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Books - Advanced Collection
This collection of English books on Buddhism has been compiled by Hannah
Nydahl and Manfred Seegers. It shows the view of the Karma Kagyu School
of Tibetan Buddhism and is useful for advanced practitioners. Some of
the books may be available at any online store or from local booksellers,
others may be looked for in local Buddhist centers, archives or public
libraries. All content of this list is subject to changes at any time.
Comments or requests should be addressed to
info@diamondway-buddhism.org.
Categories:
General Buddhism
Kalu Rinpoche
The Dharma
A complete manual of the Buddhist path, from taking refuge up to the highest
levels of Mahamudra.
State University of New York Press (1986), 222 pp.
ISBN 0887061575.
Kalu Rinpoche
Gently Whispered
A book with excellent teachings on taking refuge, meditation, Mahamudra
etc. by one of the greatest Kagyu masters of this century.
Station Hill Press (1995), 292 pp.
ISBN 0882681532.
Kalu Rinpoche
Profound Buddhism: From Hinayana to Vajrayana
This book teaches how to deal with emotions from a Hinayana, Mahayana,
and Vajrayana point of view. This volume also includes teachings on the
nature of the mind, the relationship between mind and body, emptiness,
compassion, the cycle of existence, and Karma.
Clearpoint Press (1995).
ISBN 0963037153.
Kalu Rinpoche
Secret Buddhism: Vajrayana Practices
Reveals the essentials of Vajrayana, mantras, empowerments, the six yogas
of Naropa, Chod, Pure Land, and the six bardos. A history of the Kagyu
and Shangpa lineages and some explanation of the principles of Tibetan
medicine complete this survey.
Clearpoint Press (2002), 224 pp.
ISBN 0963037161.
Kalu Rinpoche
Excellent Buddhism: An Exemplary Life
This book contains biographical reminiscences on Kalu Rinpoche, teachings
on daily life, inspiring stories on Buddhist practitioners of the past,
and reflections on the relationship between Buddhism and the West.
Clearpoint Press (1995), 176 pp.
ISBN 0963037145.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
As It Is (Vol.1)
Instruction on development stage practices selected from talks in the
last two years of Tulku Urgyens life.
Rangjung Yeshe Publications (1999), 224 pp.
ISBN 9627341355.
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche
As It Is (Vol.2)
This second Volume contains talks in 1994-1995 which emphasize non-conceptual
meditation practice.
Rangjung Yeshe Publications (2000), 224 pp.
ISBN 9627341398.
Tarthang Tulku (Editor)
Lineage of Diamond Light
Crystal Mirror, Vol. 5
This richly illustrated volume contains the history of the Buddhist Dharma
in India and Tibet with a special emphasis on the masters and lineages
of the Nyingma tradition, and two translations from Longchenpa.
Dharma Publishing (1992), 403 pp.
ISBN 0898002397.
Tarthang Tulku (Editor)
Holy Places of the Buddha
Crystal Mirror, Vol. 9
All about the eight great places of pilgrimage, the six Dharma regions
of India, the Western and Eastern kingdoms etc.
Dharma Publishing (1994), 481 pp.
ISBN 0898002443.
Mahayana
Shantideva
A Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life
translated by Stephen Batchelor
Shantidevas famous Bodhicharyavatara is one of the most important texts
on generating the Mahayana motivation, the altruistic enlightened mind.
Snow Lion Publications (1997), 175 pp.
ISBN 1559390611.
Daniel S. Lopez
The Heart Sutra Explained
Very useful Indian and Tibetan commentaries of the Heart Sutra. With these
texts the reader is enabled to see the sutras universal meaning.
State Univ of New York Press (1988), 230 pp.
ISBN 0887065899.
Death and Rebirth
Tsele Natsog Rangdrol
The Mirror of Mindfullness
Detailed teachings on the cycle of the Four Bardos by one of the greatest
scholars of the 19th century. One of the best bardo books available in
English language.
