An accessible and practical resource on the Buddhist path, centered around bringing the practice of compassion to everything we do. Beginning with a teaching on marriage and relationships from the Buddhist perspective, with emphasis on the application of personal discipline and the understanding of karma in our personal and family lives. Includes is a complete, detailed commentary on the “37 practices of a Bodhisattva,” one of the most important Tibetan texts on the path of compassion and wisdom. Bardor Rinpoche also gives a complete teaching on the six perfections, the transcendent qualities of generosity, morality, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.

Rinchen Publications (2004). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

This teaching is on the deity called Arya Tara. If we examine the nature of Arya Tara from the point of what is called the definitive meaning, the true meaning, then she is Yum Chen Mo, the Great Mother. Arya Tara is called the Great Mother because she embodies the ultimate meaning of dharma, the ultimate meaning of emptiness - the dharmakaya.

Rinchen Publications (1999). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

Practiced by all the major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, nyungne is a special fasting practice of a 1000-Armed Chenrezik, the bodhisattva of compassion. It is extraordinary both for its profound spiritual qualities and for its practicality in application. Nyungne is performed over a period of two days, the second of which is a complete fast. During nyungne, practitioners take on temporary vows and generate the attitude of bodhichitta, the unbiased compassion and aspiration for the enlightenment of all beings.

Rinchen Publications (2004). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

The Tashi Prayer is a short text written by Khenchen Mipham (1846-1912), a major figure in 19th-century Tibetan Buddhism. The prayer is a condensation of the much longer Sutra of the Words of Auspiciousness, which was taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. The purpose of the prayer is to pay homage to and supplicate four kinds of awakened beings (buddhas, male bodhisattvas, female bodhisattvas, and protectors) so as to receive their blessings for both spiritual and worldly success.

Rinchen Publications (2000). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

The disciple and consort of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), Yeshe Tsogyal played a crucial role in the introduction and propagation of the Buddhist teachings in Tibet. The early period in her life was marked by hardship and suffering. After she met Guru Rinpoche, she studied and practiced diligently under his guidance, and eventually reached realization. Later on, she herself became a teacher.

Karma Kagyu Institute (2008). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

How do we prepare for death? What happens to us when we die? What is our experience after death? These are the questions addressed by Bardor Tulku Rinpoche in his two talks given at the Hartford KTC in 1999. Rinpoche bases his talks on a text by the great terton, Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa, A Supplement to the Profound Meaning of Liberation Through Hearing, which is a part of the cycle of teachings called Dispelling All Obstacles, the Accomplishment of the Heart of the Guru. Rinpoche also includes comments on the bardo made by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Both talks include lively question and answer sessions.

Vajra Echoes (1999). Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.

Noble Lady Tara, the All-Encompassing Wisdom Mother, whose buddha quality is action, acts swiftly and fearlessly as the direct opponent to the terrors which dwell in our hearts and which must be eliminated in order to achieve enlightenment. As Princess Dawa, she vowed to benefit all sentient beings until samsara was emptied. Breaking tradition, she proclaimed she would accomplish this activity always in the body of a woman. In these four talks Bardor Tulku Rinpoche gives instructions on the practice of Tara, including her legend, the symbolic aspects of her manifestation, and her enlightened activity. Rinpoche bases his teaching on a commentary on the 21 salutations (praises) of Tara, The Supreme Generosity of the Treasure Vase which Brings All Happiness and Joy by Tubten Shedrup Gyamtso of Dzogchen Monastery.

Vajra Echoes. Available from Namse Bangdzo Bookstore.