H.H. the Fourteenth Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama is considered the foremost Buddhist leader of our time. The exiled spiritual head of the Tibetan people, he is a Nobel Peace Laureate, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, and a remarkable teacher and scholar who has authored over one hundred books.

Nyoshul Khenpo

Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje (1932–1999) was one of the lineage holders in the Dzogchen tradition known as Longchen Nyingthig, the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse, which descends from Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa. Born in Derge, East Tibet, he escaped to India in 1959. He trained many of the current generation of Dzogchen teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, and others.

Thupten Jinpa

Thupten Jinpa received his early education in the classical Tibetan system and holds a Lharam degree (the Tibetan equivalent to a doctorate in divinity) as well as a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where he also worked as a research fellow at Girton College. He has been the principal English translator for the Dalai Lama since 1986. He is currently the president of the newly established Institute of Tibetan Classics dedicated to translating key Tibetan classics into contemporary languages. He lives in Montreal, Canada, with his wife and two young children.

Richard Barron (Chokyi Nyima)

Richard Barron (Chökyi Nyima) has studied and translated Tibetan Buddhist texts for over thirty years. He completed the first three-year retreat held for Western students under the direction of Kalu Rinpoché. Since that time he has focused on both oral interpretation of teachings (for lamas from all four schools of the Tibetan tradition) and the translation of texts. His published translations include Buddhahood without Meditation, and he is involved in a long-term project to translate the "Seven Treasuries" of Longchenpa.

"His Holiness the Dalai Lama brings to his explanation of Dzogchen a perspective and breadth which are unique. To receive such teachings from His Holiness is, I feel, something quite extraordinary." —Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"For our time, His Holiness the Dalai Lama embodies the completely pure essence of the Buddha's wisdom and limitless compassion for all beings. His knowledge of the teachings of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism in general and the Dzogchen teachings in particular is impeccable. His deep understanding and generosity of spirit make him an unerring and reliable guide through the subtleties of the profound vehicle of Tibetan Buddhist practice known as Dzogchen. Students are fortunate to have access to this collection of rare teachings—the most direct teachings available on mind's true nature—and through them to meet such an extraordinary teacher." —The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

"For unsurpassed, highest, perfect scholarship, Dzogchen comes as near as language permits us to discussing the ineffable." —Bloomsbury Review

"In this beautifully translated and edited volume, His Holiness, foremost proponent of the Ri-me movement in contemporary Buddhism, displays his enormous erudition, profound insight, and inexhaustible good humor in illuminating the profound theory and practice of Dzogchen. This work is a genuine treasure for scholars and contemplatives alike." —B. Alan Wallace

"H.H. the Dalai Lama, Buddhist leader and world peacemaker, sets forth herein perfectly clear instructions for the attainment of buddha mind and the heart essence of dzogchen. Studying, contemplating, and meditating on these teachings will reveal the true meaning of precious human life. This book is a beacon for the new millennium!" —Khenpo Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche

"What greater treasure than this volume hosting four separate teachings on Dzogchen, given by the Dalai Lama to Western students?" —Sangha Journal

"He offers here not only luminous insight into the heart of spiritual practice but also practical advice on how to bring such teachings into daily life. His humor adds a warm grace note throughout. Clear, easy to understand, . . . a perfect book for our times." —Tricycle

"This is a book of uncommon richness and a remarkable testimony to His Holiness's learning insight and many-sided genius." —Branches of Light, the semiannual review journal of Banyen Books

"A brilliant explanation of Dzogchen, presented with a unique perspective and breadth." —Mandala: A Tibetan Buddhist Journal