Nyoshul Khenpo

Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje (1932–1999) was one of the lineage holders in the Dzogchen tradition known as Longchen Nyingthig, the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse, which descends from Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa. Born in Derge, East Tibet, he escaped to India in 1959. He trained many of the current generation of Dzogchen teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, Mingyur Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Sogyal Rinpoche, and others.

"Nyoshul Khenpo Jamyang Dorje was one of the most outstanding exponents of the Great Perfection—Dzogpa Chenpo—and an authority on every aspect of its history and practice. He was someone who embodied the blessings of the great masters of the lineage, especially the omniscient Longchen Rabjam and Jigme Lingpa, and his extraordinary oral teachings were marked by a vast knowledge, profound realization, and ever-present compassion. This book will provide inspiration and priceless guidance to all who seek to follow this precious path." —Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying

"Living the life of a hidden yogi, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche was a master of the teachings of sutra and mantra, in terms of both scholarship and spiritual accomplishment. His teachings are indeed a powerful treasure, yet to truly reap their benefit one must study them under the guidance of a qualified teacher who holds the lineage. At best, one should endeavor to receive the empowerments, reading transmissions, and oral instructions related to such profound teachings." —Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, author of Present Fresh Wakefulness

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche is one of the most highly realized Dzogchen practitioners of our times and the teacher of many of the rinpoches of the current generation. Born in Tibet and trained under the great masters of Tibet, he was an unusually gifted scholar. Following his studies, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche's approach was to receive a few key points of oral instruction from his teachers, and then go into the mountains to practice them. Until he gained exceptional experiential signs of the practice he had received thus far, Rinpoche would not return to his teachers for further instructions; and he practiced in this manner for a great many years. Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche would never speak falsely, and whatever he spoke or taught was authentic and based in his own experience. I feel so fortunate to have met Khen Rinpoche in this life, as Rinpoche is one of my root gurus, and I regard him very highly. I always miss him, and he is still alive in my heart. I received many Dzogchen teachings from him, which had an amazing benefit for my practice and helped me immensely. I recommend those with interest to read this book in order to receive Rinpoche's blessings of wisdom and compassion, and I offer the deep wish that whoever reads this book will indeed receive Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche's blessings." —Tsoknyi Rinpoche, author of Open Heart, Open Mind

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche was one of the most extraordinary twentieth-century teachers of the Dzogchen lineage, widely acclaimed for his great wisdom and compassion. His commentaries form a step-by-step guide to the Nyingma teachings, starting from mind training (Longchenpa's Immaculate Light) and leading up to and including Dzogchen (Jigme Lingpa's The Lion's Roar). I have firm confidence that new students as well as experienced practitioners who read this book will gain a much deeper understanding of the path and that the book will answer their questions about practice and life." —Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche

"Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche is a true example of a dharma teacher and a genuine practitioner. When I met Rinpoche, I saw someone who was very genuine, very humble, very gentle, and at the same time, very diligent in his meditation practices. I never saw Rinpoche criticize any individual, school, or religion. His pure perception was so immense. I am very happy for anyone who reads this book. Please respect the book and read it very slowly. If you do, you will receive a never-ending shower of blessings from the enlightened ones, the masters of the Great Perfection." —Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche