Product Description The commentary translated in these pages is unusual and rare. But if the commentary is a rarity, its subject matter—the seven-line invocation of Padmasambhava—is one of the best-known prayers in the Tibetan Buddhist world.
The overall significance of the Seven-Line Prayer is perhaps best appreciated in relation to a practice called guru-yoga, or "union with the nature of the guru." The purpose of guru-yoga is to purify and deepen the student's relationship with his or her teacher. It is introduced as one of the preliminary practices, and it remains crucial—in fact, its importance increases—as one progresses through the more advanced levels of the tantric path. The cultivation of devotion to the guru and the blending of one's mind with his or her enlightened mind is, in the words of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, "the most vital and necessary of all practices and is in itself the surest and fastest way to reach the goal of enlightenment."
Regarding the origin of this commentary, Mipham refers in the colophon to an event that triggered the abrupt appearance in his mind of the hidden meaning of the prayer. It is interesting to note that the language Mipham uses suggests that the commentary itself is not an ordinary composition but perhaps a treasure teaching, specifically a "mind-treasure" or gongter.
Customer Reviews:
pema karpoMay 6, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a gem of a most extraordinary commentary on the Seven Line Prayer by Mipham. I would strongly encourage reading this if you are a new or long time practitioner. Mipham opens the inner recesses of this powerful prayer many times over for us. This book will be treasured throughtout one's life and beyond.
Precious!January 12, 2008 3 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is a very profound multi layerd commentary on the most important prayer in the Nyingma Linage. We are very lucky that this has been translated. Please do not hesitate to purchase this book, you will find gems of wisdom here for years to come. And remember, please be kind to animals, don't eat them. Peace!
ExcellentJanuary 9, 2008 4 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is an excellent book for practitioner of the 7-line Guru prayer. Not for non-practitioner unless theya re thinking of becoming a practitioner. There are other books I would recommend for buddhism for non pracititoners: Gates to Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings of a Tibetan Master; When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. or any of Pema Chodron's books; and Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (Shambhala Library)
Lonchen NyngingthigJanuary 4, 2008 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Anyone working their way through the Longchen Nyngthig Nyngdro could benefit from this book. The seven line prayer is, of course, an essential component of the Guru Yoga practice of this particular nyngdro. This commentary explains the prayer on four different levels, that of skillful means, Secret Mantra, Inner Most Secret and pith instructions.
The introduction also provides a very interesting analysis of how 21st century Westerners can approach the vast number of miracle-stories associated with Guru Rinpoche with out falling into the extremes of naive belief or scientific skepticism.
For those without a background in Tantra, nyngdro practice or who are not familar with the teachings of Guru Rinpoche this book will be quite baffling. Those with some previous reading or who have received teachings on the practice of guru yoga will probably benefit from this slim but thought provoking book.
cover photoDecember 25, 2007 8 out of 13 found this review helpful
The following is not a review but a comment on this beautiful book.
Please note that the cover photo is a painting of Padmasmabhava (Guru Rinpoche) by the talented artist and teacher Lama Gonpo Tsedan Rinpoche. This thanka (painting) was given to Thinley Norbu Rinpoche.
Lama Gonpo escaped from Tibet to South India and came later to California where he gave incredible and matchless Dzogchen teachings to a fortunate few. In the mid-80's, he returned to Tibet as soon as it was opened as he was dedicated to rebuilding his community of anis (nuns) and Ngagpas (male practitioners). He passed away in Tibet in 1991.
To quote from W. Seal: "Rigdzin Trinley Ozer (Lama Gonpo Tsedan), was Panchen Vimalamitra in person, one can easily trace his lineage of transmission through his root teacher, Patrul Rinpoche of Tso, to Adzom Drukpa, to Khyentse Wango, and so forth all the way back to Garab Dorje...."
