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Quote:”One of the most significant contributions to the understanding of Tibetan Buddhism to have appeared in recent years.”–The Middle WayA fascinating Dharma text from the perspective of Dzogchen – the path of self-liberation. Indispensable.Chögyal Namkhai Norbu presents the base, path and fruit of Dzogchen practice. This book is an ideal first, second and third step in exploring the teachings of Dzogchen. It could easily be read annually and would offer more with each reading – if one immersed oneself in the initial practises discussed.The teachings are interwoven with the mystic experiences of Norbu Rinpoche – his upbringing, education, relationship with his teachers. The stories tell the nature of transmission between Lama and disciple and encourage us to step outside of our conceptual boxes. Namkhai Norbu was born in eastern Tibet in 1938, and at the age of three was recognized as the incarnation of a great Dzogchen master. He received the full traditional education of a “tulku” or reincarnate lama, and went on to study and practice with several great masters in Tibet.Book Quote, and the essence of Dzogchen:Garab Dorje’s Three Principles of the Dzogchen Teaching:(1) Direct Introduction: the primordial state is transmitted straight away by the master to the disciple. The master always remains in the primordial state, and the presence of the state is thus communicated to the disciple in whatever situation or activity they may share. (added note-one’s teachers are not necessarily human. The Way can arise from books, audio, video, spiritual experiences, etc. For many this first phase will occur over 5 – 10 years of practice & study as one must first work through the false ego before non-dual clarity can be entered. But don’t be put off by the time & effort; there is value added every day)(2) Not To Remain in Doubt: through the repeated experience of the primordial state in contemplation, the disciple no longer has any doubts about what his or her true condition is. (3) To Continue In the State: the disciple endeavors to continue at all times in the state of non-dual contemplation, the primordial state, until every thought or experience spontaneously self-liberates in the very instant that it arises, without any effort being necessary, and nothing any longer hides the true condition of the individual (which is obscured, in samsara, by dualistic vision). One continues right up to Total Realization (p. 162).