How do we break free from the habits and compulsions that bring us suffering? In the twelfth century, Sakya Drakpa Gyeltsen penned four short but significant lines, known as Parting from the Four Attachments, offering a concise guide to becoming a genuine dharma practitioner and charting a path to enlightenment.

In The Flowing River of Dharma, Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo offer a fresh, contemporary exploration of this foundational text, drawing on insights from Anyen Rinpoche's teacher Khenchen Tsara Dharmakirti Rinpoche and a cave-dwelling hermit known as Lama Tsepel. Introducing the rime movement, which promotes cross-tradition learning to uncover core teachings, the authors use this approach to offer a comprehensive review of the text, referring to teachings from a variety of traditions, in particular The Four Dharmas of Gampopa, as well as texts wisdom from the Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, Kadam of old, and Gelug traditions of Tibet.

With clear language and a candid look at the challenges of dharma practice, the authors delve into the power of renunciation, understanding samsara's true nature, and cultivating bodhicitta--the altruistic intent to relieve others' suffering--as pathways to a meaningful life. Buddhists of all backgrounds will discover how these lojong (mind training) teachings can anchor us firmly on the path and ensure that we don't stray from it until we reach complete liberation.

The Flowing River of Dharma: Instructions on Parting from the Four Attachments Featuring Sakya, Kagyu, Nyingma, Kadam of Old, and Gelug Teachings; Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo; Shambhala Publications; Paperback; 168 pages; $21.95

Anyen Rinpoche, a tulku from Amdo, is a Tibetan master of Dzogchen meditation as well as a seasoned scholar. He has taught extensively in Tibet, China, and throughout Southeast Asia, Japan, and North America. He lives primarily in Denver, Colorado, where he founded Orgyen Khamdroling Center with a shedra (college) for Westerners.

Allison Choying Zangmo is Anyen Rinpoche's personal translator and a longtime student of both Rinpoche and his root lama, Kyabje Tsara Dharmakirti. She has either translated or collaborated with Rinpoche on all of his books. She lives in Denver, Colorado.