There is a formal, precise sequence of contemplations and practices within all of the four major lineages of Vajrayana Buddhism, usually referred to as the graduated path.

Although it has different names in each lineage - Lam rim, Path and Fruition, Words of my Perfect Teacher, and The Jewel Ornament of Liberation - this path incorporates the same sequence. All the paths begin with the contemplation on the four thoughts that turn the mind, then bodhichitta, then the meditation on the yidam deity, then a meditation on devotion to the guru, then the ultimate truth, Mahamudra, and finally the dedication.

These five elements constitute the Five-fold Path of Mahamudra by Lord Jigten Sumgon, which is the root text for this extensive commentary by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. This is an eloquent, clear and systematic explanation of the path, covering not only the essentials, but also providing wide ranging and contemporary examples and exposition. For example, karma, the kayas, the six perfections, sleep yoga, the bardo and the benefits of yidam practice are some of the topics beautifully and clearly explained.

There is also a comprehensive commentary on the Ganges Mahamudra, which is the advice given to Naropa by the MahasiddhaTilopa.

Mahamudra: EMAHO - How Amazing, His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, Zhysil Chokyi, Paperback, 2011, 135 Pages, $20.00

The book also benefits from the friendly and accessible vocabulary of Ina Bieler, the translator, and thus provides a valuable and authentic resource for both the beginning and the more mature student of Vajrayana Buddhism.

His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche is a Drikung Kagyu lama who was known in the thirteenth century as the Siddha Gar Chodingpa, a heart disciple of Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon, founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. In ancient India, he had incarnated as Mahasiddha Aryadeva, the lotus-born disciple of the great Nagarjuna. In the seventh century, he was known as Lonpo Gar, the minister of the Tibetan Dharma King Songsten Gampo. Garchen Rinpoche was recognized and enthroned in eastern Tibet by the former Drikung Kyabgon Zhiwe Lodro. When he was seven, he was brought to Lho Miyal Monastery, which he administered from the age of eleven. Studying and practicing under the direction of the Siddha Chime Dorje, Garchen Rinpoche received vast and profound instructions on the preliminary practices (ngondro), the fivefold practice of Mahamudra and ths six yogas of Naropa. Then, at the age of 22, after completing a two and a half year retreat, he was imprisoned for 20 years during the political turmoil of China's Cultural Revolution. While in the labor camp he received meditation instruction from his root lama, the Nyingma master Khenpo Munsel. Enduring hardship and practicing secretly, Garchen Rinpoche attained realization of the lama's wisdom mind. Since his release from prison in 1979, Garchen Rinpoche has made great effort to rebuild the Drikung Kagyu monasteries, reestablish the Buddhist teachings, and build two boarding schools for local children in eastern Tibet. Rinpoche is the founder and spiritual director of the Garchen Buddhist Institute in Chino Valley, Arizona. Garchen Rinpoche is known for his vast realization, as well as for his great kindness.

Contents: MAHAMUDRA - HOW AMAZING by His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche
1. Introduction	9
2. Bodhichitta	19
3. Meditation on the Yidam Deity	45
4. Guru Devotion & The Blessing Lineage	67
5. Mahamudra	93
The Ganges: Essential Instructions on Mahamudra Advice to Naropa by Mahasiddha Tilopa	94
6. Dedication	127
Notes	133
Appendix	136
About Garchen Rinpoche	138