This text represents the unity of Mahamudra (Gampopa) and Dzogchen (Longchenpa).Rinpoche teaches on this text from a practice perspective. In order to make the text more understandable, he provides an outline of the text, identifying the topics presented in each group of verses. Rather than approach the text with a line by line explanation, Rinpoche teaches the essence of what appears in the text and provides profound and detailed instruction on how we can practice these materials in our daily life. For example, Mind Moving Towards the Dharma begins with reflecting on precious human birth.

Rinpoche teaches that what makes this birth precious is the opportunity to mix mind with the dharma in every moment. Engaging in that practice will make our lives meaningful and beneficial. Similarly, reflecting on Karma, Cause and Result becomes an opportunity to see the causes of suffering in our own lives, abandon those habitual patterns, and try something else for a change, such as compassion, generosity, and caring for others to see what happens. The entire text is presented in this way, outlined to assist our understanding, and explained in terms of the essence of the meaning together with instructions for putting the material into practice. In this way, and with clarity and humor, Rinpoche teaches us how the mind moves toward the dharma, how dharma progresses along the path, how the path clarifies confusion, and how confusion dawns as wisdom.

Several question and answer sessions provide Rinpoche's answers to questions practitioners raise. This teaching and the Longchenpa text are appropriate for both beginning and advanced practitioners. The text and Rinpoche's teaching are excellently translated by Christopher Stagg. Five talks on five DVDs.

Precious Garland of the Four Dharmas of Gampopa, Ponlop Rinpoche, Vajra Echoes, 5 DVDs, 8 hrs., $60.00

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Fluent in English and well-versed in Western culture, Rinpooche has worked to develop and adapt traditional Tibetan education curriculums for Western audiences. Nitartha Institute (www.nitharthainstitute.org), where Rinpoche is the main teacher, provides a focused Buddhist studies program. Rinpoche is a visiting professor of buddhist philosopy at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. In 1997, Rinpoche founded Nalanabodhi to preserve the genuine lineage of the Nyingma and Kagyu Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. There are Nalandabodhi centers in North America and Europe, and curriculum materials are available to people worldwide.