Based on the firm foundation of intellectual study and contemplation, Mountain Retreat Instructions (Richo) is a meditation manual that brings forth vivid realization, making the results of meditation more tangible in your experience. These teachings directly usher the realization of loving-kindness, compassion, and respect, while going beyond all ego-clinging and grasping.

Throughout Buddhist history--including when Buddhism came to Tibet from the Holy Land of India--combining intellectual study with meditation was the essential practice. In particular, Richo was very openly used in all the Practice Lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, especially the Nyingma and Kagyu schools. The teachings always mention that individuals should spend time in hermitages and go to the mountains until they stabilize their realization because there are fewer distractions. Mountain retreat means "hermitage"--it is one of the best places to make yourself strong so you are not disturbed by all the fears and habitual patterns that are not healthy for anyone.

Practicing in a hermitage makes it easier for the old habitual patterns that prevent our realization and disturb our peace of mind to subside. That is why the Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava always recommended practicing in mountain retreat. Many teachers gave Mountain Retreat teachings, and among them, these instructions were taught by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, one of the great masters of the 20th century who was predicted by Guru Padmasambhava. Includes a complete translation of Mountain Retreat Instructions by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche.

Inborn Realization: A Commentary on His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche's Mountain Retreat Instructions, Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, Dharma Samudra, 2016, Paperback, 344 pp, $22.00

TSEWANG DONGYAL RINPOCHE (1950-) was born in eastern Tibet. He received his B.A. from Tibetan University in 1975, and completed an additional B.A. and M.A. from the Nyingmapa University in West Bengal in 1977. In 1978, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche enthroned him as a Nyingmapa abbot. Afterwards he traveled and studied for many years with H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, as well as with his brother, Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche, and his father, Lama Chimed Namgyal. In 1988, he and Khenchen Rinpoche founded the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, which now has centers worldwide. He has co-authored over 25 books in English with Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche. As a holder of the complete Nyingmapa lineage, Khenpo Tsewang Rinpoche is an expert of all the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana schools, and is a Dzogchen master.

Preface	ix
Editor's Introduction	xiii
Root Text: The Mountain Retreat by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche	xvii
Chapter 1: The Mountain Retreat, Gratitude, and Devotion	1
Chapter 2: Bodhichitta, Humility, and Realization	5
Chapter 3: This Precious and Impermanent Life	9
Chapter 4: The Preparation	15
Chapter 5: Rooting the Practice	19
Chapter 6: Asanga	25
Chapter 7: Obstacles are Opportunities	33
Chapter 8: Attachment and Beyond	41
Chapter 9: The Qualified Guru and Student	47
Chapter 10: Courage, Commitment, and Retreat	51
Chapter 11: Reviving the Practice and Importance of Place	57
Chapter 12: Ngondro	63
Chapter 13: Two Ways to Embody the Teachings	77
Chapter 14: The View	83
Chapter 15: Manifestations of the Mind	97
Chapter 16: The View Revisited and How to Keep It	105
Chapter 17: Meditation	113
Chapter 18: Meditation Continued	121
Chapter 19: Action	127
Chapter 20: More Action	135
Chapter 21: Tasting Molasses and Other Experiences	141
Chapter 22: An Old Friend, a Snake, and a Thief in an Empty House	149
Chapter 23: Clarifying Relaxation: A Reminder	153
Chapter 24: Post-Meditation: Dreams, Vows, and Samayas	157
Chapter 25: The Vows and Samayas of the Five Buddha Families	163
Chapter 26: View and Conduct	167
Chapter 27: The Majesty of Guru Yoga	169
Chapter 28: More Tips	173
Chapter 29: The Sangha	177
Chapter 30: The Ten Non-Virtues and The Ten Virtues	181
Chapter 31: The Only Three Things to Consider	191
Chapter 32: the Four Modes of Liberation and Signs of Progress	195
Chapter 33: The Four Demons	199
Chapter 34: Integrating Preparation, the Main Practice, and Post-Meditation	209
Chapter 35: Skillful Means and Wisdom	213
Chapter 36: The Ever-Present Ground	217
Chapter 37: Preparing for Death and Togal	223
Chapter 38: Epilogue	229
Dedication of Merit	233
APPENDICES
Glossary	237
List of Figures	265
Padma Samye Ling Shedra Series	275
Other Publications by the Authors	277
Opening the Door of the Dharma Treasury Practice Guides	279
Padmasambhava Buddhist Center	281