Opening the treasure of the profound : teachings on the songs of Jigten Sumgön and Milarepa

Spiritual teachings in the form of songs—spontaneous expressions of deep wisdom and understanding that reveal the nature of reality—have been treasured since the dawn of Buddhism in India. In Opening the Treasure of the Profound, Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen translates nine such songs, by Milarepa and Jigten Sumgön, and then explains them in contemporary terms. His insights take the Buddha’s ancient wisdom out of the realm of the intellectual and directly into our hearts. Here, we are invited into the world of transmission from master to disciple in order to discover truth for ourselves—to open the treasure of profound wisdom that fully realizes the nature of reality. About the Author Khenchen Könchog Gyaltshen, founder of several Buddhist centers worldwide, is respected and beloved as an accomplished scholar, meditation master, teacher, translator, and author. In 2001 he received the high honor of being enthroned as Khenchen (great abbot). He lives in Frederick, Maryland. In Tibet, Vajra Songs Became Popular When Milarepa Gave Teachings In That Style To His Disciples. His Example Influenced All Tibetan Buddhist Schools, Particularly The Kagyu Lineages. People Commonly Memorized Such Songs And Sang Them With Beautiful Melodies. But Vajra Songs Are Much More Than Pleasant Tunes Or Ordinary Poetry. A Vajra Song Reflects The Enlightened Mind Of Its Author By Encapsulating Precisely Profound Meaning In Just A Few Words. Thus, It Can Be Difficult For The Unenlightened To Penetrate Their Meaning. Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Learned To Sing Vajra Songs At His Mother's Knee. Later In Life, He Learned Of Their Profound Meaning From Masters Of Tibetan Buddhism, Which Allowed Him To Finally Experience Their Depth In Solitary Retreat. Rinpoche Brings This Tradition Into A Western Context By Translating Songs Composed By Iconic Buddhist Figures And Explaining Them In Contemporary Terms. Rinpoche Presents The Outer And Inner Meaning Of Nine Vajra Songs By Milarepa (ca. 1052-1135) And Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217). He Describes The Buddhist Path Of Wisdom And Compassion That Leads To Ultimate Peace And Happiness, And Shows How To Develop Our Mental Qualities. In Ancient Times, These Teachings Were Given To Help Others Reach Spiritual Maturity. Here, We Are Invited Into The World Of Transmission From Master To Disciple In Order To Discover Truth For Ourselves--to Open The Eye Of Wisdom That Reveals The Mind That Cannot Be Seen-- Preface -- Introduction -- Supplication To The Kagyu Gurus For The Mist Of The Great Blessing -- Part One: Vajra Songs Of Jetsun Milarepa -- Distinguishing Happiness From Suffering The Eight Bardos -- Part Two: Vajra Songs Of Lord Jigten Sumgon -- Vajra Song On Attaining Enlightenment -- Song Of The Fivefold Profound Path Of Mahamudta -- The Song That Clarifies Recollection -- Vajra Song At Tsa-uk Called Tsa-uk Dzong Drom -- Song Of The Six Confidences -- Supplication To The Seven Taras -- Part Three: The Life And Liberation Of Lord Jigten Sumgon -- The Life Of Jigten Sumgon, By Drigung Kyabgon Padmai Gyaltsen -- The Precious Jewel Ornament, By Ngorje Repa -- Jigten Sumgon: The Second Nagarjuna, By H. H. The Drigung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche -- Glossary Of Enumeration -- Glossary Of Names And Terms -- Selected Bibliography -- Index. Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen ; Edited By Khenmo Trinlay Chödron. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 267-270) And Index.