Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen: Karma Chakme and Commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

Anything coming from Karma Chakme has such power to communicate very essential ways of practicing buddhist dharma. I always feel like "ah, here are essential tools!" For me, as a decades old student, reading these instructions translates into understanding practice "actions" almost immediately. Very helpful in overcoming all methods of procrastination...Also, adding here that his 4 volume Mountain Retreat books were highly recommended by my generous Root Tibetan Buddhist teacher. I see why. The instructions for Cho without any mantra, using only visualization plus Karma Chakme's guidance on how to practice for others using mantra and sadhana practice visualizations in an simple way, opened a path to get a full mala of mantra with someone's name said for someone in need, while feeling able to bring all the practice elements together, just enough, to actualizel a real flow. Buddhist practice can feel isolating at home alone, but finding the written teacher connection that fits one's temperament is a companion that walks steadily alongside and lights up the path.

The cover of this handsome book by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche depicts the mythological garuda, an outrageous creature half-bird and half-man. The garuda represents primordial wisdom in both gods and humans. The great Tibetan teacher Karma Chakme was author of the eight songs that are the root text of The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen. He often compared his teachings to the garuda because they are both mahamudra and dzokchen. The teachings contain both the simplicity of wisdom and explicit instructions for practice. They are clear and easy to understand, yet simultaneously comprehensive and thorough. These qualities also describe the teaching style of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, abbot of KTD Monastery and a contemporary Tibetan master. His commentary on the root text is, like the style of Karma Chakme itself, as familiar as common sense, yet as scholarly as a treatise.The book contains concise instructions for the array of practices in vajrayana Buddhism -- from tranquillity meditation, to visualization techniques, to transference of consciousness at the time of death. In the very first song in the original text, Karma Chakme says, "Even though you know much, if you do not practice, it will be the same as dying of thirst on the shore of a vast lake." Yet interspersed with these practical instructions is always the advice to simply recognize the nature of mind, also described as "ground clear light." At one point, Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche comments, "The mind has always been what it is and of itself, but it has not been recognized."

I regard Karma Chakme as an incredible teacher and am very happy to have this book. I regard Karma Chakme as an incredible teacher and am very happy to have this book.

"The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen presents in a very concise and inclusive way all that an individual actually needs to practice in order to attain awakening. This style of presentation, in its brevity and directness, is appropriate for the present time because our mental afflictions are strong and life is short. We do not have time to waste." Khenpo Karthar RinpocheThe text, which is composed of eight songs, presents the quintessence of both mahamudra and dzokchen while celebrating their fundamental unity. Written in Karma Chakme's unique style of extreme simplicity and great profundity, it makes what is normally difficult to understand very easy and straightforward.