Synopses & Reviews
Creation and Completion represents some of the most profound teachings of Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-99), one of the true spiritual and literary giants of Tibetan history. Though brief, it offers a lifetime of advice for all who wish to engage in-and deepen-the practice of tantric Buddhist meditation.
The original text, beautifully translated and introduced by Sara Harding, is further brought to life by an in-depth commentary by the contemporary master Thrangu Rinpoche. Key Tibetan Buddhist fundamentals are quickly made clear, so that the reader may confidently enter into tantra's oft-misunderstood "creation" and "completion" stages.
In the creation stage, practitioners visualize themselves in the form of buddhas and other enlightened beings in order to break down their ordinary concepts of themselves and the world around them. This meditation practice prepares the mind for engaging in the completion stage, where one has a direct encounter with the ultimate nature of mind and reality.
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"Creation and Completion contains both a clearly printed, very readable Tibetan text and a lucid, almost flawless English translation. An excellent book."
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"Creation and completion meditation is the cornerstone of tantric Buddhist practice, and draws upon a rich array of techniques and presumptions relating to moral culitvation. This book will be of great interest to both scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism."
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"An exceptionally important text. It will answer all questions and resolve all doubts about Vajrayana practice."
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"Mahamudra meditation is a 'completion stage' practice--completion because, like zazen, it represents fruition on the spot as opposed to a gradual buildup. Tantric techniques that develop gradually to that completion are called 'creation stage' practices. Sarah Harding's translation of Jamgon Kongtrul's Creation and Completion covers both bases but is especially useful for its detailed treatment of the visualization practices in the creation stage. It is, in fact, a point-by-point guide to this contemplative world of imagined mandalas and deities. This edition comes with a new commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche and a long, thoughtful introduction on visualization practice. Even though advanced practitioners will want to study this book, it's also designed to help beginners."
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"Sarah Harding has rendered a great service."
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"A delightful introduction to the deepest understanding of visualization, a particular way of cultivating religious imagination and full-bodied practice."
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"Includes much that is helpful to all meditators using imagery to focus the mind."
Synopsis
Jamgon Kongtrul, a master practitioner and one of Tibet's most prolific writers, composed this text as a guide to the effective practice of tantric Buddhist meditation. Written in the style of the Tibetan songs of realization, the text leads a way along a clear path of meditative self-transformation. This revised and updated edition of Creation and Completion includes a commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.
Synopsis
Written in the style of the Tibetan songs of realization, the text outlines a clear path of meditative self-transformation.
About the Author
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, (1813-99) was the leading figure in the nineteenth-century rime (nonsectarian) revival of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most prolific and accomplished teachers and writers in Tibetan history, his works continue to guide and inspire students and practitioners alike.Sarah Harding has been a Tibetan Buddhist translator and practitioner since 1974. She is the author of The Life and Revelations of Pema Lingpa. She has served since 1992 as a faculty member at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a senior scholar within the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the author of many books and commentaries. He was born in Kham, Tibet, in 1933 and entered Thrangu Monastery at age seven. He serves as the main tutor to His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa and travels worldwide giving teachings and leading retreats. Based in Nepal and India, he is also abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia and founder of Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.