Shambhala (1989), 128 pp.
ISBN 0877734577.
Bokar Rinpoche
Death and the Art of Dying in Tibetan Buddhism
Clearpoint Press (1994), 144 pp.
ISBN 0963037129.
Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
The Bardo Guidebook
The four Bardo periods include life, death, the after-death experience
and the quest for a new rebirth. Based on Tsele N. Rangdröls "Mirror
of Mindfulness".
Rangjung Yeshe Publications (1996), 190 pp.
ISBN 9627341118.
Tenga Rinpoche
Transition and Liberation
In this book Tenga Rinpoche, one of the great teachers and meditation
masters of our time introduces the six kinds of bardo, and gives instructions
on how consciousness can be guided through each of these phases and be
liberated.
Khampa-Buchverlag, Lorenz Dobrot (1999), 116 pp.
ISBN 3980525120.
Chogyam Trungpa / Freemantle
The Tibetan Book of the Death
Shambhala (1992).
ISBN 0877736758.
Padmasambhava
Natural Liberation
Describes in detail the six life-processes or bardos, and how to transform
them into vehicles for enlightenment. This most extraordinary teaching
is here accompanied by meditation instructions and anecdotes in a lucid
commentary by Nyingma master Gyaltrul Rinpoche.
Wisdom Publications (1997), 272 pp.
ISBN 0861711319.
Life stories
Marpa
The Life of the Mahasiddha Tilopa
This text is thought to be composed in the 11th century by the renowned
Tibetan yogi Marpa Lotsawa, is a compelling account of the complete liberation
of the guru of Naropa.
Paljor Publications (1995), 84 pp.
ISBN 8185102910.
Chogyam Trungpa
The Life of Marpa the Translator
One of the most famous spiritual texts of Tibet: Marpas exciting life.
Marpa established the Kagyu lineage in Tibet and was trained by Naropa.
Shambhala; Reissue edition (1995), 324 pp.
ISBN 1570620873.
Lobsang P. Lhalungpa
The Life of Milarepa
A famous classic book of Milas amazing life story.
Penguin Books; Reprint edition (1995), 256 pp.
ISBN 0140193502.
Ngagpa Jampa Thaye
A Garland of Gold: The Early Kagyu Masters in India and Tibet
History of the Kagyu fathers, translated by David Stott (Ngagpa Jampa
Thaye). The inspiring life stories give access to the continuous blessing
of the lineage.
Ganesha Press (1990).
ISBN 0950911933.
Keith Dowman
Sky Dancer: The Life of Yeshe Tsogyal
Yeshe Tsogyal, consort of Guru Padmasambhava, is the most famous of the
enlightened women of Tibet.
Snow Lion Publications; Reprint edition (1996), 379 pp.
ISBN 1559390654.
Aryasura
The Marvelous Companion
Former Lives of the Buddha - this text is a translation of the Jatakamala,
stories about the former lives of the Buddha as a Bodhisattva. They transmit
new points of view about selfless acting and karmic connections. Nice
and precious volume.
Dharma Publishing (1983).
ISBN 0913546895.
Keith Dowman
Masters of Mahamudra: The Lives of the 84 Mahasiddhas
The tantric teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism have been passed on by 84
great Siddhas, the Mahasiddhas. This precious book contains all about
their lives, their practice, and the historical background.
State University of New York Press (1986), 454 pp.
ISBN 0887061605.
Commentary: The difference between this title and "Masters of Enchantment"
is that here are no pictures of the Mahasiddhas included.
Keith Dowman
Masters of Enchantment
There is no better illustration of the nature of Tantric Buddhism than
the lives of masters who founded it. Keith Dowman's highly readable translation
of these legends retains the techniques of personal transcendence and
is further enhanced by the perfectly realized illustrations of the tantric
saints by Robert Beer.
Inner Traditions (1989), 205 pp.
