Padmasambhava

Padmasambhava (eighth century), the Indian meditation master, is the founder of the Nyingma tradition, the oldest Buddhist tradition in Tibet. In addition to introducing the practices of tantric Buddhism to Tibet, he also completed the building of Samye, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.

Kennard Lipman

Kennard Lipman, PhD, studied at the University of Chicago and at the University of California, Berkeley, completing his doctorate under Dr. H. V. Guenther. He received teachings from masters in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, his principal teacher being Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.

"This volume nicely presents translations and commentary on a text from the Dzogchen Quintessential (nyingthig) cycle of Padmasambhava, dealing with yogic energies. It explores three key questions: what is the natural energy of the cosmos, how is this energy present in our human embodiment, and what role does sexuality play in healing and liberation? The translator, Kennard Lipman, is a seasoned scholar of Tibetan Buddhist texts who is also trained in traditional Chinese medicine. I recommend this work to scholars and yogis alike." —Steven Goodman, professor of Asian and Comparative Studies, California Institute of Integral Studies

"They not only present the tantric teachings on the channels (tsa), energy (lung), and potencies (tigle) in a clear and practical way, but also offer a unique Dzogchen perspective on them." —Eastern Horizon

"Here are Guru Rinpoche's precious words, sacred and secret, to be sealed in the heart, where, nourished by further commentary, they can become a basis for even greater understanding." —Anne C. Klein, professor, Rice University, and translator of Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse