The following article is from the Autumn, 1994 issue of the Snow Lion Newsletter and is for historical reference only. You can see this in context of the original newsletter here. |
trans. & intro. by Ngawang Zangpo
ISBN 1-559394)29-8 255 pp., $15.95
The Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Himalayan tantric Buddhism require a long period of intensive training in meditationa three-year, three-month retreatbefore a practitioner is considered to be a qualified teacher. Jamgon Kongtrul's Retreat Manual was written in the mid-nineteenth century for those who wish to embark on this rigorous training. It guides them in preparing for retreat, pro vides full details of the program of meditation and offers advice for their re-entry into the world.
Jamgon Kongtrul's Retreat Manual also introduces us to one of the towering figures of nineteenth-century Tibet: Jamgon Kongtrul the Great (1813-1899). The three-year retreat center he describes in this book was his creation, and its program consisted of those practices Kongtrul treasured enough to pass on to future generations through the spiritual leaders he trained.
Jamgon Kongtrul's.
Retreat Manual
The translation of this text allows the reader a unique and unlimited view inside the secluded walls of one of Tibet's most influential meditation training centers
Ngawang Zangpo (Hugh Leslie Thompson) completed two three-year retreats under the direction of the late Kalu Rinpochay. He contributes to the work of Kalu Rinpochay's translation committee in Sonada, India.
Here is the table of contents to show you how remarkable this book is:
Preface
Translator's Introduction
The Three-Year, Three-Fortnight Retreat
Retreat Centers: Their Physical Setting
The Time Period of the Retreat
Retreat Centers and Gender
Meditation Training in Retreat
Jamgon Kongtrul's Life and Work as Related to the Retreat
Kongtrul's Non-Sectarian View and His Retreat Program
Kongtrul's Life and the Non-Sectarian View
The Evolution of Kongtrul's Retreat Center
The Three-Year Retreat at Tsadra Rinchen Drak and the
Remainder of Kongtrul's Life
Kongtrul's Retreat Center After Kongtrul
Jamgon Kongtrul's Retreat Manual
Invocation and Resolution
Introduction
I. Preparation for and Entrance into Retreat
Mental Preparation
Practical Preparation
Entrance into Retreat
II. Life Within Retreat
1. The Main Program of the Retreat
The Preliminary Practices
The Origin of the Oral Instruction Lineage of the Karmapas
Manuals Used During the Preliminary Practices
The Buddha's Word as Instruction Lineage
The Importance of the Preliminary Practices
The Retreat Program for the Preliminary Practices
The Shangpa Instruction Lineage
The Origin of the Lineage
The Main Meditations of the Lineage
Later History of the Lineage
The Retreat Program
The Vajra Yoga Instruction Lineage
The Origin of the Lineage
The Main Meditations of the Lineage
Later History of the Lineage
The Intensive Practice Instruction Lineage
The Retreat Program
The Ancient Instruction Lineage
The Origin of the Lineage
The Source of the Meditations
The Treasury of Rediscovered Teachings
The Retreat Program
Additional Practices Performed During the Retreat
Exit from the Retreat
2. The Daily Schedule
Background Information
The Severance Instruction Lineage
The Order of the Yoga of the Four Daily Meditation Sessions
3. Extra Monthly and Yearly Rituals
Background Information
The Monthly Program of Memorial Offerings and Extra Rituals
Extra Offering Practices and Offerings Performed on a Yearly Basis
4. The Retreatant of the Protector Temple
Background Information
The Program for the Retreatant of the Protector Temple
5. General Rules of Conduct and Discipline
The Most Crucial Advice for Life in Retreat
III. Words of Advice for Life After Retreat
Dedication and Colophon
Appendix 1: Books Referred to in the Introductory Sections
Appendix 2: Books and Prayers Mentioned in the Retreat Manual
Appendix 3: Persons Mentioned in the Retreat Manual
Appendix 4: Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Deities, and Practices
Mentioned in the Retreat Manual
Index