The Torch of Certainty

by Kongtrul, Jamgon; Trungpa, Chogyam

• ISBN13: 9781570627132
• ISBN10: 1570627134
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-10-10
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

This translation of a fundamental Tantric text reveals the richness and profundity of the intellectual and contemplative traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The text describes the Four Foundation Practices that all practitioners of Vajrayana Buddhism must complete. The nature of impermanence, the effects of karma, the development of an enlightened attitude, and devotion to the guru are among the subjects treated in this book. Three eminent contemporary Tibetan Buddhist masters-Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche, and Chouml;gyam Trungpa Rinpoche-explain the significance ofThe Torch of Certaintyfor modern-day students and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.

Author Biography

Jamg÷n Kongtrnl (1813–1899) was a versatile and prolific scholar. He has been characterized as a "Tibetan Leonardo" because of his significant contributions to religion, education, medicine, and politics.

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations	ix
Foreword	xi
Chogyam Trungpa
Rinpoche
Preface	xiii
Abbreviations	xviii
Introduction
Description and Background	1	(8)
Notes	7	(2)
Practice of the Four Foundations	9	(20)
Interviews with Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche and Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche	9	(15)
Notes	24	(3)
THE TORCH OF CERTAINTY
Invocation	27	(2)
The Four Ordinary Foundations	29	(24)
Prologue	30	(1)
The Precious Human Birth	31	(4)
Impermanence	35	(3)
Action, Cause and Result	38	(5)
The Shortcomings of Samsara	43	(4)
Conclusion	47	(2)
Notes	49	(4)
First of the Four special Foundations: Taking Refuge and Engendering the Enlightened Attitude	53	(26)
Taking Refuge	53	(7)
Engendering the Enlightened Attitude	60	(9)
Notes	69	(10)
Second of the Four Special Foundations: The Hundred-Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva Which Purifies Harmful Deeds and Removes Obscurations	79	(14)
Prologue	79	(1)
Practical Instructions	80	(2)
Commentary	82	(6)
Notes	88	(5)
Third of the Four Special Foundations: The Mandala-Offering Which Perfects the Two Accumulations	93	(26)
Practical Instructions	96	(9)
Commentary	105	(5)
Conclusion	110	(1)
Notes	111	(8)
Fourth of the Four Special Foundations: The Guru-Yoga Which Rapidly Confers Blessing	119	(20)
Meditation	120	(3)
Commentary	123	(6)
Conclusion	129	(4)
Notes	133	(6)
Colophon	139	(1)
Notes	139	(2)
Bibliography	141	(4)
Index 1: General Names and Subjects	145	(14)
Index 2: Tibetan Technical Terms and Names	159