Thrangu Rinpoche

Written in a smooth vernacular style this guide has been coherently edited from 2 seminars in 1988/89. It draws on information on meditation from the 8th chapter of Jamgon Kongtrul's text 'Treasury of Knowledge' from the Kagyu lineage. However its clear explanations and practical examples and stories make it both concise and relatable.
There is a general introduction on the need for meditation. Then:
Part 1. has 2 sections: 'Samatha- Tranquility meditation' and on 'Identifying experiences in meditation'.
Part 2. Vipasyana- Insight meditation.
Part 3. the Union of Samatha and Vipasyana… (more)

Do different Tibetan Buddhist traditions share an essential, common view?

The great Geluk scholar Changkya Rolpay Dorje (1717-1786) wrote a song describing the view of the Middle Way, comparing it to a mother. Later, the nonsectarian polymath Ju Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912) and the influential Kagyu master Ch gyam Trungpa Rinpoche (1939-1987) wrote songs modeled upon it that describe the views of dzogchen and mahamudra, one comparing dzogchen to a jewel and the other comparing mahamudra to a lover. Even though the imagery and the specific points each author makes are different, the songs share many characteristics in structure and content. Read together, the three songs show how the essential points of these three practices are the same and reveal how Buddhism's various traditions--including the pinnacles of the Middle Way, dzogchen, and mahamudra--are harmonious.

The three songs are presented with a commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, who explains how studying the profound view helps develop the certainty that is necessary to bring meditation practice to fruition. He shows how songs such as these can serve as antidotes to discouragement and provide help to people who have had strong meditation experiences but find themselves unable to sustain a high level of practice. Thrangu Rinpoche explains that, in comparison to oral instructions and treatises, songs of this kind are of special benefit because of their engaging eloquence. The songs are not long, and they are a delight to read, reread, and memorize. By clarifying the view again and again in this way, they offer continual inspiration to practitioners.… (more)

This renowned teacher presents his explication of an important text on mahamudra. Written teachings on mahamudra, one of the most important meditation practices of Tibetan Buddhism, are often not available to general audiences, and therefore what Khenchen Thrangu provides here is unique- clear instructions on the technique by a contemporary master of the tradition who makes this profound Buddhist practice accessible to practitioners at all levels. In this new book, he brings to light the basics for practicing and understanding mahamudra in a way that is warm and full of humor.The root text is the longest and most comprehensive of the three well- known treatises on mahamudra that were composed by the widely known ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje (1556- 1603).Thrangu's teachings span the entire path of mahamudra, including the particular preliminaries, the main practice, removing obstacles, and attaining the result (buddhahood)- with detailed instruction in meditation and the insight of meditative awareness.… (more)

In the summer of 1957, the revered Buddhist teacher and scholar Khenpo Gangshar foresaw the difficulties that would soon fall upon Tibet and began teaching in a startling new way that enabled all those who heard him to use the coming difficulties as the path of Dharma practice. The teaching consisted of the essential points of mahamudra and dzogchen, both view and practice, presented in a way that made them easy for anyone to use, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche was one of the grateful recipients of these teachings, which he regards as among the most important he has ever been given. He transmits them here, for the benefit of all of us who strive to practice in challenging times. They include contemplations on the ephemeral nature of both joy and suffering, meditations for resting the mind, and guidance for cultivating equanimity in any situation.… (more)