Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind: The Trilogy of Rest, Volume 1

By Longchen Rabjam, Herbert V. Guenther, Longchenpa

Book Overview

Released in paperback for the first time, this brilliant translation of Longchenpa's famous work presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view combined with pith instructions for pointing out the nature of one's mind.

Longchen Rabjam's Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind is a classic Buddhist manual for attaining true liberation through familiarizing ourselves with our most basic nature--our clear, pristine, and aware mind. Written in the fourteenth century, this text is the first part to Longchenpa's Trilogy of Rest, a work of the esoteric Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. This unique presentation of the Buddhist view and path combines the scholastic expository method of explanation with direct pith instructions designed for yogi practitioners.

This text systematically presents the view in thirteen chapters, outlining all that a practitioner must know in order to embark on the complete Buddhist path. Here we find fundamental instructions on the need to turn away from materialism, how to find a qualified guide, how to develop boundless compassion for all beings, tantra and its associated practices, calm abiding (śamatha) and deep insight (vipaśyanā) meditation techniques, all culminating in the practice presented from the perspective of Dzogchen.

This first volume of the Trilogy of Rest is a comprehensive teaching on the view from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, setting the foundation for the following two volumes: Finding Rest in Meditation, which focuses on meditation practice, and Finding Rest in Illusion, which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation of Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1611807522
• ISBN13: 9781611807523
• Release Date: October 2020
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Open Meaning

Guenther manages to bring to life and to this reader's understanding the full complexity and open simplicity of Longhchenpa Trime Oser (1308-1363)thought. If one is willing to do some work, to follow the intricacies of interpretation, the "Kindly Bent to Ease Us" trilogy is, imho, one of the best books on Dzogchen thought available, and one of the most profound books of philosophy ever published.

Gudnther's Translation of Kindly Bent Part I

The text itself is glorious, and the translation of it is just fine, very readable. I find Guenther's Introduction to the chapters heavy and ponderous, although typical of translations from thirty years ago. There are good points to learn from him, of course, although intellectual. However, if you have been practicing for a long time with good teachers, trust yourself to dive directly into the very blessed text. I don't know of any more contemporary translations, and the price of this book and the series is very reasonable. Don't hesitate to go for it if you desire to read this.

The Marvelous Master of Dzogchen

This is my favorite book of the 3 volume trilogy by 14th century Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam or Longchenpa. He's also called: Klong-chen-rab-'byams, Drime Wozer, and Kunkyab Ngoggi Wangpo. He is very possibly the greatest Dzogchen master of all time--excluding the ones who may be mythological. It includes the much repeated metaphor of the moon reflected in the mountain lake (though I forget which of the 3 books it was in). This trilogy is a great classic. Also read the recent translations of some of Longchenpa's "Seven Treasuries" though most have not yet been translated. For a book of excerpts from Longchenpa's many works, read "The Practice of Dzogchen" translated by Tulku Thondup. Well worth the effort. However, the present trilogy is far easier reading than the other works mentioned here. They are a good start for the student who has already read a couple of introductory texts on Dzogchen (and perhaps Kagyu Mahamudra).