The Song of Lodro Thaye is a doha or song of realization written by the First Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. This song is published in The Rain of Wisdom (Shambhala) and in Cloudless Sky (Shambhala) where it appears along with a commentary by the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. In these recordings, The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche's commentary begins with an extensive and moving teaching on the relationship between devotion and realization as taught in the homage stanza of Jamgon Kongtrul's song.

This is followed by commentary on the Ground Mahamudra verses, including the importance of meditating with the view, how the essence of cognitive mind manifests, the reasons why we fail to recognize mind's true nature, and how ignorance, confusion and wisdom arise. Rinpoche explains that the key point or supreme view of ground Mahamudra is recognizing the various magical displays of samsara and nirvana to be self liberated.

These talks include advice on bringing teachings to bear on the problems we face in daily life. Rinpoche teaches with humor and deep insight. These talks include a practice session and several opportunities for questions. Taught entirely in English.


Song of Lodro Thaye, 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.