Vehicles Series

• Opening the Door of Dharma: A Brief Discourse on the Essence of All Vehicles by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

Among the best-known compositions of Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö, this short text in verse provides an introduction to the history and practice of Tibetan Buddhism and concludes with an appeal for nonsectarianism. It was written at the request of the Indian diplomat and author Apa Pant (1912–1992).

• Sweet Nectar of the Supreme Vehicle: A Synopsis of the Stages of the Mahāyāna Path by Jamyang Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö

A comprehensive guide to the Mahāyāna path in the Sakya tradition written at the behest of a lama referred to as Kangyurpa.

• A Brief Presentation of the Nine Vehicles by Alak Zenkar Rinpoche

Based on the writings of Patrul Rinpoche, this brief survey summarises each of the nine successive vehicles leading to enlightenment in terms of their entry point, view, meditation, conduct and results.

• The Concentrated Seed: How to Distinguish the Tenets of Non-Buddhist and Buddhist Schools by Patrul Rinpoche

In this short guide to Buddhist and non-Buddhist philosophical tenets, Patrul Rinpoche begins by outlining the tīrthika views of eternalism and nihilism. He then summarizes the views of the śrāvaka schools of Vaibhāṣika and Sautrāntika, as well as the two kinds of pratyekabuddha, the various branches of Cittamātra, and the Svātantrika and Prāsaṅgika strands of Mādhyamika. To conclude, he offers a brief overview of the various levels of secret mantra.

• The Black Snake Discourse by Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo

In this brief treatise, Rongzom deploys the example of a black snake’s reflection in water to illustrate the differences between the tenets of the Śrāvakas, Mādhyamikas, followers of Kriyā and Yoga Tantra, Mahāyoga, and the Great Perfection.

• Elucidating the Hidden Meaning: A Commentary on the Meaning of the Four Mudrās by Dola Jigme Kalzang

In this short text Dola Jigme Kalzang explains the meaning of the four mudrās that provide a context for tantric practice: the karma mudrā, which is the basis of practice; the dharma mudrā, which is the object of practice; the samaya mudrā, which is the means of practice; and the mahāmudrā, which is the fruition of practice.

• Lamrim Series

• Stages and Paths Series