A Chariot to Freedom
Translated by Padmakara Translation Group
By Shechen Gyaltsap IV
By Shechen Gyaltsap Gyurme Pema Namgyal
Also see our Reader's Guide to Shechen GyaltsapA Chariot to Freedom is one of the most beloved presentations of the preliminary practices, or ngöndro, that form the foundation of the Vajrayana Buddhist path. This set of practices, common to all schools of Himalayan Buddhism, is what nearly every practitioner begins with, yet it also constitutes a complete method in and of itself. Although the preliminary practices are considered a prerequisite for further teachings and initiations into other practices, many of even the most accomplished masters continue to engage in them every day.
Most of the other excellent works on these foundational techniques are specific to a particular tradition, but this text is widely considered to be exemplary, in part, because it is applicable to all traditions of ngondro. Drawing from the original words of the Buddha in the sutras and from later treatises by such masters as Nagarjuna, Shantideva, and Guru Padmasambhava, Shechen Gyaltsap’s commentary is a wonderfully curated anthology of Buddhist teachings on the preliminary practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. It covers the thoughts that turn one’s mind away from ordinary pursuits and toward enlightenment, taking refuge, arousing the mind set on enlightenment (bodhichitta), purification, mandala offering, and Guru Yoga.
Shechen Gyaltsap explains why each practice is beneficial and provides profound and eminently useful guidance for practitioners, while simultaneously transmitting the wisdom of generations of Buddhist masters.
"Shechen Gyaltsap was a master of exceptional experience and vast learning. Quoting extensively from the sutras, shastras, and many existent commentaries, this unique presentation of the preliminaries (ngöndro) captures the essence of the entire Buddha Dharma. Anyone, from any background, will be able to apply it to their practice and derive great benefit from it. It is my sincere wish that whoever reads this book will take it to heart and blend it with their practice of meditation." —The Seventh Shechen Rabjam
"In Vajrayāna, the success of any practice comes down to the preliminary practices (ngöndro). In A Chariot to Freedom, Shechen Gyaltsap Rinpoche—one of the greatest masters of the last century and root guru of Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche—provides us with a wonderful guide. It lays the foundation of genuine meditation and allows the vast and profound teachings to unfold within our experience. I pray that this book will inspire you to traverse the spiritual path." —Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche
"One day, after many years spent in exile, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche received in his room in Nepal a print of A Chariot to Freedom, which had been brought from Shechen Monastery in Eastern Tibet. He held it on top of his head and told us, ‘To me, this book is more precious than all the gold in the world.’ Needless to say, to now have this text beautifully translated into English is an invaluable gift to all dharma practitioners." —Matthieu Ricard, author of Enlightened Vagabond: The Life and Teachings of Patrul Rinpoche