The Great Medicine That Conquers Clinging to the Notion of Reality: Steps in Meditation on the Enlightened Mind

The unwieldy title of this book may be a roadblock, but what's inside is remarkably easy to follow. Rabjam is from the second generation of Tibetan Buddhist teachers who were born outside Tibet yet part of a significant spiritual and familial heritage. He is the grandson of Buddhist master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. This book, a commentary on a traditional text that is also included, is based on talks given by Rabjam. In unpacking the text, he manages to link it to a range of key Buddhist practices and concepts. Bodhichitta—the "great medicine" of the title, which means the intention to become enlightened—is not the simplest Buddhist teaching to understand, but the author gives a focused and cohesive interpretation. An appended glossary is exceptionally comprehensive and helpful. Despite several removes from the original oral presentation through translating, transcribing and editing, the content is clear and well-organized. Rabjam is not as easygoing as some of the second-generation Tibetan teachers who are more bicultural, but the simplicity and economy of his expression of advanced Buddhist teaching is praiseworthy. Serious Buddhist students will welcome this fresh opening to an important Tibetan Buddhist text—it's good medicine. (June 12)