Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata is a text that is very brief and direct in its presentation and is included within the class of oral instructions. It is a work which clearly portrays the character of nothing less than non-conceptual original wisdom, the point of utmost profundity within the Mahayana.

With regard to meditation, there are the particular traditions, views and practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, the basis of which are the teachings of the Buddha and the commentaries or shastras on those by the great masters. In order to achieve the high view of Mahamudra or Dzogchen we need to cut our doubts, hinderances and aberrations, which is accomplished by listening to and contemplating the Mahayana dharma.

Realizing dharmata or the nature of mind is what is to be known and this we understand through hearing and thinking about it. Nevertheless, due to the obstruction of conventional appearances we are not able to realize this. If we can realize this profound nature then we will naturally separate from confusion and conventional appearances. Thus, this text, Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata, is devoted to identifying exactly what is conventionally true and what is ultimately true. So this text is extremely important for all those who wish to practice the meditations of Mahamudra and Dzogchen.
Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata, A Commentary on The Treatise of Maitreya, Thrangu Rinpoche, Zhisil Chokyi GhaTsal, Paperback, 2004, 232 Pages, $26.00

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oryen Trinley Dorje. Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches entensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

CONTENTS: Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata
	Foreword by Tai Situ Rinpoche	9
	Preface by Venerable Lama Shedrup	11
	Biography of Thrangu Rinpoche	13
	Outline of the Root Text	15
	Root Text of Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata	17
	Mipham Rinpoche's General Introduction	59
CHAPTER ONE
	An Introduction to the Text	65
CHAPTER TWO
	Brief Presentation of the Text	77
CHAPTER THREE
	A Detailed Examination of Dharma	97
CHAPTER FOUR
	A Detailed Examination of Dharmata	121
CHAPTER FIVE
	The Transformation of Dharma into Dharmata	133
CHAPTER SIX
	The Foundation for the Transformation of Dharma into Dharmata	145
CHAPTER SEVEN
	Mental Cultivation in the Transformation of Dharma into Dharmata	167
CHAPTER EIGHT
	The Bodhisattva Levels and the Five Paths	173
CHAPTER NINE
	The Benefits of the Transformation of Dharma into Dharmata	181
CHAPTER TEN
	The Conclusion	185
	APPENDIX
	The Six Realms of Samsara	188
	The Five Paths	189
	The Bodhisattva Levels	190
	Transforming Consciousness into Wisdom	191
	Notes	193
	Glossary of Terms	205
	The Five Works of Maitreya	225
	Index	227