Notes Series

• Notes from the Oral Tradition on Ālaya, Ālaya Consciousness, etc. by Yukhok Chatralwa Chöying Rangdrol

These notes discuss the ālaya, or 'ground of all', as well as the ālaya-consciousness (ālaya-vijñāna) and other forms of consciousness from a practical, experiential perspective, rather than a scholastic or theoretical point of view. They drew upon the sayings and explanations of such masters as Adzom Drukpa, Tertön Sogyal and Dudjom Lingpa.

• Memorandum on the Subject of Mahāmudrā and Dzogchen Instructions by Dongak Chökyi Gyatso

The author makes a distinction between “instructions that apply more generally” and “teachings that are intended for specific individuals” in order to argue for a gradualist approach that culminates in Mahāmudrā or Dzogchen for all but those of the very sharpest faculties (who are able to proceed to the highest teachings directly).

• The Bright Lamp of Wisdom: A Guide to the Practice of Guru Yoga (Yeshe Saldrön) by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Extensive notes on the Bright Lamp of the Heart Essence (Nyingtik Saldrön) practice preceded by a general discussion of guru yoga and the importance of following a teacher.

• The Seed of Reasoning: Notes on the Five Great Logical Arguments of the Middle Way by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo

A brief text summarizing the five great logical arguments of the Madhyamaka, or Middle Way: 1) the investigation of the cause: the Diamond Splinters; 2) the investigation of the result: refuting existent or non-existent effects; 3) the investigation of both: refuting the four permutations of arising; 4) the investigation of essential identity: ‘neither one nor many’; and 5) the logical argument of Great Interdependence.

• Notes on the Seven Points of Mind Training by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

These notes on the Seven Points of Mind Training appear to derive from the celebrated commentary of Sé Chilbu Chökyi Gyaltsen (1121–1189). Unfortunately the notes do not cover the entire root text and their brevity is suggestive of lecture notes or an aide-memoire.

• Notes on the Heart-Essence Practices of the Channels and Wind-Energies by Adzom Gyalse Gyurme Dorje

These notes provide a brief but valuable overview of the practices of Tsa Lung (rtsa rlung)—literally 'channels and wind-energies'—according to the Longchen Nyingtik tradition. The text identifies some important literary sources that explain the theory behind the training, warns of potential pitfalls and highlights the benefits.

• Lamp That Illuminates the Excellent Path of Great Bliss: A Guide to the Practice Text of the Female Awareness-Holder, the Queen of Great Bliss by Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima

This is the second major commentary on Yumka, the ḍākinī practice of the Longchen Nyingtik, (not including Jigme Lingpa's own writings) after the much longer and more elaborate Raṭik, which it supplements. The text begins with a discussion of the role and significance of Yeshe Tsogyal, and then proceeds to examine the practice itself, highlighting its special qualities and elaborating on many of its profound and subtle features.