cover image THE DZOGCHEN PRIMER: An Anthology of Writings by Masters of the Great Perfection

THE DZOGCHEN PRIMER: An Anthology of Writings by Masters of the Great Perfection

, . . Shambhala, $17.95 (336pp) ISBN 978-1-57062-829-0

Dzogchen (pronounced "Zog-chen"), also known as The Great Perfection, is arguably the heart of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, and in this impressive collection Schmidt pulls together writings from historic and contemporary masters to facilitate study for serious, committed beginners and longtime practitioners. In 35 generally short essays, students can delve into topics such as "Re-enlightenment" and "The True Foundation" by recently deceased (1996) Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, who transmitted the complete teachings of the last century's three great masters and who has 10 passages here. They can also find more ancient voices such as the seventh century's Shantideva on the "The Excellence of Bodhichitta," or Milarepa, one of Tibet's most famous yogis and poets, who lived 1,000 years ago, on "The Song of Realization." This sequential manual is designed to aid individuals as well as Sangha or workshop leaders, and offers facilitator guidelines, a glossary, author profiles and a bibliography. This primer can help students without a teacher or meditation center, but the volume quickly points out that time in the presence of living masters is essential. Not a collection of academic ruminations, this important work also stresses application. As Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche says in the introduction, "We do not need to let the teachings remain as mere words or ideas; we can put them to use in our own experience. This is how the buddha nature can be revealed, since it is already present in every one of us." (July)

Forecast:Although it's not unique in the marketplace, this substantive primer should be of real value to Tibetan practitioners in the West, who are gaining numbers as the interest in Tibetan Buddhism increases.