The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of Dzogchen Semde

By Namkhai Norbu

The aim of Dzogchen is the reawakening of the individual to the primordial state of enlightenment, which is naturally found in all beings. The master introduces the student to his or her real nature already perfected and enlightened, but it is only by recognizing this nature and remaining in this state of recognition in all daily activities that the student becomes a real Dzogchen practitioner of the direct path of self-liberation. In this book the Dzogchen teaching is presented through the tantra Kunjed Gyalpo, or "The King Who Creates Everything"--a personification of the primordial state of enlightenment. This tantra is the fundamental scripture of the Semde, or "Nature of Mind," tradition of Dzogchen and is the most authoritative source for understanding the Dzogchen view. The commentary by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu gives easier insight into the depths of these teachings. Adriano Clemente translated the main selections of the original tantra.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1559391200
• ISBN13: 9781559391207
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Luminous pages!

I had no difficulties with this translation. In fact, I found Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche's presentation of the Kunjed Gyalpo to be clear, elegant, and energetic. I felt as though a beneficent hand was leading me through the text. And what a text! There is no way for me to transmit the flavor of this, but I assure you it's a singular taste. Rinpoche has really done readers of English a service, as the force and knowledge behind this translation and commentary. I'm deeply grateful for this book, and I'd love for it to find its way into your hands, dear reader. Homage to the protector Ekadzati!

Kunjed Gyalpo

For any one seriously interested in Dzogchen I would say this is a must. The tantra just hits you so powerfully. There is really not much to say other than this is pure gold. Rob

What it's like to truly be

I don't give 5 stars often. I've read quite a few Norbu books. They're worth reading, but this is BY FAR the most advanced. I liked it best. I usually give away books after reading them. Not this one. Not even as a loaner. It's worth reading again... It seems to be the best description I've found so far of the Fruit. As the Cheshire Cat told Alice (as they came to a fork in the road and she didn't know where she wanted to go), if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there. Only the works of Longchenpa rival this one (e.g. The Practice of Dzogchen or Buddha Mind: An Anthology of Longchen Rabjam's Writings on Dzogpa Chenpo & The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions (The Seven Treasuries Series)).

The Most Important Dzogchen Tantra, the Kunjed Gyalpo

This book is a translation of the most important Dzogchen Tantra, the Kunjed Gyalpo (Dzogchen is the top level of Tibetan Buddhism). It is at least 1200 years old and is authentic, being the only Dzogchen Tantra in the collection of definitive works used by Tibetan Buddhists. It has also been translated by Eva Neumaier-Dargyay: "The Sovereign All-Creating Mind". The title gives you some idea of what it is about which is the correct view/explanation of reality. The Tantra is one of the four or five most important books ever written and this is the best English translation. The book has three sections for three levels of ability of readers. The elementary section, or the section directed at those with the least ability to understand this material, is last.