Luminous Essence is a complete introduction to the world of tantric thought and practice. Composed by the renowned Tibetan master Jamgon Mipham (1846-1912), the text provides an overview of the theory and experiential assimilation of a seminal tantric scripture, the Tantra of the Secret Essence (Guhyagarbha Tantra). Embodying the essence of tantric practice, this text has been a central scripture in Tibetan Buddhism for well over a thousand years.

Mipham's explanation of this text, here translated for the first time, is one of the most celebrated commentaries on the Tantra of the Secret Essence, which today occupies an important place in the tantric curriculum of Tibetan monastic colleges. Luminous Essence is a specialized guide meant for initiated tantric practitioners. To fully appreciate and assimilate its message, it should be studied under the guidance of a qualified teacher by those who have received the appropriate empowerments, reading transmissions, and oral instructions.

Jamgon Mipham (1846-1912), one of the greatest scholars of nineteenth-century Tibet, displayed a universal genius, writing brilliant commentaries on all aspects of Buddhist theory and practice. A central master of the Rime movement, his significance for the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism can hardly be overestimated.

The Dharmachakra Translation Committee s committed to making Buddhist classics available to modern readers in their native languages. Working under the guidance and supervision of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, the Committee draws its inspiration from the vision, commitment, and magnificent achievements of past Buddhist translators.

	Foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama					vii
	Introduction by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche					ix
	Translators' Introduction					xi
	Luminous Essence					1
	1.	The Magnificence of the Tantra				2
	2.	The Meaning of the Tantra				5
	1.	The Title				6
	2.	A Summary of the Essential Points of the Meaning of the Text's Subject Matter				7
	1.	The Purpose and Relevance of the Tantra				7
	2.	Presenting the Meaning of the Tantra				9
	1.	The Setting				9
	2.	The Prelude				11
	3.	The Meaning of the Tantra				12
	1.	A General Presentation of the Principles of the Three Continua				12
	1.	The Ground Continuum				12
	1.	The Natural Mandala of the Ground				12
	2.	How Delusion Arises				13
	3.	Delusion and the Natural Ground				14
	4.	The Reversal of Delusion				15
	2.	The Path Continuum				16
	1.	The Essence of the Path				16
	2.	The Divisions of the Path				17
				3	The Nine Vehicles	23
			2	Means and Liberation		27
	3.	Traversing the Path				29
	3.	The Fruition Continuum				35
	2.	Specific Explanation of the Path Continuum				37
	1.	Various Classification Schemes				37
	2.	The Present Context				38
	1.	View				38
	2.	Absorption				68
	3.	Conduct				77
	4.	Mandala				84
	5.	Empowerment				88
	6.	Samayas				93
	7.	Accomplishment				112
	8.	Offerings				123
	9.	Enlightened Activity				130
	10.	Mudr&abar;				138
	11.	Mantra				144
	4.	Conclusion: The Full and Complete Entrustment				159
	1.	Entrusting the Profound Meaning of the Tantra in a Nondual Manner				159
	2.	The Superiority of the Recipients to Whom This Tantra Is Entrusted				162
	3.	Extensive Explanation of the Meaning Expressed through the Words of the Tantra				165
	Appendices
Appendix A	Topical Outline of Luminous Essence					169
Appendix B	Expanded Outline of the Topic "The Present Context" from the Topical Outline of Luminous Essence					171
Appendix C	Visual Outline of Luminous Essence					175