Sky Dharma: The Foundations of the Namchö Treasure Teachings

The inspiring life story of Tertön Migyur Dorje, who revealed a new cycle of Tibetan Buddhist teachings, together with a commentary on the preliminary practices written by his main student. Tertön Migyur Dorje revealed the Namchö treasure teachings while in a three-year retreat that began when he was only thirteen. The Great Compassionate One (Avalokiteshvara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) appeared to him in pure visionary experience and gave him these teachings. Migyur Dorje then dictated them to his teacher Karma Chagme. The Namchö treasures later became the main teachings and practices of the Palyul lineage, and these teachings continue to be presented in Palyul monasteries and retreat centers throughout Asia, North America, and Europe. This book brings together two texts that have inspired countless practitioners in this lineage. The first text tells the life story of Migyur Dorje. It was composed by Karma Chagme, the master who first recognized the seven-year-old Migyur Dorje as an exceptional tulku and tertön and who was responsible for preparing him to be a major treasure revealer. The second text is a commentary on the Namchö preliminary practices. Written by Rigdzin Kunzang Sherab, Migyur Dorje’s main student and the first throne holder of the Palyul lineage, it explains the foundational practices that should be completed before pursuing more advanced ones: the four contemplations that turn the mind to dharma and the fivefold practice of taking refuge, arousing bodhichitta, mandala offering, Vajrasattva purification, and Guru Yoga. "The main part of this book is a very traditional namthar, full of prophesies, demons, treasure discovery, and visions. However, it also coveys some very central features of tantric Buddhism. In Karma Chagme's words: "New students and the narrow-minded should read this liberation story to gain an understanding of the essential points of the sutras and tantras as well as particular Nyingma teachings. One with good insight into the sutras and tantras but little or no knowledge of treasure teachings will achieve a basic background concerning treasure teachings by reading this biography. People who walk fast and desire to visit sacred places and mountains may consult this text to discover the history of certain holy sites. If wealthy persons desire to practice dharma, reading this biography will encourage them to engage in virtuous activities and thus attain ultimate bliss. Monks serving great lamas should study this work to learn how their hardships accord with dharma. If persons related with Terton Migyur Dorje's teachings read this, they will be happy, inspired and enthused, After reading it, people with wrong views who speak negatively will repent and faith will arise in their minds. Those who doubt should also read this liberation story to have their doubts eradicated from the roots. If revealers of false treasures read it they will despair and feel discouraged. Everyone with faith in Lord Orgyen should read this text and marvel at the wonderful stories". The second part is a commentary by the Terton's main student, on the foundational practice that should be completed before pursuing more advanced practices"-- Provided by publisher