With commentary The Lamp Dispelling the Darkness by Rigdzin Chokyi Dragpa.

The Gongchig of the Tibetan master Jigten Sumgon conveys clearly the essence of the Buddha's teachings. It delineates the causal law of the universe, Nagarjuna's philosophy of interdependence, and opens one's mind to principles of ethics that help to guard oneself against confusion and deceit. Thus the Gongchig is a guide for every Dharma practioner - for both study and application in daily life.

This edition comprises translations of the Gongchig root text by Jigten Sumgon and of the commentary by Rigdzin Chokyi Dragpa, as well as the original Tibetan texts. It makes the work accessible even for readers who are not well versed in Buddhist philosophy.


Gongchig: The Single Intent, the Sacred Dharma, Jigten Sumgon, Garchen Stiftung, Paperback, 275 Pages, $30.00

Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217), also known as Ratnashri, is seen as a reincarnation of Nagarjuna and was the founder of the Drikung-Kagyu lineage. Even when young of age he was very respected and known as a master of great realization. When he was 25 years old he heard the name of Master Phagmodrupa and developed great faith in him simply by hearing his name. He became his disciple and practised the five-fold Mahamudra path. Later, stricken by leprosy, he retreated into the solitude of the Echung cave. As a result of his meditation on boundless compassion, his disease vanished and he realised the Dharmakaya. When he settled at Drikung a large group of followers of several thousand disciples is said to have gathered around him. His teachings are preserved in the records of his disciple Sherab Jungne.

Rigdzin Chokyi Dragpa (1595-1659), also known as Drikung Dharmakirti or the first Chungtsang Rinpoche, is regarded as a reincarnation of the Indian Siddha Saraha and was the 23rd lineage holder of the Drikung tradition. Born as the son of the 20th lineage holder, Rigdzin Chokyi Dragpa was a great scholar of the traditional sciences, a master of both Sutra and Tantra, a terton, or revealer of Dharma treasures, and author of important works, especially for the Yamantaka practice. Furthermore, he composed commentaries on the Gongchig, the Vinaya, Mahamudra as well as the Six Yogas of Naropa.