The Magical Key is a concise text written by Khenpo Gangshar Wangpo presenting the philosophical schools, focusing primarily on the profound definitive meaning of the Great Middle Way. Thrangu Rinpoche stated that Khenpo Gangshar held the lineage of teachings of Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche. He also was one of the most influential teachers of Chgyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Thrangu Rinpoche. This text by Khenpo Gangshar was recently discovered and translated into English. Understanding the view is an essential foundation for developing genuine direct experience and realization when practicing Mahamudra and Dzogchen. In these talks, Thrangu Rinpoche presents the view based on teachings he received directly from Khenpo Gangshar. Rinpoche briefly explains five non-Buddhist Schools as well as the Vaibhashika, Sautantrika and Chittmatra (Mind Only) schools of Buddhism. The primary focus of these teachings, however, is on the Middle Way Schools of the Mahayana. Khenpo Gangshar's text skillfully presents the meaning of the Great Other Empty Middle Way School and its relationship to the Self Empty Middle Way School. Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary clarifies this text making Khenpo Gangshar's profound teaching accessible. Translation by David Karma Choephel. 9 talks on MP3 CD

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.


Khenpo Gangshar Wangpo (b. 1925- ?) - a renowned master of the 'crazy wisdom' approach, who was connected with Shechen Monastery. He was a root teacher of both Thrangu Rinpoche and Chgyam Trungpa Rinpoche. For a while it was thought that after the Chinese invasion of Tibet he died in prison between 1958 and 1961. However, it has also been reported that he in fact survived 22 years of imprisonment, and passed away in 1980 or 81, before any of his former students could contact him.