An extraordinary collection of writings on buddha nature by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339)--now in paperback.

The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's unique and balanced view synthesizes Yogacara Madhyamaka and the classical teachings on buddha nature. His work focuses on the transition from ordinary deluded consciousness to enlightened wisdom, the characteristics of buddhahood, and a buddha's enlightened activity. Included are commentaries by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye that supplement the view of the Third Karmapa on two fundamental treatises on buddha nature, emphasizing the luminous empty mind of buddha nature as presented by the great Indian masters Maitreya and Asanga. For those practicing the sutrayana and the vajrayana in the Kagyu tradition, what these texts describe can be transformed into living experience.
Luminous Heart: Essential Writings of Rangjung Dorje, the Third Karmapa; Karl Brunnholzl (translator), Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 504 pp, $32.95

The Third Karmapa, Ranjung Dorje (1284-1339) was a scholar of fabled erudition. He mastered texts and teachings across sectarian boundaries, wrote treatises on medicine and astrology, built monasteries, and was spiritual advisor to the last Yuan emperor.

Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-1899) was a versatile and prolific scholar. He has been characterized as a "Tibetan Leonardo" because of his significant contributions to religion, education, medicine, and politics.

Karl Brunnholzl (translator) was trained as a physician and presently works as a Tibetan translator and Buddhist teacher. He studied Tibetology, Buddhology, and Sanskrit at Hamburg University and Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Marpa Institute for Translators in Kathmandu. Currently he works as a translator and interpreter for Nalandabodhi and the Nitartha Institute. He is the author and translator of over 10 volumes on Buddhist philosophy.