This is a Restricted Text. From the Foreword by His Holiness the Sakya Trichen: "People who are to read and recite this Ornament to Beautify the Three Continua, composed by the omniscient Ngorchen Konchok Lhundrup, the treatise for entering the main subject of the Teaching, the Path with the Result possessing eleven great features, must definitely have obtained the authentic [Hevajra] initiation. Otherwise, if you enter however you like, without anything such as the initiation, there are very grave negative consequences. So everyone should be careful." By ordering this set, you confirm that you have permission to read this text. If you don't have the initiation, you may still read the first volume, which you can find below.
This beautiful box set contains translations of two major works written by Ngorchen Konchok Lhundrup (1497-1557) to explain the teachings of the Lamdre, or Path with the Result, the most precious system of tantric theory and practice in the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Both volumes are translated by Cyrus Stearns with a foreword by His Holiness the Sakya Trichen. The first volume is also available as a standalone book, and the teachings within it may be practiced by anyone, without specific, required preparation. Because the second volume explains Vajrayana practices that require specific preparation, this is a restricted box set intended only for students who have at least received the great initiation of Hevajra.
The first volume, Ornament to Beautify the Three Appearances, explains the preliminary practices of the Lamdre. The guiding instructions on impure appearance are for the purpose of developing renunciation. These focus on the defects of samsara; the rarity, benefit, and transience of human life; and the nature of positive and negative actions and results. The guiding instructions on the appearance of the experiences are for the purpose of producing the altruistic intent. These focus on developing love, compassion, and bodhicitta and cultivating joy now about the uncommon experiences that will arise later when practicing the Vajrayana teachings. The guiding instructions on pure appearance are for the purpose of producing enthusiasm for the ultimate result of complete awakening. These briefly describe the inconceivable nature of a buddha's enlightened body, speech, and mind. This volume can be purchased separately below.
The second volume, Ornament to Beautify the Three Continua, explains the main tantric practices of the Lamdre. To study, reflect, and meditate on these, a person must first receive the Hevajra initiation and keep the sacred commitments. Three main topics are presented: the cause, the path, and the ultimate result. To understand that the abiding mode of samsara is not beyond the appearances of the mind, or the universal ground (since all the phenomena of samsara and nirvana are complete within the mind), the causal continuum of the universal ground is taught. To understand the essence of the path that is to be practiced, the precise way to meditate is taught. Moreover, to understand that the key points of the body must be targeted, the method continuum of the body is taught. To realize the essence of the result, the level of buddhahood is determined.
Dependent on the causal continuum of the universal ground, which is like a field, being purified by the method continuum of the body, which is like water and manure, the resultant continuum of mahamudra (the four resultant kayas), which is like the ripened fruit, is actualized.
Preliminary and Main Practices of the Sakya Lamdre Tradition, Ngorchen Konchok Lhundrup, Wisdom Publications, Hardcover (2-book set with slipcase), 656 pages, $120
Ngorchen Konchok Lhundrup (1497�1557) was one of the greatest masters of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In 1534, after years of study and meditation, he became the tenth abbot of Ngor Monastery. His many writings, especially those concerning the Lamdre teachings, are famous for their clarity and eloquence, and remain indispensable for understanding Buddhist practice and theory in the Sakya tradition today, nearly five hundred years after they were composed.
Cyrus Stearns (translator) first began to study Buddhism with Dezhung Rinpoche (1906�87) in 1973. Since that time he has studied with and translated for many Tibetan teachers, especially Dezhung Rinpoche and Chogye Trichen Rinpoche. Cyrus has a PhD in Buddhist Studies from the University of Washington and lived for about eight years in Nepal, India, and Southeast Asia. Among his other publications are The Buddha from Dolpo, Hermit of Go Cliffs, and Luminous Lives. Cyrus has three daughters and lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.
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