Ornament of Dakpo Kagyu Thought

The third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorjé (1284–1339), composed on a variety of topics and is considered a preeminent figure not only in the Kagyü lineages but also those of Severance, or Chö (gcod), and Nyingma. He composed treatises that became the foundation for studies by generations of meditators and scholars in the Karma Kagyü tradition and beyond, ranging from the massive commentary on the highest yoga tantras, The Profound Inner Principles (Zab mo nang don), to condensed profound supplications such as our Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra, which stands on its own as a deep contemplative practice.

Ornament of Dakpo Kagyü Thought presents a sparkling translation of The Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer by Rangjung Dorjé and commentary by Mendong Tsampa. This is one of the most brilliant and popular ritual prayers today, and is also considered the most profound exposition of mahamudra, the pinnacle of practice in the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. The facing pages of Tibetan script make this a go-to book for daily practice and for Tibetan-language students. The Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer is one of the most brilliant and popular compositions on mahamudra and is the pinnacle of practice in the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. Written in easygoing nine-meter verse, this heartfelt prayer by the third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorjé, lends itself to chanting and ritualized group prayer and is at the same time intricately organized into the most profound and thorough exposition of mahamudra. The commentary on the prayer by Mendong Tsampa Rinpoché brilliantly illuminates its subtleties, making it even more accessible for the reader, and students and teachers alike will appreciate the inclusion of the Tibetan script on facing pages of the prayer and commentary. This is a text for encouraging study, for inspiring practice, and for the awakening of the world.