Heart Drops of Dharmakaya: Dzogchen Practice of the Bon Tradition

Why another review when this book was first published decades ago and already has numerous reviews? Perhaps by adding a recent review it will be clear that this is one of those foundational books that have withstood the test of time. It’s not an early translation that has been surpassed. It stands as one of the foremost in the practice of Dzogchen now as it did when first published in 1993. This book is a true treasure trove for those seeking a survey that will ground them in basic Bon Dzogchen practices and also instruct in the actual practices. The introductory sections outline the likely history of Bon’s beginning in Tibet. It includes the alternate possibility that it was a practice imported from Persia rather than India. We are then warned that the practices are informational, that a guru is needed if we truly want to practice. The text then jumps into a detailed description of what are considered preliminary practices. The instructions are clear and easily followed but come with the caveat we need a guru. At page forty we complete reading the preliminary practices. Books Two and Three are the heart drops of trekcho (cutting through) and togel (direct crossing), essential to the practice of Dzogchen. Togel presents the most rapid method for awakening, but trekcho is usually necessary for its success. If realization isn’t reached in this lifetime then the practices of phowa and bardo in Book Four come into play. The book concludes with three appendices; an eyewitness account of a rainbow body, a short history of Bon and a biography of Lopon Tenzin Namdak. There’s a lot to digest and perhaps the best way to proceed is to read the book in its entirety, then use it as a practice manual, working through it slowly and methodically with the aid of a teacher if possible. Put this book high on your list if you intend to become a serious student of Dzogchen.

I have read the book and its very nice, it gives you precious insights about enlightenment and liberation. The book speaks about the dzogchen way of reaching liberation using the powerful methods of trekcho, togel, and bardo teachings (including phowa practice). One interesting thing I discovered while reading is that you can reach beautiful intuitive insights about liberation. If you don't have a direct transmission from a teacher, this reading can introduce you directly to the enlightenment mandala that resides in your heart! May all sentient beings recognize our preicious state of rig-pa and develope in love for the sake of all creation!!

The book clearly states it is for informational purposes only if not trained properly. Very few people on the planet are trained properly in Bon, relatively speaking that is. This teacher is the best, but like most of the best, is a conduit of pure information. If you looking for the meditation study, both H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche have better books for thus. Again, it is a wonderful transmission of unchanged information but useless to anyone not trained by a proper Bonpo. Peace and Blessings ^_^

Just like the practical Keith Dowman Dzogchen books, this book is a must have and must read. valuable transmissions from the Dzogchen lineage. Shardza text, translated and commentary by Lopon Tenzi Namdak.

Very nice book to read and understand Dzogchen from the Bon tradition. For a practitioner, even more useful.

Great book indeed. Especially if you wish to understand more the practices of Trecko and Togel. Truly a gem from the past!

Education

This book makes it perfectly clear that much of Tibetan Buddhism grew out of the Bon tradition. For those who want in depth instruction on Trekcho and Togel, this book has information other books do not have and is quite valuable in deepening one's pratice.

Very interesting material, super fast delivery.

Es ist großartig die Chance zu haben so ein Buch zu lesen über Dzogchen, den womöglich direktesten und vollkommensten spirituellen Weg, der gar kein Weg ist. Es werden Trekchö und Tögal verständlich erklärt. Diese beiden Meditation (auch wenn Trekchö nicht wirklich nur eine Meditation ist) sind genug um Befreiung zu erlangen, den Regenbogenkörper, der noch vollkommener als der reine illususorische Körper des Mahamdura sei, und Buddhaschaft. Was will man mehr 😀

Instructs and explains just the right amount. Feels authentic.

Great book.

Here for the first time in English is a complete Dzogchen meditation manual freom the ancient religious tradition of Tibet known as Bon. The Kunzang Nying-tig by Shardza Tashi Gyaltsen is a powerful and practical instructional text which cuts to the heart of Dzogchen meditation. Dzogchen is regarded by Bonpos as the highest and most esoteric religious practice.