The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, the Direct Instructions of the Great Compassionate One, is a text written by Karma Chagmey, a prolific writer recognized by the Fifth Daiai Lama as an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha. This text exists in both a short and a long version. The long version is comprised of eighteen chapters. In these talks, Thrangu Rinpoche teaches extensively on the second half of the long version, which begins with a chapter on cultivating bodhichitta followed by chapters on the generation and completion stages of vajrayana practice. The text concludes with teachings on the profound practices of Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Thrangu Rinpoche's teachings and commentary on Karma Chagmey's text is penetrating, clear and accessible to western students.

Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen, Thrangu Rinpoche, Vajra Echoes, 7 DVDs, 16 hours, $130.00

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oryen Trinley Dorje. Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches entensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.