Compiled from numerous Tibetan and Bhutanese sources, including Longchenpa's autobiography and stories of his previous lives and subsequent rebirths, The Life of Longchenpa weaves an inspiring and captivating tale of wonder and magic, of extraordinary visions and spiritual insight, set in the kingdoms of fourteenth-century Tibet and Bhutan. It also reveals for the first time fascinating details of his ten years of self-exile in Bhutan, stories that were unknown to his Tibetan biographers.
Renowned as a peerless teacher, dedicated practitioner, and unparalleled scholar, Longchenpa thoroughly studied and mastered every one of the many Buddhist vehicles and lineages of teachings existing in Tibet at his time. Through his radiant intellect and meditative accomplishment, in both his teachings and written works, he was able to reconcile the seeming discrepancies and contradictions between the various presentations of the view and the path within the many lineages of transmission. His written works are also famous for being able to transfer true blessings just by reading or hearing his enlightened words.
A lyrical introduction by Venerable Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche on the significance of Longchenpa and the importance of his birth and teachings; an essay by the late Khenpo Shenga (1871-1927), In Praise of Longchenpa; plentiful illustrations; and a comprehensive glossary round out this compelling tale.
Life of Longchenpa : The Omniscient Dharma King of the Vast Expanse, Jampa Mackenzie Stewart, Snow Lion, 208 pp, $24.95
JAMPA MACKENZIE STEWART is a lay practitioner of the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages. His works include The Life of Gampopa and over fifty published articles on Buddhist and Taoist practice, qigong, and Chinese medicine. An acupuncturist, writer, teacher, and healer, he lives in the mountains of Crestone, Colorado.
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Contents:
Life of Longchenpa |
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| List of illustrations |
xi |
| Preface |
xiii |
| Notes on Sanskrit and Tibetan Terms |
xxi |
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| Introduction by Yangthang Tulku Rinpoche |
xxiii |
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| Prelude - From The Legend of the Great Stupa by Padmasambhava |
1 |
| 1. His Previous lives |
11 |
| 2. His Birth and Early Life |
29 |
| 3. His Early Teachers and Training |
33 |
| 4. Leaving Sangphu and Dark Retreat |
39 |
| 5. Meeting the Guru Kumaradza |
43 |
| 6. Visions and Retreats |
49 |
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| 7. Turning the Dharma Wheel |
51 |
| 8. Terma Revealations and Miraculous Events |
61 |
| 9. White Skull Snow Mountain |
67 |
| 10. Selg-Exile in Bhutan |
75 |
| 11. Return to Tibet |
85 |
| 12. Final Days and Parinirvana |
91 |
| 13. His Legacy |
107 |
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| In Praise of Longchen Rabjam by Khenpo Shenga |
133 |
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| Notes |
137 |
| Glossary |
149 |
| Bibliography |
175 |
| English Translation of Longchenpa's Writings |
177 |
| Credits |
179 |
| Index |
181 |
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