Secret Teachings of Padmasambhava

Essential Instructions on Mastering the Energies of Life

Translated by Kennard Lipman
$14.99 US
Shambhala
On sale Oct 12, 2010 | 9780834822900
Sales rights: World
These Tibetan Buddhist teachings provide instructions for gathering and harnessing basic life energy. According to the tradition, a very effective way to do this is to arouse sexual energy and to direct the essence of that energy toward spiritual realization. According to the philosophy, sexual energy brings one naturally and effortlessly into flow with creativity and awareness in both mind and body—when used skillfully by committed practitioners with appropriate training.

These ancient texts, attributed to the great Tibetan meditation master Padmasambhava (who practiced sexual union with the famous Tibetan queen Yeshe Tsogyal), offer traditional Buddhist teachings on the nature of the elements that all beings and our world are made of. They show us a practical view of how to use life-energy for personal development. The teachings are for experienced Buddhist practitioners.
"This volume nicely presents translations and commentary on a text from the Dzogchen Quintessential (nyingthig) cycle of Padmasambhava, dealing with yogic energies. It explores three key questions: what is the natural energy of the cosmos, how is this energy present in our human embodiment, and what role does sexuality play in healing and liberation? The translator, Kennard Lipman, is a seasoned scholar of Tibetan Buddhist texts who is also trained in traditional Chinese medicine. I recommend this work to scholars and yogis alike."—Steven Goodman, professor of Asian and Comparative Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies

"Here are Guru Rinpoche's precious words, sacred and secret, to be sealed in the heart, where, nourished by further commentary, they can become a basis for even greater understanding."—Anne C. Klein, professor, Rice University, and translator of Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse

About

These Tibetan Buddhist teachings provide instructions for gathering and harnessing basic life energy. According to the tradition, a very effective way to do this is to arouse sexual energy and to direct the essence of that energy toward spiritual realization. According to the philosophy, sexual energy brings one naturally and effortlessly into flow with creativity and awareness in both mind and body—when used skillfully by committed practitioners with appropriate training.

These ancient texts, attributed to the great Tibetan meditation master Padmasambhava (who practiced sexual union with the famous Tibetan queen Yeshe Tsogyal), offer traditional Buddhist teachings on the nature of the elements that all beings and our world are made of. They show us a practical view of how to use life-energy for personal development. The teachings are for experienced Buddhist practitioners.

Praise

"This volume nicely presents translations and commentary on a text from the Dzogchen Quintessential (nyingthig) cycle of Padmasambhava, dealing with yogic energies. It explores three key questions: what is the natural energy of the cosmos, how is this energy present in our human embodiment, and what role does sexuality play in healing and liberation? The translator, Kennard Lipman, is a seasoned scholar of Tibetan Buddhist texts who is also trained in traditional Chinese medicine. I recommend this work to scholars and yogis alike."—Steven Goodman, professor of Asian and Comparative Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies

"Here are Guru Rinpoche's precious words, sacred and secret, to be sealed in the heart, where, nourished by further commentary, they can become a basis for even greater understanding."—Anne C. Klein, professor, Rice University, and translator of Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse