Publisher's Synopsis
This monumental work, written in the sixteenth century, comprehensively outlines the scope of the Mah?mudr? Buddhist tradition. This tradition, which was systematized in Tibet over 900 years ago, focuses on the familiarization of the nature of one's mind, also described as the experience of mah?mudr? or "great seal," as the primary means to realize ultimate reality and thus attain buddhahood. Countless Buddhist teachings and meditation instructions have been attributed to Mah?mudr?, which blends practices from both the sutra and tantra traditions. While the Tibetan Kagyu school are known as the primary holders of the tradition, Mah?mudr? is taught and practiced by all major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Dakpo Tashi Namgyal is one of the greatest writers and masters of Mah?mudr? to have ever lived. His manual is the most important single work on the subject, systematically introducing the teachings and associated practice techniques in a progressive manner. Moonbeams of Mah?mudr? is to this day the most studied work on Mah?mudr? in the Kagyu monasteries throughout Tibet and the Himalayas. Elizabeth Callahan, a seasoned translator of Kagyu material, has provided us with this new translation along with ancillary materials and annotations, giving us the necessary tools to properly study and apply the Mah?mudr? teachings in a modern context. This is a historic contribution for scholars and students of Tibetan Buddhism.
