The Nature of Mind
By Patrul Rinpoche
By Khenchen Palden Sherab
By Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal
Patrul Rinpoche, the beloved nineteenth-century master best known for Words of My Perfect Teacher, collected the teachings of the tenth-century adept Aro Yeshe Jungne and synthesized them into the short text translated here as Clear Elucidation of True Nature. How to put these essential teachings into practice is the subject of the lively commentary by the two Khenpo brothers, the late Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche.
The Dzogchen meditation instructions of the Aro lineage are divided into nine sets, or nine levels, with specific instructions for each on how to identify the nature of the mind, how to abide in it as a way of life, and how to liberate turbulent thoughts and emotions when they arise. The commentary enfolds this instruction into a broad general teaching suitable for beginners that serves as an introduction to Dzogchen meditation, to the Nyingma tradition, and to basic Buddhism.
"I am so happy to hear that this book is being published! Having such texts is our great good fortune. Patrul Rinpoche was a living buddha, a bodhisattva in the flesh, so of course his teaching can be trusted and relied on completely. He wouldn’t lie to us! Moreover, Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal are exceptional, compassionate masters of our time, not ordinary lamas. I think there is no better way to practice than by following their commentary precisely. It is my prayer that these teachings not only will be read widely but also that each practitioner will bring them into their heart with faith and sincerity." —Gyatrul Rinpoche, author of Meditation, Transformation, and Dream Yoga
"Aro Yeshe Jungne’s inspirational teachings on the nature of mind, which derive from the mind class of the Great Perfection, flourished during the tenth to twelfth centuries. A native of Langtang Dolma on the banks of the Yangtze in Kham, Aro possessed the instructions of seven successive masters of both Indian and Chinese lineages. His teachings were revived during the nineteenth century when they were recompiled by Patrul Rinpoche. Aro offers access to the Dzogchen perspectives on the nature of mind to persons of nine different capacities, ranging from those in whom this realization is spontaneously and effortlessly present to those who acquire it through the applications of calm abiding and superior insight. The present volume contains Sarah Harding’s clear and lucid translation of Patrul Rinpoche’s work, along with the contemporary oral commentary of the late Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. It is through their kindness that these vital teachings are now widely accessible." —Gyurme Dorje, translator of The Complete Nyingma Tradition from Sutra to Tantra: Books 15 to 17: The Essential Tantras of Mahayoga