Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind: Trilogy of Rest, Volume 1

Description

A new translation of Longchenpa's famous work that presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view combined with pith instructions pointing out the nature of one's mind. Longchenpa’s classic Buddhist manual for attaining liberation teaches us how to familiarize ourselves with our most basic nature—the clear, pristine, and aware mind. Written in the fourteenth century, this text is the first volume of Longchenpa’s Trilogy of Rest, a work of the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. This profound and comprehensive presentation of the Buddhist view and path combines the scholastic expository method with direct pith instructions designed for yogi practitioners. This first part of the Trilogy of Rest sets the foundation for the following two volumes: Finding Rest in Meditation, which focuses on Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice, and Finding Rest in Illusion, which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation to Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind along with selections from its autocommentary, The Great Chariot, which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation. Here, we find essential instructions on the need to turn away from materialism, how to find a qualified guide, how to develop boundless compassion for all beings, along with the view of tantra and associated meditation techniques. The work culminates with pointing out the result of practice as presented from the Dzogchen perspective, providing us with all the tools necessary to traverse the Tibetan Buddhist path of finding rest. Review “Rest is what we all lack most. Even more agonizing is that we don’t know how to do it; in fact, we don’t even understand what it means to rest. Who but Longchenpa can and will make absolutely sure that we finally understand what rest is?” —Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche “In his stunningly poetic exposition, the Trilogy of Rest, Gyalwa Longchenpa illumines the great path to enlightenment with unsurpassable depth and detail. Volume 1 of the trilogy, Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, sets us upon that path, grounding us from our very first steps through to the profound—showing the most profound to be grounded in unshakable simplicity. Brilliantly clarifying the complexities we create to come to this realization, Longchenpa easily and clearly reveals the concordance of the journey’s various stages. This new translation of one of the greatest classics of the Nyingma School is wonderfully accessible and a most welcome contribution filled with the rich biographical and historical details of Longchenpa’s own journey. Reading this book, one cannot help but feel the ping of recognition that goes beyond words to the heart of direct experience.” —Khandro Rinpoche “This sacred volume embodies the entire Buddhist path—from how to inspire our wild mind towards the Dharma to how to fulfill the needs of all by awakening the nature of the mind, innate Buddhahood, as it is.” —Tulku Thondup About the Author LONGCHEN RABJAM (1308–1363), also known as Longchenpa, is a great luminary of Tibetan Buddhism. He was highly skilled in all aspects of scholarship from an early age and excelled throughout his life in the practice and accomplishment of the Dharma. Regarded as a great Dzogchen master, Longchenpa had many pure visions where he was given direct instructions from Guru Padmasambhava and is recognized as an emanation of Vimalamitra. Longchenpa’s prolific writings have made him one of Tibet’s most renowned and precious teachers. The PADMAKARA TRANSLATION GROUP, based in France, has a distinguished reputation for all 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.