ISBN 089281053X.
Keith Dowman
The Divine Madman: The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley
This is the "secret biography" of one of Tibet's foremost saints.
He is greatly loved by the Tibetans as a "Crazy Wise" teacher
and enlightened master. His behaviour and humour were intended to awaken
common people and yogis alike from the sleep of religious dogmatism and
egoistic self-possession.
Dawn Horse Press (1982), 167 pp.
ISBN 0913922757.
Jerome Edou
Machig Labdron and the Foundations of Chod
The first comprehensive presentation of the marvellous life of Machig
Labdron and her Chod tradition (cutting through ego clinging). A future
classic.
Snow Lion Publications (1995), 236 pp.
ISBN 1559390395.
16th Karmapa (Rangjung Rigpe Dorje)
Dzalendara and Sakarchupa: Stories from long, long ago of the former
lives of the Gyalwa Karmapa
From time to time H.H. the 16th Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924 - 1981)
was telling about his past lives. Some of his stories can be found in
this nice book.
Kagyu Samye (1981), 113 pp.
ISBN 0906181038.
Lama Chonam and Sangye Khandro
The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava: The Indian Consort
of Padmasambhava
The lucid translation of a rare Tibetan treasure text makes available
for the first time to Western readers the remarkable life story of Princess
Mandarava. As the principal consort of Padmasambhava before he introduced
tantric Buddhism to Tibet, Mandarava is the Indian Counterpart of the
Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal.
Wisdom Publications (1998), 227 pp.
ISBN 0861711440.
James B. Robinson (Translator)
Buddhas Lions: The Lives of the 84 Mahasiddhas
Farmers and wood collectors, ministers and kings - the famous 84 tantric
masters from India and Tibet have many different lives but all reached
the highest point of fulfilment, enlightenment. There are different Tibetan
texts about the Mahasiddhas. This English translation is one of the shorter
ones.
Dharma Publishing (1997), 422 pp.
ISBN 0913546615.
Nam-Mkha'Is Nying-Po (Translator), Tarthang Tulku (Translator), Jane
Wilhelms (Translator)
Mother of Knowledge: The Life story of Yeshe Tsogyal
The life of the great yogini Yeshe Tsogyal. She has been disciple and
consort of Padmasambhava, therefore the reader also learns a lot about
him, Guru Rinpoche, who has brought Buddhism to Tibet. This is one of
the most famous life stories.
Dharma Publishing (1997), 244 pp.
ISBN 0913546917.
The Life of Shabkar
This biography of a Tibetan Yogi details the life of Shabkar Tsogdruk
Rangdrol, an acclaimed early 19th century yogi. He was trained in the
Nyingma lineage, practiced Dzogchen, and spent much of his life in solitary
retreat. In the minds of many Tibetans, Shabkar is, in fact, virtually
a second Milarepa. An excellent translation of a Tibetan Buddhist classic.
Snow Lion Publications (2001), 712 pp.
ISBN 1559391545.
Bringing The Teaching Alive: The Buddhist Heritage Of Tibet
Crystal Mirror Vol. 4
Lives of Padmasambhava and his 25 disciples convey the power and scope
of the Dharma transmission to Tibet.
Dharma Publishing (2004), 340 pp.
ISBN 0898003628.
Translated Tibetan Texts
Gampopa
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-fulfilling Gem of the Noble
Teachings
This text is a master work of Tibetan Buddhism, providing a complete foundation
of Buddhism. "For anyone who wishes to see me, studying this is the
same as meeting me." Translated by Khenpo Könchog Gyaltsen.
Snow Lion Publications (1998), 520 pp.
ISBN 1559390921.
Patrul Rinpoche
The Words of my Perfect Teacher
A complete translation of a classic introduction to Tibetan Buddhism:
the famous "Künzang Lamay Shalung" recommended by many
senior teachers. A very popular book for every practitioner on the Diamond
Way.
