Many study the words of the Buddha and his disciples, but few are able to develop unshakable confidence in his teaching based on thorough, personal investigation. Even fewer are those whose knowledge of the Dharma is both profound with regard to its nature and vast in terms of the classes of teaching mastered. And as rare as stars in bright daylight are those who, through perseverance in the practice of the liberating path, have gained true realization. Khenchen Appey Rinpoche was indeed of such caliber, revered as one of the most learned and accomplished masters in recent times.

The first volume of the collection of teachings by Khenchen Appey Rinpoche includes a number of teachings on various subjects, ranging from pith instructions on mind training to teachings on Buddhist philosophy and short commentaries.

Words of a Gentle Sage: Collected teachings of Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, Volume 1, Christian Bernert (Editor), Vajra Publications, Paperback, 225 pages, $19.95

Khenchen Appey Rinpoche (1927-2010) was one of the most important Buddhist masters in modern times. A disciple of Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro and Deshung Anjam Rinpoche, Appey Rinpoche represents the generation of elite teachers fully trained in Tibet who were able to successfully uphold the lineage of study and practice in exile. Among his many accomplishments figure the establishment of Sakya College in India and International Buddhist Academy in Nepal, the preservation and distribution of rare manuscripts, and the training of lineage holders now able to transmit the teachings to new generations.