Royal Seal of Mahamudra (vol 1): a guidebook for the realization of coemergence

This guidebook for cultivating the meditative practices of stability and insight—the first major work from the Drukpa Kagyu lineage to become available in English—stands out among works of its kind as one of the clearest and most comprehensive presentations of coemergence, or mahamudra. In it, the eighteenth-century Tibetan master Ngawang Kunga Tenzin, the Third Khamtrul Rinpoche, details a step-by-step program of spiritual exercises that bring the meditator directly to clear realization of the fully perfect, ever-present, nondual nature of mind.

Beginning with the close relationship between phenomena and mind and the immense benefits of meditating on the nature of mind, the Third Khamtrul Rinpoche offers careful instructions on the four yogas of mahamudra together with advice on how to recognize genuine progress and how to remove obstacles that arise during meditation. Characteristic of the Drukpa Kagyu approach is that, even from the earliest stages of training, the author explains how all experience, thoughts, and perceptions may be used as the path to enlightenment from the perspective of insight into the nature of mind.

PRAISE
"This guidebook by the Third Khamtrul, Drodul Ngawang Kunga Tenzin, clearly and extensively presents such topics as ground, path, and fruition; instructions on the four yogas of mahamudra; and detailed descriptions of a yogin's meditative experiences. I express my appreciation to Gerardo Abboud for having tirelessly translated it into English. It is my hope that it may be of great benefit to those Westerners who wish to study and practice mahamudra."—H.E. Dorzong Rinpoche

"Because it is one of the most detailed and comprehensive arrays of mahamudra teachings in existence, many years ago I encouraged Gerardo Abboud to prepare an English translation of the Third Khamtrul Rinpoche's instructional treatise on coemergent wisdom. I'm truly delighted to see that his efforts have now resulted in this exceptional work. All those devoted to the path that leads to recognizing the mind's profound nature will surely cherish The Royal Seal of Mahamudra. Ideally, when these precious instructions are studied and put into practice based on empowerment and the practical guidance of a mahamudra lineage holder, they will bring complete awakening to all that is perfect and noble. At the very least, all those interested in these teachings should seek an authentic lineage holder and request a reading transmission of the text. In this way, the blessings will enter one's heart."—H.E. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche

"The distinguishing feature of this commentary on mahamudra is the way it accurately covers the different experiences of practitioners. People's minds are varied, so their experiences can differ as well. The author describes what antidotes to apply, what adjustments to make, how to determine if an experience is valid or not, and how to avoid straying to a wrong path. The translator, Gerardo Abboud, has studied and practiced under his main teachers H.E. Apho Rinpoche, H.E. the Eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, Ven. Gegen Khyentse, and H.E. Sengdra Rinpoche, as well as other lamas of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. As such, he not only is learned about mahamudra but also has the experience of practice, both of which are special conditions for an adequate translation. It is my dearest hope that this text may be of great benefit and lead countless beings to the realization of buddhahood."—Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche