Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom contains four of the most cherished Tibetan Buddhist commentaries on the practices of visualization, mantra recitation, and meditative absorption. These three elements form the core of development stage meditation, one of the most important practices of Buddhist Tantra. The authors of these timeless classics--Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche, and Getse Mahapandita--have all profoundly shaped Tibetan Buddhism with their vast scholarship and deep spiritual realization. In these eloquent and inspiring writings, they explain the fundamental philosophy of the development stage, showing not only its profound insights into the nature of reality, but also how to make this view a living experience through the practice of meditation.

Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom, Jigme Lingpa, Patrul Rinpoche; Getse Mahapandita, Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 2020, 263 Pages, $29.95

Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798) was one of the great saints of eighteenth century Tibet. His profound spiritual revelations and erudite writings have proven to be some of the most enduring classics of the Buddhist tradition. To this day, they continue to inspire others to lead a life of meditation.

Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887) lived his life as a wandering yogi devoted to the practice of meditation. An accomplished scholar and prolific writer, he has won the hearts of many with his rare ability to present profound philosophical thought in a manner directly applicable to personal practice.

Getse Mahapandita Tsewang Chokdrub (1761-1829) revitalized the tradition of the Nyingma School through his commitment to the study and preservation of the Ancient Tantras and the revival of many Nyingma monasteries. Among his extensive literary works, his commentaries on the development stage have become central reading for numerous practitioners of Buddhist Tantra.

The Dharmachakra Translation Commitee draws its inspiration from the vision, commitment, and magnificent achievements of past Buddhist translators. Directed by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the Committee is dedicated to making Buddhist classics available to modern readers in their native languages.

	Contents: Deity, Mantra, and Wisdom
	Foreword by Trulshik Rinpoche	9
	Foreword by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche	11
	Introduction	13
	Text One & Two - Jigme Lingpa & Patrul Chokyi Wangpo Ladder to Akanistha: Instructions on the Development Stage and Deity Yoga and Clarifying the Difficult Points in the Development Stage and Deity Yoga	21
	Text Three - Patrul Chokyi Wangpo The Melody of Brahma Reveling in the Three Realms: Key Points for Meditating on the Four Stakes That Bind the Life-Force	81
	Text Four - Getse Mahapandita Tsewang Chokdrub Husks of Unity: A Clarification of the Development Stage Ritual	97
	Appendices	153
	Appendix A: Visualizing the Deity	155
	Appendix B: Topical Outline for Ladder to Akanistha	159
	Appendix C: Topical Outline for Husks of Unity	161
	Abbreviations	163
	Glossary	166
	English-Tibetan Translation Equivalents	222
	Texts Cited	234
	Bibliography	239
	Index	244