Terton Migyur Dorje revealed the Namcho treasure teachings while in a three-year retreat that began when he was only thirteen. The Namcho treasures later became the main teachings and practices of the Palyul Nyingma lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism.

This book brings together two texts that have inspired countless practitioners in this lineage. The first text tells the life story of Migyur Dorje. It was composed by Karma Chagme, who first recognized the seven-year-old Migyur Dorje as an exceptional tulku and terton and prepared him to be a major treasure revealer. In telling this story, Karma Chagme reveals his love and concern for the precocious young boy. He weaves an inspiring and captivating tale of wonder and magic, enlightened deities and threatening demons, prophetic dreams and extraordinary visions.

The second text is the famous commentary on the Namcho preliminary practice by Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Migyur Dorje's main student and the first throne holder of the Palyul lineage. It explains the foundational practice that should be completed before pursuing more advanced tantric practices: the four contemplations that turn the mind to dharma and the fivefold practice of taking refuge, arousing bodhichitta, mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification, and Guru Yoga.

Sky Dharma: The Foundations of the Namcho Treasure Teachings, Karma Chagme and Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Snow Lion Publications, Hardcover; 528 pages, $39.95

Karma Chagme (1613-1678) was a scholar and meditation master, versed in both the Nyingma and Karma Kagyu traditions. While in a thirteen-year retreat, he recognized and enthroned Migyur Dorje, the great terton, when Migyur Dorje was ten years old. Karma Chagme offered the child profound empowerments and teachings, and while they were in retreat together, he wrote down the Namcho cycle of teachings, as they were revealed and dictated to him by Migyur Dorje, comprising thirteen volumes.