Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind

Description

**A new translation of Longchenpa’s famous work that presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view combined with pith instructions pointing out the nature of one’s mind.** Longchen Rabjam’s *Resting in the Nature of Mind* is a classic Buddhist manual for attaining true liberation through familiarizing ourselves with our most basic nature–our clear, pristine, and aware mind. Written in the fourteenth century, this text is the first part to Longchenpa’s *Trilogy of Finding Rest* , a work of the esoteric Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. This unique presentation of the Buddhist view and path combines the scholastic expository method of explanation with direct pith instructions designed for yogi practitioners. This text systematically presents the view in thirteen chapters, outlining all that a practitioner must know in order to embark on the complete Buddhist path. Here we find fundamental instructions on the need to turn away from materialism, how to find a qualified guide, how to develop boundless compassion for all beings, and much more. Longchenpa then carries the reader through to the view of tantra and its associated practices in chapter ten. Chapters eleven and twelve explore calm abiding ( *shamatha* ) and deep insight ( *vipashyana* ) meditation techniques. The work culminates with chapter thirteen, the final chapter, in which the result of practice is presented from the perspective of Dzogchen. The first part of the *Trilogy of Finding Rest* is a comprehensive teaching on the view from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, setting the foundation for the following two volumes: *Resting in Meditative Absorption* , which focuses on meditation practice, and *Resting in Illusion* , which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation to *Resting in the Nature of Mind* , which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation.