by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche, trans. by
Cortland Dahl, intro. by
Dzogchen Ponlop
In the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, the Great Perfection is considered the most profound and direct path to enlightenment. The instructions of this tradition present a spiritual shortcut, a radically direct approach that cuts through confusion and lays bare the mind's true nature of luminous purity. For centuries, these teachings have been taught and practiced in secret by some of the greatest adepts of the Buddhist tradition.
Great Perfection: Outer and Inner Preliminaries contains detailed instructions on the foundational practices of this tradition from the
Excellent Chariot, a Great Perfection instruction manual compiled by the 3rd Dzogchen Rinpoche. This profound text is a commentary on the Heart Essence of the Dakinis, the Khandro Nyingtik, the most central collection of Great Perfection teachings in the Nyingma lineage. Distilling the teachings of the Heart Essence of the Dakinis into an accessible, easy-to-practice format, the
Excellent Chariot leads the reader through the entire Buddhist path, starting with basic Buddhist contemplations that work to dislodge deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaving, and continuing on to the most advanced and secret meditative practices of the Great Perfection.
The teachings in this volume are drawn largely from the writings of the great Nyingma master Longchenpa and the root texts of the Heart Essence of the Dakinis itself. The 3rd Dzogchen Rinpoche begins by discussing the correct way to study and practice the Great Perfection teachings, before presenting an overview of the Great Perfection lineage and an explanation on the meaning and importance of empowerment. In the chapters that follow, he presents practical instructions on the outer and inner preliminaries, the so-called "ngondro" practices. These practices enable the practitioner to transform and purify the mind, preparing it for the advanced Great Perfection meditation of Trekchö and Tögal, the breakthrough and direct leap.
In addition to the translation mentioned above,
Great Perfection: Outer and Inner Preliminaries contains a beautiful introduction by the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, a contemporary Great Perfection master, and an extensive glossary of key Great Perfection terminology. A second companion volume will contain advanced teachings on the separation, or rushen, practices, and the breakthrough stage of Great Perfection meditation.
"This amazing volume enshrines the Buddhist teachings for beginners, teaching how to deal with everyday life, how to apply one's mind to the pure teachings of the Buddha, and especially the extraordinary physical, vocal and mental exercises that awaken the enlightened nature of the mind. This wonderful volume is rich in blessings and filled with practical advice."--Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, author of
The Healing Power of Mind
The Third Dzogchen Rinpoche lived some 300 years ago in eastern Tibet. He was known particularly for his mastery of the Great Perfection teachings and his clear and accessible works on this topic.
Cortland Dahl graduated from Naropa University with a Master's degree in Buddhist Studies and Tibetan language. He currently works as director of both the
Rimé Foundation and
Tergar Institute. With his wife and son, he divides his time between Nepal, India, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.