Shambhala; Revised edition (1998), 457 pp.
ISBN 1570624127.
Jamgön Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
Buddhist Ethics
Kongtrul's monumental Buddhist Encyclopedia of Buddhism (Treasury of Knowledge)
contains a complete account of the major lines of thought and practice
that comprise Tibetan Buddhism. Buddhist Ethics is the 5th part of that
work and is considered to be the heart. This text presents the three major
systems of ethics, widely know as the three vows.
Snow Lion Publications (2003), 568 pp.
ISBN 155939191X.
Jamgön Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
Myriad Worlds: Buddhist Cosmology in Abhidharma and Kalachakra
This is the first part of the monumental Encyclopaedia of Buddhism of
the first Kongtrul Rinpoche. Myriad Worlds presents the four levels of
cosmology.
Snow Lion Publications (1995), 304 pp.
ISBN 1559390336.
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
Buddha Nature
The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra (Gyü Lama) with Commentary. This
text is one of The Five Teachings of Maitreya, the future Buddha, who
transmitted it to Arya Asanga after Asanga had gained the realization
necessary to be entrusted with such instruction. It is regarded as very
important as it presents in great detail and clarity the view which forms
the basis of any Vajrayana and especially Mahamudra practice. Thus it
builds a bridge between the Sutrayana and Vajrayana levels of the Buddha's
teachings.
Snow Lion Publications (2000), 320 pp.
ISBN 1559391286.
Maitreya / Asanga
The Changeless Nature
The Gyü Lama, a famous root text of the Tibetan tradition, composed
by Maitreya and Asanga. A wealth of study material.
Karma Drubgyud Darjay Ling (1985), 192 pp.
ISBN 0906181054.
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Erik Pema Kunsang
Songs of Naropa
A clarification of the essence of Buddhist practice by one of the most
prominent living teachers of the Kagyü lineage, based on two spiritual
songs by the great Indian master. This translation contains subtle and
penetrating wisdom expressed through the age-old tradition of spiritual
songs. Two songs by the great Indian master Naropa are explained in detail
by Thrangu Rinpoche, a realized Tibetan Buddhist teacher of the present
time.
Rangjung Yeshe Publications (1997), 199 pp.
ISBN 9627341282.
Jamgön Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
The Teacher-Student Relationship
In Tibetan Buddhism it is an abiding principle that the root of all good
qualities is devotion to a fully qualified "spiritual friend".
The topic was never more thoroughly explored than by the first Jamgön
Kongtrul. The text is one chapter of his monumental Buddhist encyclopaedia,
Treasury of Knowledge. Translated by Ron Garry.
Snow Lion Publications (1999), 263 pp.
ISBN 1559390964.
Padmasambhava
Advice from the Lotus-Born
Padmasambhava is the primary master of Vajrayana. He instructed his main
disciple Yeshe Tsogyal to conceal terma treasures to be revealed at the
destined time for future practitioners. The profundity of this advice
is meant to be personally applied by all individuals in all circumstances.
North Atlantic Books (1996), 184 pp.
ISBN 9627341207.
Meditation
Jamgön Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
The Torch of Certainty
This excellent book describes the preliminary practices (Ngöndro).
Lodrö Thaye, the first Jamgön Kongtrul Rinpoche, gives clear
instructions concerning the 4 Ngöndro practices. Famous among all
Kagyupas.
Shambhala (2000), 184 pp.
ISBN 1570627134.
Bokar Rinpoche
Tara: The Feminine Divine
Bokar Rinpoche presents the various aspects of Tara and the origin of
her tantra, relates contemporary examples of her praise. offers instruction
for devotional practice and discusses remarkable women in Indian and Tibetan
Buddhism. An extensive iconography completes the book.
Clearpoint Press (1999), 176 pp.
ISBN 1930164009.
