Sky Dharma

"The main part of this book is a very traditional namthar, full of prophesies, demons, treasure discovery, and visions. However, it also coveys some very central features of tantric Buddhism. In Karma Chagme's words: "New students and the narrow-minded should read this liberation story to gain an understanding of the essential points of the sutras and tantras as well as particular Nyingma teachings. One with good insight into the sutras and tantras but little or no knowledge of treasure teachings will achieve a basic background concerning treasure teachings by reading this biography. People who walk fast and desire to visit sacred places and mountains may consult this text to discover the history of certain holy sites. If wealthy persons desire to practice dharma, reading this biography will encourage them to engage in virtuous activities and thus attain ultimate bliss. Monks serving great lamas should study this work to learn how their hardships accord with dharma. If persons related with Terton Migyur Dorje's teachings read this, they will be happy, inspired and enthused, After reading it, people with wrong views who speak negatively will repent and faith will arise in their minds. Those who doubt should also read this liberation story to have their doubts eradicated from the roots. If revealers of false treasures read it they will despair and feel discouraged. Everyone with faith in Lord Orgyen should read this text and marvel at the wonderful stories". The second part is a commentary by the Terton's main student, on the foundational practice that should be completed before pursuing more advanced practices"--

About the author

KARMA CHAGME (1613–1678) was a scholar and meditation master, versed in both the Nyingma and Karma Kagyu traditions. While in retreat, he recognized and enthroned Migyur Dorje, the great tertön, when Migyur Dorje was ten years old. 
 
RIGDZIN KUNZANG SHERAB (1636–1699) was a student of both Karma Chagme and Migyur Dorje. Kunzang Sherab took charge of the newly built Palyul Monastery in 1665, thus becoming the first Palyul lineage throne holder. He established the systematic order of practice still followed by Palyul monasteries today.

Summary

The inspiring life story of Tertön Migyur Dorje, who revealed a new cycle of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, together with a commentary on the preliminary practices written by his main student.

Tertön Migyur Dorje revealed the Namchö treasure teachings while in a three-year retreat that began when he was only thirteen. The Great Compassionate One (Avalokiteshvara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) appeared to him in pure visionary experience and gave him these teachings. Migyur Dorje then dictated them to his teacher Karma Chagme. The Namchö treasures later became the main teachings and practices of the Palyul lineage, and these teachings continue to be presented in Palyul monasteries and retreat centers throughout Asia, North America, and Europe. 

This book brings together two texts that have inspired countless practitioners in this lineage. The first text tells the life story of Migyur Dorje. It was composed by Karma Chagme, the master who first recognized the seven-year-old Migyur Dorje as an exceptional tulku and tertön and who was responsible for preparing him to be a major treasure revealer.   

The second text is a commentary on the Namchö preliminary practices. Written by Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Migyur Dorje’s main student and the first throne holder of the Palyul lineage, it explains the foundational practices that should be completed before pursuing more advanced ones: the four contemplations that turn the mind to dharma and the fivefold practice of taking refuge, arousing bodhichitta, mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification, and Guru Yoga.

Additional text

“I am delighted that this body of work, the great Karma Chagme’s life story of Tertön Migyur Dorje, is now translated and available to readers in the West. The great mahasiddha Tertön Migyur Dorje discovered the collection of sky treasures, known in Tibetan as Namchö. This body of termas was cherished and propagated widely by Karma Chagme, bringing benefit to countless beings. Due to these termas, many attained deep realization, fully awakening to the state of enlightenment, either in this life or at the time of dissolution. As it is the main cycle of practice of the Palyul lineage, the vast benefit of the dharma brought to the world by this treasure cycle is unfathomable, beyond expression in mere words. I am very pleased that readers can now encounter this profound body of teachings and receive the immense and boundless blessings of Guru Padmasambhava, Tertön Migyur Dorje, and Karma Chagme Rinpoche.”—Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, author of Peaceful Heart

“Among his many attributes, Karma Chagme is known for explaining the most profound and difficult teachings in a way that is not only direct, simple, and earthy but also poetic and deeply moving. Readers of Sky Dharma will certainly appreciate that rare quality.”—Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, author of Living Is Dying

“Namchö, or Sky Dharma, is a very important lineage of Dzogchen ngöndro treasure teachings first transmitted by Buddha Samantabhadra to Padmasambhava and passed down uninterruptedly to the present day in the Palyul Nyingma lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. It is a profound, vast, in-depth path to attaining the heart of enlightenment. I have deep appreciation for this lineage. Readers who desire to explore and learn the sky treasure Namchö teachings will find this comprehensive book the perfect vehicle for doing so.”—Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, author of Our Pristine Mind

“We can now have the joy of reading in English this most inspiring biography of Namchö Migyur Dorje, a child prodigy and visionary master, who, with the help of his mentor Karma Chagme, revealed no less than thirteen volumes of spiritual treasures during the twenty-three years of his short life. Together with a limpid explanation of the foundation practices (ngöndro), this volume is a precious gift to anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual life at large.”—Matthieu Ricard, author of Enlightened Vagabond

Product details

• Authors: Judith Amtzis, Karma Chagme, Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Khenpo Sonam Tsewang
• Publisher: Snow lion publications
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.06.2022
• EAN: 9781559395045
• ISBN: 978-1-55939-504-5
• No. of pages: 528
• Dimensions: 165 mm x 235 mm x 35 mm
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Other religions; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Biographies, autobiographies