From two time-honored Buddhist masters come these practical instructions for pursuing a spiritual path. Golden Zephyr is a step-by-step outline of the vast scope of Buddhist teachings. The book offers translations from the original Tibetan of two classical works, Nagarjuna's "A Letter to a Friend" and Lama Mipham's commentary, 'The Garland of White Lotus Flowers." Nagarjuna, the Father of Mahayana Buddhism, originally wrote his 'Letter" to a close friend, instructing and encouraging him to practice the Dharma in his daily life. Through his common-sense analysis of the human situation we are able to unwind the frustration and confusion which we normally experience. Nagarjuna progressively develops in his "Letter' the inner understanding that preceded and accompanied the Buddha's own enlightenment.

The enduring insight and conciseness of Nagarjuna's presentation prompted Lama Mi-pham, one of the most brilliant Tibetan lamas of the last century, to expand the original text for the edification of his own students. In his commentary Mi-pham interweaves an explanation of the Buddhist path, which refers to a continual unfolding of our inner potential. So, these instructions from a spiritual friend are aimed at a 'new vision', beyond confusion and doubt, which leads to a deep and satisfying joy'.
Golden Zephyr, Nagarjuna & Lama Mipham, Dharma Publishing, 165 pages, $14.95

Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche (1864-1912) was a great master of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the leading figures in the Ri-me (non-sectarian) movement in Tibet. He is an exceptional treasure of wisdom, compassion and scholarship. HIs accomplishments in practice, learning, composition and teaching are immense.

Nagarjuna (circa 2nd Centry C.E.), one of Buddhism's greatest philosophers, has held continuous attention of Buddhist scholars in Asia since his own day. Even today he comamnds the greatest attention in the Western world insfoar as philosophic Mahayana tradition is concerned. Though he did not establish a school of a system fo thought as such, he did attract such overwhelming interest and appeal on the part of the masses by way of his unique writings that a tradition of a sort soon arose during his lifetime and a large following in consquence of it. His ideas though subtle and profound, carried such deep understanding and implications of fundamental Buddhist truths that they will influence, one way or another, all or most the subsequent Mahayana developments in India, China, Tibet, Korea and Japan.

Leslie Kawamura (translator) is a Buddhist priest of the Pure Land School. He received a Master's degree from Koto University and is a teaching fellow at the University of Saskatchewan. He is co-translator with Herbert V. Guenther of Mind in Buddhist Psychology.