Presents a comprehensive history of the Nyingtik lineage, which forms the core of the teachings known as Dzogchen.

The Social Life of Tibetan Biography outlines the growth of the Buddhist tradition of the Tibetan teacher Tokden Shakya Shri (1853–1919) through charting his biographical tradition and its influence on the development of his community. Tokden Shakya Shri’s tradition is an important exemplar of interpersonal exchange on the margins between East and South Asia, connections between text and social community, and the diversity of Tibetan Buddhist practice and institutional forms at the turn of the twentieth century.

The first complete English-language life story of Longchenpa (1308-1364), one of the greatest masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. Compiled from numerous Tibetan and Bhutanese sources, including Longchenpa's autobiography and stories of his previous lives and subsequent rebirths, The Life of Longchenpa weaves an inspiring and captivating tale of wonder and magic, of extraordinary visions and spiritual insight, set in the kingdoms of fourteenth-century Tibet and Bhutan. It also reveals for the first time fascinating details of his ten years of self-exile in Bhutan, stories that were unknown to his Tibetan biographers. Renowned as a peerless teacher, dedicated practitioner, and unparalleled scholar, Longchenpa thoroughly studied and mastered every one of the many Buddhist vehicles and lineages of teachings existing in Tibet at his time. Through his radiant intellect and meditative accomplishment, in both his teachings and written works, he was able to reconcile the seeming discrepancies and contradictions between the various presentations of the view and the path within the many lineages of transmission. His written works are also famous for being able to transfer true blessings just by reading or hearing his enlightened words. A lyrical introduction by Venerable Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche on the significance of Longchenpa and the importance of his birth and teachings; an essay by the late Khenpo Shenga (1871-1927), In Praise of Longchenpa; plentiful illustrations; and a comprehensive glossary round out this compelling tale.

Dzogchen is the consummate practice of Tibetan Buddhism. A pure awareness practice applicable to any circumstance and readily integrated into modern life, Dzogchen directly introduces us to the inherent freedom, purity, and perfection of being that is our true nature. Natural Great Perfection is an inspiring collection of teachings providing the deepest possible insight into the practice of the Dzogchen path. The teachings are followed by a collection of spontaneous vajra songs composed in the tradition of Milarepa as the delightful play of wisdom consciousness.

Colorful stories about and profound teachings of Patrul Rinpoche, one of the most impactful teachers and thinkers in the Tibetan tradition from the nineteenth century. The life and teachings of the wandering yogi Patrul Rinpoche—a highly revered Buddhist master and scholar of nineteenth-century Tibet—come alive in true stories gathered and translated by the French Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard over more than thirty years, based on the oral accounts of great contemporary teachers as well as written sources. Patrul’s life story reveals the nature of a highly realized being as he transmits the Dharma in everything he does, teaching both simple nomads and great lamas in ways that are often unconventional and even humorous, but always with uncompromising authenticity.

This book offers a study of the life and most important extant work of Rog Bande Sherab, also known as Rogben (1166-1244). Rogben devoted his life to collecting important textual cycles and meditation techniques. Rogben's most important work, The Lamp of the Teachings, cuts across the genres of history, doctrinal studies, and doxography. philosophically robust explanations of the "nine vehicle" system of the Ancient or Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Rita M. Gross has long been acknowledged as a founder in the field of feminist theology. One of the earliest scholars in religious studies to discover how feminism affects that discipline, she is recognized as preeminent in Buddhist feminist theology. The essays in A Garland of Feminist Reflections represent the major aspects of her work and provide an overview of her methodology in women's studies in religion and feminism. The introductory article, written specifically for this volume, summarizes the conclusions Gross has reached about gender and feminism after forty years of searching and exploring, and the autobiography, also written for this volume, narrates how those conclusions were reached. These articles reveal the range of scholarship and reflection found in Rita M. Gross's work and demonstrate how feminist scholars in the 1970s shifted the paradigm away from an androcentric model of humanity and forever changed the way we study religion.