Splendid Presence of the Great Guhyagarbha: Opening the Wisdom Door of the King of All Tantras (PSL

The other two reviews existing at this time are exellent and I will just add my confirmation. Two weeks ago I finished another book from the same authors (Key to Opening the wisdom Door of Anuyoga). That book was a real blessing for me and I keep it and the authors in the highest esteem. I am delighted to have the opportunity to spend more time with them. It is REAL Quality Time! Having said that, I would like to add, that the level of these teaching is comparable to e.g. Albert Einstein's " Theory of Relativity" , so you would have to know a little bit about physics and mathematics already otherways the blessing will not materialize. To know in that context means embodied experience and knowledge, not just intellectual knowledge! As a matter of fact the loosing of the net of reference of the intellect is the whole point!

The Great Guyagarbha Tantra is the first direct teaching (first oral and then on paper) that directly teaches, DEFINES, and brings us that much closer to realizing what we actually are, and what all reality actually is. It is considered fundamental by ALL MASTERS OF ALL SCHOOLS of VAJRAYANA BUDDISM. To use the term “revelation” in its effect on me, is not over-stating or dramatic because its purpose is just that; to reveal to us the True-Nature that is the only absolute condition for everything. Now how on Earth can a teacher or teachers convey that?! Well, that’s where masters come into the picture. The authors of these Teachings on the Great Guyagarbha Tantra, are the Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. They speak in a way that is completely authentic to the teachings yet so beautiful, so simple, so straight forward. (LOL! I am almost in tears with appreciation at this very moment!) Yet also, because Khenpo Tsewang speaks English so beautifully, it is HE who is speaking to us in his own voice and at the same time translating Khenchen’s (Khenpo’s brother) native Tibetan in a perfect and enlightening manner. I know this because I have been fortunate to recieved their teachings in person. Alas, (and TRULY as equally important to mention here), is the editing. I mean, this is a book, but it sounds like I am describing an audio recording! That, my friends, is where the magic of the current editing and translation team of Pema Samye Ling (PSL) come into the picture. (dang…I’m about to get teary again!…Abide, abide…ok, I’m cool.) Anyway, originally these teachings consisted of two summer sessions for groups of students on retreat. The teachings were recorded culminating into countless hours of audio. That’s when this team of EDITING-ARTISTS created a seamless stream that feels as if you are ACTUALLY THERE. Really, this was my experience the first time I read it. I cannot even begin to get into the actual teachings here. They are too vast and perfect for a review but again I will say that it is THE fundamental teaching revealing to us the True-Nature of Phenomena exactly As-It-Is. It is currently my own daily study and will continue to be so indefinitely. I should also mention that each teaching, within this Teaching, is an entire meditation unto itself. So, there are probably a hundred (if not hundreds) of meditations in here. Any person along the Path should BUY THIS BOOK, absorb it, and allow it to naturally progress your realization.

The Khenpos as teachers have created a monumental legacy to bring the King of All the Tantras to the West. They have opened the Gate of Vajrayana Buddhism for us and we just have to step into the pages of this book and then practice and actualize their precious teachings. The history of the Guhyagarbha Tantra as well as Tantra in general is presented. The outer and inner tantras are discussed. Particularly interesting are the teachings on the Bardo or Afterlife. Everyone wants to know what happens when we die and here, in this book, step by step explanations are discussed. The Zitro practices of the Peaceful and Wrathful Deities which appear after death are also fascinating topics. My favorite teaching is the culminating chapter towards the end of the book which guides students to practice this tantra which is also known as The Secret Magical Net of Illusion. This precious book by the Khenpos gives us the backround history, view, path and the ultimate way to enter the gate and pass through this samsara net of illusion. It is a monumental achievement in Vajrayana Buddhism and the Khenpos' gift of Dharma to the West. Pema Gadron