Mahamudra and Atiyoga are particular forms of Buddhist spirituality: Mahamudra, the �Great Seal�, is considered by Tibetan teachers to be the essence of both the short path and the final instructions that conclude the gradual common and esoteric paths of Buddhist doctrines; Atiyoga or �Extreme Union� represents the Buddhist Dzogchen or �Great Completeness� doctrine. This volume comprises commentaries on and the transliteration of some ancient Tibetan texts, authored by Buddhist mystics and Tantric teachers of Mahamudra and Atiyoga. Translated from the Italian, the book is based on oral instructions received by the author from Tibetan teachers. It discusses the insights of the sacred texts and the commentaries on them with respect to the nature of consciousness and phenomenal existence, meditation on guru and deity, Tantric sexuality, and the introduction to and realization of non-dual awareness. Simple to understand, the commentaries explain the many meanings of the texts and the symbols and images used. They motivate readers to observe for themselves and personally experience the significance of the traditions and the application of their methods of practice. The volume will be useful to all students and scholars of Buddhist studies, particularly of the Buddhist Tantric tradition, and of Tibetan religion and culture.

Mahamudra and Atiyoga, Giuseppe Baroetto, D.K. Printworld, Hardcover, 2005, 186 Pages, $17.50

Giuseppe Baroetto was born in turin (Italy) in 1959. He graduated in philosophy at the Oriental University Institute of Naples, where he prepared his thesis on Tibetan Buddhism with Prof. Namkhai Norbu. Subsequently he undertook in greater depth his study and practice of the Indo-Tibetan spiritual traditions of Mahamudra and Dzogchen with various Buddhist and Bonpo masters. In Italy he has had published translations of some significant essential texts of these traditions together with the direct oral instructions of his masters. On this foundation he established in 2003 the Ati Rime School, with the aim to study and practise Atiyoga with a fresh approach of renewed openness.

Prologue

I. MAHAMUDRA

1. Premise
2. Advice on the Great Seal
3. Commentary
4. The Treasury of Hymns
5. Commentary

II. ATIYOGA

1. Premise
2. The Introduction to Awareness
3. Commentary

III. APPENDICES
(Transliteration of the Tibetan Texts)

Appendix 1 - Phyag rgya chen po'i man ngag
Appendix 2 - Do ha mdzod ces bya ba/
Appendix 3 -: Zab chos zhi khro Dgongs pa rang grol las:
Appendix 4 - Kun byed rgyal po

Index