According to the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, the teachings of Dzogchen, "the Great Perfection," were first expounded by the Buddhist master Garab Dorje in the country of Uddiyana. This tradition of Buddhist teachings, which directly introduces the practitioner to the Nature of Mind, was then transmitted to India and later to Tibet. The essence of Garab Dorje's message is found in the "The Three Statements that Strike the Essential Points." In the nineteenth century, the famous master Patrul Rinpoche wrote a brilliant commentary on these three statements together with the practices relating to them, entitled "The Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorius King." These important Dzogchen texts are translated from the Tibetan; notes, commentaries, and glossary of terms are also included.

Golden Letters, Translation, Introduction and commentaries by John Myrdhin Reynolds, Snow Lion Publications, 389 pages, $18.95.