Bokar Rinpoche
Chenrezig - Lord of Love: Principles and methods of deity meditation
Chenresig is within us because love and compassion are not qualities added
to the mind. This book gives detailed instructions for practice (acc.
to the Kagyu tradition).
Clearpoint Press (1991), 110 pp.
ISBN 0963037102.
Bokar Rinpoche
Meditation: Advice for Beginners
Advice for beginners on meditation techniques, practice, and traditions
in Tibetan Buddhism.
Clearpoint Press (1993), 150 pp.
ISBN 0963037110.
Ngawang Zangpo
Jamgon Kongtruls Retreat Manual
The Kagyu and Nyingma traditions of Himalayan Buddhism offer the possibility
of a long period of intensive training in meditation. This manual was
written in the mid-19th century for those who wish to embark on this rigorous
training. It guides them in preparing for retreat, provides full details
of the meditation program and offers advice for their re-entry into the
world.
Snow Lion Publications (1994), 224 pp.
ISBN 1559390298.
Mahamudra
9th Karmapa (Wangchuk Dorje)
Mahamudra - Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance
The ninth Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje, has written three texts on the preliminary
practices: a short, a middle and finally a long version. This book presents
the short text and reveals the main teachings for starting the path of
Mahamudra.
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (1979), 194 pp.
ASIN: B0006E7MJM.
Takpo Tashi Namgyal
Mahamudra - The Quintessence of Mind and Meditation
A famous meditation manual covering the complete Kagyu Mahamudra path
just like it is being taught up to today. Includes many key instructions
and sayings by the past Mahamudra masters. Working with this book in a
correct way needs an oral transmission (lung) by a qualified lama.
Motilal Banarsidass (2000), 488 pp.
ISBN 8120810740.
Nalanda Translation Committee
The Rain of Wisdom
Lineage holders and realized yogis of the Kagyupas have expressed their
realization through spontaneous spiritual songs. More than 100 of these
Kagyu songs can be found in this volume which is the largest collection
of dohas of the Kagyupa practice lineage. Among the authors are Milarepa,
many of the Karmapas, Shamarpas etc. and they express their enlightened
view with wisdom and typical humour.
Shambhala (1999), 384 pp.
ISBN 1570624917.
Karma Chagme
Naked Awareness: Practical Instructions on the Union of Mahamudra and
Dzogchen
This text, by the 17th century adept Karma Chagme, is widely regarded
as an unusually elegant synthesis of the leading Tibetan approaches to
Buddhist meditation.
Snow Lion Publications (2000), 344 pp.
ISBN 1559391464.
Karma Chagme
Spacious Path to Freedom
This manual presents the profound Dzogchen and Mahamudra systems of practice.
Karma Chagme shows the stages of meditation quiescence and insight, the
identification of awareness, and the highest steps of Mahamudra and Atiyoga.
Drawing from his enormous textual erudition and mastery of Tibetan oral
traditions, he shows how these two systems can be unified into a single,
integrated approach.
Snow Lion Publications (1997), 240 pp.
ISBN 1559390719.
Art
Chögyam Trungpa
Dharma Art
Art was a primary means of expression for Trungpa. This books presents
his teachings about the power of art to awaken and liberate, and how the
artistic process is enhanced by mindful awareness.
Shambhala (1996), 144 pp.
ISBN 1570621365.
David & Janice Jackson
Tibetan Thangka Painting
Methods and materials of traditional thangka painting are described in
this popular book. Already a classic, a useful guide also for would-be
practitioners.
Snow Lion Publications (1999), 216 pp.
ISBN 1559391138.
Elizabeth Cook (Editor)
Stupa: Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment
Crystal Mirror Vol. 12
The stupa is the symbol for enlightenment, the primordial sacred structure
for all Buddhist traditions. Includes more than 200 photos of stupas in
15 countries. A wealth of material.
Dharma Publishing (1997), 437 pp.
ISBN 0898002842.
Websites of Dharma Publishers
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