A collection of texts and commentaries from the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism on Dzogchen, or Great Perfection teachings, which introduce us to our most basic nature--the clear and pristine awareness that is the nature of the mind.

The Treasury of Precious Instructions, compiled by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye, one of Tibet's greatest Buddhist masters, is a shining jewel of Tibetan literature, presenting essential teachings from the entire spectrum of practice lineages that existed in Tibet. In its eighteen volumes, Kongtrul brings together some of the most important texts on key topics of Buddhist thought and practice as well as authoring significant new sections of his own.

Teachings and practices of the Nyingma lineage, the first of the eight lineages, are presented in the first and second volumes of the series, the second one of which is translated here. These texts are all related to the three yogas: Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Atiyoga. The first Nyingma volume includes works that are representative of the first two yogas, while this volume focuses especially on those belonging to the "pith-instruction class," specifically those related to the unsurpassed secret section--the Heart Essence, or Nyingtik. According to the understanding of the Nyingma school, the most profound tenet of the Buddha's teachings is that within the mind of every being--as its bedrock, fundamental stratum, or element--lies the buddha nature. The teachings of this volume each present this essential tenet in a variety of ways and are composed by various Tibetan and Indian masters, including the Buddha, Garab Dorje, Manjusrimitra, Srisimha, Jnanasutra, Padmasambhava, Longchen Rabjam, and Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye.

Nyingma: Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Atiyoga, Part 2: Essential Teachings of the Eight Practice Lineages of Tibet, Volume 2; Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye; Snow Lion; Hardcover; 736 pages; $49.95

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye (1813-1900) was a versatile and prolific scholar and one of the most outstanding writers and teachers of his time in Tibet. He was a pivotal figure in eastern Tibet's nonsectarian movement and made major contributions to education, politics, and medicine.

The PADMAKARA TRANSLATION GROUP, based in France, has a distinguished reputation for its translations of Tibetan texts and teachings. Its work has been published in several languages and is renowned for its clear and accurate literary style.