These teachings present a path for working with emotions that is firmly grounded in the teachings of the Buddhist treatises. At the same time, the format, practice category names and practice sequence used by Rinpoche to present this material are complementary to western psychology and are easily understood by western practitioners. Rinpoche's introductory talk outlines the view of emotions and methods for working with emotions in the three yanas.

The next four talks present a powerful series of practices that encourage practitioners to identify and work with their own particular patterns of emotional reactivity. These stages of practice (mindful gap, clear seeing, letting go, and bringing emotions directly into our practice) are explained with extraordinary skill and clarity. In the concluding talk, Rinpoche relates what he has taught back to the three yanas and provides instructions on taking suffering and happiness to the path. These teachings are engaging, delightful, and highly useful in a direct and personal way.

Emotions, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Six talks, 7 Audio CDs, September 23-29, 2006, Vajra Echoes, $48.00

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.