The Six Lamps: Secret Dzogchen Instructions of the B�n Tradition

by Jean-Luc Achard

Overview

Esteemed Tibetologist Jean-Luc Achard contextualizes and provides a clear translation of highly secret precepts on Dzogchen practice unlike anything published.

The Instructions on the Six Lamps is a profound and important work from the Bön Dzogchen tradition and is one of the root texts of the Zhangzhung Nyengyü (Oral Transmission of Zhangzhung) series of orally transmitted teachings. Considered to be the central work of the inner cycle of these teachings, it expertly details the principles of the natural state and its visionary marvels. The root text describes highly secret precepts of Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practice—the teachings of Trekchö and Thögel—as revealed by Tapihritsa to Gyerpung Nangzher Löpo. The teachings in this text represent oral instructions transmitted by a single master to a single disciple in the mode known as “single transmission.” It is through such a practice that one can see the clear light of one’s own mind before achieving complete buddhahood. In this respect, the text contains a complete teaching of Dzogchen, from beginning to end.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614293644
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	03/28/2017
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	870,558
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Jean-Luc Achard is a tibetologist, researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, France), as well as the editor and publisher of the Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, a free online academic journal of Tibetan Studies. He has been studying Buddhism for 35 years and has specialized in the study and practice of the teachings of Dzogchen (Great Perfection). In particular, he has studied with Yongdzin Lopön Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche for several years and translated numerous Bönpo texts of Dzogchen for the retreats of Yongdzin Rinpoche. He is currently engaged in the translations and commentaries of sevearal key works of Dzogchen belonging to the Bön and Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. He lives in Courdimanche-sur-Essonne, a small village in France.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

The Historical Setting 3

The Teachings of the Great Perfection 6

The Text of the Six Lamps 33

Part 1 Instructions on the Six Lamps Extracted from the Oral Transmission of the Great Perfection in Zhangzhung

Preface 39

I The Lamp of the Abiding Base 45

1 The Natural State of the Base 45

2 The Separation between Samsara and Nirvana 51

II The Lamp of the Flesh-Heart 63

III The Lamp of the White and Smooth Channel 69

IV The Water Lamp of the Far-Reaching Lasso 77

V The Lamp of the Direct Introductions to the Pure Realms 81

1 The Direct Introduction to the Three Bodies 81

2 Gaining Decisive Certainty 84

VI The Lamp of the Moment of the Bardo 95

Colophon 103

Part 2 Complementary Instructions

VII Parallels between the Six Lamps and Other Works of the Zhangzhung Nyengyü 113

1 Teachings Corresponding to the First Lamp 114

2 Teachings Corresponding to the Second Lamp 122

3 Teachings Corresponding to the Third Lamp 126

4 Teachings Corresponding to the Fourth Lamp 130

5 Teachings Corresponding to the Fifth Lamp 134

6 Teachings Corresponding to the Sixth Lamp 142

VIII The Complementary Works to the Six Lamps 149

1 The Root-Text 149

2 The Commentaries 152

3 The Actual Complementary Works 155

4 Further Doxographical Works 162

5 The Practice Manual 167

Glossary 175

Bibliography 201

Index 209

About the Author 225

Editorial Reviews

The Six Lamps guides us into the world of Dzogchen...A major contribution to the study and practice of Dzogchen, this book offers a glimpse of Bön’s highest teachings.

Buddhadharma

Many have eagerly been awaiting an English rendering of Jean-Luc Achard’s masterly French translation of the Instructions on the Six Lamps. These are most fascinating and important Bön teachings. Achard moreover is the leading expert in the field. He brings his impressive erudition, near-native command of the Tibetan language, and impeccable academic acumen to the task. In addition—and this is a combination even much rarer—on nearly every page, he displays deep insight into the application of these teachings in actual practice. This new translation is a major improvement on what is widely available in English. Achard manages to render the direct, colloquial style of the Tibetan in plain and accessible English, lucid and faithful to the original. Extensive introductory materials greatly aid comprehension for the general reader but do not burden with technical minutiae. This sympathetic translation will speak to a wide audience but will also be much appreciated by those with a more scholarly or academic bent.

Henk Blezer

This book is a must read for all those who are interested in the doctrines of the Great Perfection of the Bonpo and Nyingma traditions. The expertise of the author on the subject matter is pleasantly reflected in his meticulous yet poetical translations. A welcome and significant addition to publications in Western languages on a fundamental topic.

Donatella Rossi

Jean-Luc Achard is undoubtedly one of the most experienced and knowledgeable Western scholars on the various Great Perfection systems of Tibet, both Buddhist and Bon. His lucid and annotated translation of the Six Lamps is a must read for any serious student and practitioner of Tibetan Dzogchen. His masterly translation is assisted with learned comments and notes which will assist inquisitive researchers in their quest for primary sources and contextualization. This volume is an important contribution to Tibetan Studies in general as well as to the serious specialists and student of this meditative system.

Marc des Jardins