The Third Karmapa's Mahamudra Prayer

By Khentin Tai Situpa Rinpoche XII

The Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje is a short yet thorough and profound text which presents all the essential points of Mahamudra teaching in terms of view, practice, and fruition. It is a classic that, especially in the tradition of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, has been and is widely used whenever a disciple is given a first introduction into Mahamudra. The Third Karmapa shows how to recognize our ultimate potential as a buddha. The short root text is further explained by Khentin Tai Situpa Pema Donyo Nyingje Wangpo, the twelfth incarnation of the Tai Situpa lineage, which is one of the most important lineages of the Kagyu tradition. His deep understanding of Western culture, especially of the Western psychological perspective, allows him to expound the Dharma with a clarity and directness that is truly inspiring.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1559391693
• ISBN13: 9781559391696
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications
• Length: 118 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Small book, big impact

This work includes a brief introduction, a stanza-by-stanza commentary on the 3rd Karmapa's (1284-1339) short root text, a short Q & A section, & 2 appendices: teachings in Berlin 1986 on "eternalism & nihilism" & the 5 Buddha families. The author acknowledges sources including-16th Karmapa, Thrangu Rinpoche, Salje Rinpoche, & Kalu Rinpoche's texts. The book is written in a very easy-to-read style in which the author very simply explains erudite, complex principles & issues directly-related to the valuable root text. Unusually, the commentary is as good as the root text! Some of the author's assertions are controversial, but he succinctly and convincingly gets his points across. By design, it is not a comprehensive text (e.g. Namgyal's "Mahamudra: Quintessence of Mind and Meditation"), but provides tremendous insight into some of the more difficult Mahamudra (MM) views/concepts with modern/pithy examples (i. e. the blind men and the elephant). Some main topics: p. 40: types of lamas (lineage, root, of blessing, in general), pp. 70-1: Madhyamaka & Chittamara vs. MM, p. 105: ego & MM, p. 109: feminism, & Appendix 2: the 5 kleshas vs. 5 wisdoms. Overall he provides a practical, balanced, down to earth, & insightful viewpoint. I've recorded almost 2 pages of quotes for my collection. Notably: He has an integrative approach to psychology with many parallels to Jung. p. 82: "We have to accept the quality of our effort and also our shortcomings, and then to work on this basis. This is another example of what I meant by saying that we first need a structured ego." p. 103: "U. F. E. = Unidentified Flying Ego" p. 106: "To first see our own ego very clearly, to recognize and accept it, is a very good foundation. In this way Dharma practice can really dissolve into a person." p. 119: "As long as we call ourselves `I," we are under the total control of karma." p. 139: "We need to develop a state of mind that will not succumb to confusion when facing something that goes beyond our conventional way of thinking." p. 140: "We understand in accordance with who we are and with our individual makeup." An understanding approach to the relationship between Buddhism, human society, & change: p. 31: "Nowadays people are able to understand greater and deeper things far more easily then a 100, 200, or 300 years ago." p. 46: "The Buddha managed to attain enlightenment without the present form of Buddhism; therefore every sentient being in the 10 directions and the 3 times will manage to do the same." p. 101: "The outer appearance-the robes, the rituals, and so forth-will transform slowly. Slow transformation is allowed. The Buddha himself said that the essence has to remain pure, whereas the way in which it is presented can gradually and naturally transform. But they cannot be changed intentionally." p. 144: "Buddhism is a new term that came into use in the West about 300 years ago." Most of the book is about mind. Tai Situ cogent