropriate gestures, but we really do not want to sacrifice any part of our way of life." Chogyam Trungpa.

---

Death and the Art of Dying in Tibetan Buddhism by Bokar Rinpoche     £ 12.50   In this volume, Bokar Rinpoche answers two main questions: how can we ensure that death turns out to be a positive passage, and how can we help those who are leaving us? More practical than philosophical, this book may help us to live out death as the fullest moment of life. The teachings contained in this book underscore the fundamental importance of having a spiritual practice in this lifetime. By developing a firm spiritual foundation, it will be easier for us to live with the reality of death. The book includes instructions on the bardos of death, the art of dying, approaching death, and when other people die - exemplified by the death of the great yogi, Kalu Rinpoche. With this example we discover the role that awareness of impermanance has on an awakened being during the process of dying.

---

Dharma Paths by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche     £ 9.95   A broad and in-depth introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by a Kagyu master resident in the West, cutting through the complexity and apparent contradictions of the Tibetan tradition, revealing a flexible approach based on one's individual capacity. Without assuming an academic background or knowledge of Buddhist terminology, Dharma Paths presents both basic and quite advanced material, making the essence of the vast Tibetan teachings surprisingly accessible. This introduction to the Buddhism of the Kagyu tradition has as its main theme the three paths or vehicles within the teachings: hinayana, mahayana, and vajrayana. This reflects the fact that the Buddha taught people in different ways according to their abilities and interests. In fact the title of the book is a somewhat free rendering of Rinpoche`s Tibetan title, which means literally "Opening our Eyes to the Three Vehicles". The unique quality of Tibetan Buddhism is that the three paths or levels of the teachings are integrated and seen as a progression.

---

The Essential Chogyam Trungpa     £ 13.99   The perfect introduction to the teachings of the first Tibetan lama to teach extensively in the West. This book includes 40 selections from 14 of his many books, to provide a balanced overview of the lama and his style. Chogyam Trungpa was one of the most influential figures in the development of Buddhism in the West, being one of the first to teach in English and to make Tibetan Buddhism uniquely accessible to a contemporary audience. Blending excerpts from bestsellers like Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism and Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior with other works, this book vividly demonstrates the incredible literary legacy of this remarkable master and his great appreciation of Western culture combined with his deep understanding of the Tibetan tradition. "Chogyam Trungpa loved the English language...he employed it to pioneer the language of Buddhism in America. By this, I mean that he sought and found English words and phrases that would aptly convey the essence of the Tibetan Buddhist teachings in their new home in the West."Carolyn Rose Gimian.

---

Excellent Buddhism     £ 12.95   A compilation of biographical reminiscences on Kalu Rinpoche, teachings on daily life, inspiring stories on Buddhist practitioners of the past, and reflections on the relationship between Buddhism and the West. Included in this book are the details of Kalu Rinpoche's last moments before his death and the story of his reincarnation, plus inspiring selections of his extraordinary teachings from around the world supplemented by anecdotes and stories.

---

Foundations of Tibetan Buddhism - The Gem Ornament of Manifold Instructions      £ 12.50   Author: Kalu Rinpoche The great Kagyu meditation master explains the major Buddhist paths, and details the practices of refuge, purification, offering, guru yoga, Buddhist precepts, and tantra. Finally he gives a marvellous explanation of meditation and mahamudra. Originally published under the title Gem Ornament this work presents the fundamental practices of the Kagyu tradition in a clear and easily accessible manner, covering all aspects of the path to enlightenment. The late Kalu Rinpoche was recognized by lineage holders of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism as a meditation master equal in stature to the great yogi Milarepa.

---

Four Dharmas of Gampopa     £ 9.95   A brief commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche on Gampopa's text. Gampopa was the main disciple of Milarepa and one of the founders of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Besides writing the Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Gampopa distilled the essence of the path into these four short lines of truth, or Dharmas. This advice became well known as the Four Dharmas of Gampopa.

---

Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice by Thrangu Rinpoche     £ 10.95   The four foundations of Buddhist practice are meditation on the precious human rebirth, impermanence, karma and the faults of samsara, and are general to all levels and sects. They can be contrasted to the four special foundations (ngondro) which are specific to Vajrayana Buddhism. Buddhist practice is similar to building a house. Even though the house is impressive it may crumble under the weight of age and neglect if the foundations are not inspected and maintained. In this text, Thrangu Rinpoches`s commentary on the Four Foundations and Pema Karpo`s meditation instructions provide the means to secure the foundations of one`s practice. Regularly revisiting the four foundations is wise preparation for the basic meditation practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. "The Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice have been crucial to my understanding of the Buddhist teachings. Nowhere have I found them presented with more clarity and wisdom than in this book by our beloved teacher Thrangu Rinpoche. I know that all who read this book will benefit profoundly."Pema Chodron.

---

Gems of Dharma, Jewels of Freedom     £ 12.50   Translated by Ken Holmes A translation of the classic Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa. For some 800 years this masterly overview of the Buddha's teachings has served as a handbook for followers of the twelve Kagyu traditions which all stem from Gampopa's disciples. Placing the quintessential meaning of hundreds of Buddhist scriptures in the palm of one`s hand, it provides an ideal resource for those new to Buddhism and is an invaluable reference work for experienced practitioners. This translation is the result of fifteen years of study under distinguished tutors of the Kagyu tradition, and conveys the meaning of Gampopa`s text as it has been traditionally taught down the centuries. Gampopa was a saintly monk and accomplished scholar, who after training with the original Kadampa masters was inspired to seek out Tibet`s famous yogi Milarepa - under whose guidance he attained enlightenment. The Jewel Ornament of Liberation from this forefather of the Kagyu tradition contains a wealth of knowledge, presented through the lucidity and authority of a truly enlightened mind.

---

Guide to the Bodhisattva`s Way of Life by Shantideva     £ 10.95   The root text and commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche on this classic work. Published in transcript form.

---

Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa     £ 45.00   The much loved spiritual songs of Tibet's great yogi, the cotton-clad master of sutra and tantra who wandered the country, teaching wherever he went with his spellbinding spontaneous songs of enlightenment. Now available in one volume, Tibetans accord this work a classic status and revere Milarepa as probably the best single exemplar of the religious life. The Hundred Thousand Songs, says the book's translator, has been read as the biography of a saint, a guide book for devotions, a manual of Buddhist yoga, a volume of songs and poems, and even a collection of Tibetan folklore and fairy tales. Milarepa's songs are filled with fascinating tales of miraculous encounters and colourful imagery, and present a valuable insight into the living quality of Tibetan Buddhism. The songs and stories include Milarepa's subjugation and conversion of demons, and his meetings and teachings to his disciples, particularly Gampopa and Rechungpa.

---

Ascertaining Certainty About the View     £ 16.95   By Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche A detailed line by line commentary by Khenpo Tsultrim on the seventh chapter of the third section of Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye's Treasury of Knowledge which covers seven points on gaining certainty of the correct view. It is explained from the perspective of the different Buddhist schools. Included are Jamgon Kongtrul's root verses of the text and his commentary along with several songs by Khenpo Tsultrim and Milarepa on the views and approaches of the different Buddhist schools. "How is it that you liberate yourself from suffering? First of all, you understand that the conditions that create suffering are not truly existent, for example, like appearances within a dream. You then come to understand that suffering itself has no essence, that it is not truly existent. Through deeply thinking about this and through analysing, you develop certainty. The point of working with the view or with philosophies is to develop a clear conviction through reflection that leads to cetainty. If you meditate on emptiness, you will realize emptiness directly and at that point suffering vanishes." Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche.

---

Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra     £ 11.95