The Fearless Lion's Roar: Profound Instructions on Dzogchen, the Great Perfection

by Nyoshul Khenpo, David Christensen (Translator)

Overview

A collection of teachings on how to correctly practice the view and meditation of Dzogchen by one of its most accomplished and beloved masters of the twentieth century.

This volume is a heartfelt, intimate presentation of the entire system of the Nyingma tradition from sutra to tantra to Dzogchen, the Great Perfection, and how through it, modern-day practitioners can succeed in attaining fully realized buddhahood. Inspiring stories of the great masters Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa kindle the prerequisites of faith and devotion that are the basis for the practices that follow. The Tibetan Buddhist master Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje gave these talks during a three-year retreat in France from 1982 to 1985.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781559394314
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	07/28/2015
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.76(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

NYOSHUL KHENPO RINPOCHE (1932-1999) was one of the lineage holders in the Dzogchen tradition known as Longchen Nyingthig, the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse, which descends from Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa. Born in Derge, East Tibet, he escaped to India in 1959. He trained many of the current generation of Dzogchen teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, and many others.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Translator's Preface xi

Technical Note xv

Translator's Introduction 1

1 Longchenpa's Life Story 7

2 Jigme Lingpa's Life Story 17

3 Comments on Longchenpa's Final Testament, Immaculate Light 25

4 Introduction to the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse, a Dzogchen Terma Cycle 49

5 How to Receive Dharma Teachings 59

6 The Meaning of Meditation Deities 67

7 Introduction to Longchenpa's Resting at Ease in Illusion 115

8 The Importance of Mindfulness 129

9 The Lion's Roar That Vanquishes the Diversions and Errors of Hermits Who Meditate upon the Heart Essence Jigme Lingpa 135

10 Commentary of Oral Instructions on Jigme Lingpa's The Lion's Roar 151

11 Spontaneous Songs 217

Appendix 1 A Wondrous Ocean of Advice for the Practice of Those Retreat in Solitude Jigme Lingpa 229

Appendix 2 The Tibetan Text of Jigme Lingpa's The Lion's Roar 237

Notes 247

Index 253

Editorial Reviews

"Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje was one of the most outstanding exponents of the Great Perfection—Dzogpa Chenpo—and an authority on every aspect of its history and practice. He was someone who embodied the blessings of the great masters of the lineage, especially the omniscient Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa, and his extraordinary oral teachings were marked by a vast knowledge, profound realization, and ever-present compassion. This book will provide inspiration and priceless guidance to all who seek to follow this precious path."—Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"Living the life of a hidden yogi, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche was a master of the teachings of sutra and mantra, in terms of both scholarship and spiritual accomplishment. His teachings are indeed a powerful treasure, yet to truly reap their benefit one must study them under the guidance of a qualified teacher who holds the lineage. At best, one should endeavor to receive the empowerments, reading transmissions, and oral instructions related to such profound teachings."—Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, author of Present Fresh Wakefulness

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche is one of the most highly realized Dzogchen practitioners of our times and the teacher of many of the rinpoches of the current generation. Born in Tibet and trained under the great masters of Tibet, he was an unusually gifted scholar. Following his studies, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche’s approach was to receive a few key points of oral instruction from his teachers, and then go into the mountains to practice them. Until he gained exceptional experiential signs of the practice he had received thus far, Rinpoche would not return to his teachers for further instructions; and he practiced in this manner for a great many years. Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche would never speak falsely, and whatever he spoke or taught was authentic and based in his own experience. I feel so fortunate to have met Khen Rinpoche in this life, as Rinpoche is one of my root gurus, and I regard him very highly. I always miss him, and he is still alive in my heart. I received many Dzogchen teachings from him, which had an amazing benefit for my practice and helped me immensely. I recommend those with interest to read this book in order to receive Rinpoche’s blessings of wisdom and compassion, and I offer the deep wish that whoever reads this book will indeed receive Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche’s blessings."—Tsoknyi Rinpoche, author of Open Heart, Open Mind

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche was one of the most extraordinary twentieth-century teachers of the Dzogchen lineage, widely acclaimed for his great wisdom and compassion. His commentaries form a step-by-step guide to the Nyingma teachings, starting from mind training (Longchenpa’s Immaculate Light) and leading up to and including Dzogchen (Jigme Lingpa’s The Lion’s Roar). I have firm confidence that new students as well as experienced practitioners who read this book will gain a much deeper understanding of the path and that the book will answer their questions about practice and life."—Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche is a true example of a dharma teacher and a genuine practitioner. When I met Rinpoche, I saw someone who was very genuine, very humble, very gentle, and at the same time, very diligent in his meditation practices. I never saw Rinpoche criticize any individual, school, or religion. His pure perception was so immense. I am very happy for anyone who reads this book. Please respect the book and read it very slowly. If you do, you will receive a never-ending shower of blessings from the enlightened ones, the masters of the Great Perfection."—Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche

From the Publisher