Two of the key teachings in the Kagyu system are the hearing lineage Chakrasamvara and Vajrayogini teachings which Tilopa obtained in person by storming the palaces of Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi respectively. The instructions received from Vajravarahi became known as the dharmakaya teaching of the Bodyless Dakini and the teachings were passed down in what is known as the Dakini Hearing Lineage.

The Dakini Hearing lineage is one of the root teachings of the Kagyu. It is a very important teaching for any Kagyu practitioner but especially for anyone doing the Vajrayogini or Chakrasamvara practices.

This book is a major exposition of the Kagyu Dakini Hearing lineage teaching. It begins with a long introduction to the Dakini Hearing Lineage. The introduction gives the history of the teachings and its transmission, principal figures involved, the texts of the system, and a great deal of background information. It also tells the story of the criticisms levelled at the system by the Sakya Pandita and the very strong refutation of his criticisms by the famous fourth Drukchen, Padma Karpo. Three key texts of the system are presented in the body of the book. The first text is the very root of the Bodyless Dakini dharma, the original teaching spoken out of empty space by Vajravarahi to Tailopa, and the teachings that he in turn spoke out of empty space to Naropa. Following that, there is the original Indian sadhana for the practice. Then comes a very long explanatory text called The Thorough Explanation by Padma Karpo that shows the whole path of realization of these Vajrayogini teachings.

The book is a handbook of the Bodyless Vajrayogini teachings that contains much information that will be of interest to Vajrayogini and Chakrasamvara practitioners. The book will be of general interest to all Kagyu followers. It will also be of interest to Sakya followers and to historians interested in Sakya Pandita's attacks on the Kagyu lineage. It will be of special interest to followers of the Drukpa Kagyu.

One of the interesting features of the book is the inclusion of a major text of Drukchen Padma Karpo. The Drukchens have been the heads of the Drukpa Kagyu for many centuries. All of them are known for their knowledge and realization. However, Padma karpo stands out as the great writer of the lineage. His works were so well-written and well-informed that he quickly became one of the greatest authors not just of his own Drukpa Kagyu lineage but of the Kagyu tradition as a whole. The work of his included in this book is one of his major works.

The following texts are included:
-- The Root Vajra Verses called The Dharma of the Bodyless Glorious Vajradakini, one of the root texts from India that establishes the Bodyless Dakini dharma
-- The Sadhana Called Bodyless Dakini, another of the root texts from India that establishes the Bodyless Dakini dharma
-- Tincture of Dharma, A Thorough Explanation of the Bodyless Dakini Dharma by All-Knowing Padma Karpo, one of the most complete and important Tibetan commentaries on the original Indian Bodyless Dakini dharma texts

The author, well-known translator and teacher Tony Duff has practised extensively with Gelug, Kagyu, and Nyingma traditions. He has been translating, teaching, and practising in these schools for thirty-five years. He is well known for his teaching, contributions to the translation of Tibetan Buddhism, and major works in preserving and re-publishing Tibetan Buddhist texts.

	Contents: The Bodyless Dakini Dharma: The Dakini hearing Lineage of the Kagyus
	Introduction	v
	The Root Vajra Verses	1
	The Sadhana of the One Called "Bodyless Dakini"	0
	"Tincture of Dharma", A Thorough Explanation of the Bodyless Dakini Dharma by All-Knowing Padma Karpo	17
	Glossary	131
	Supports for Study	147
	Index	151