Khandro Dechen – författare

Here two Western-born lamas of the Nyingma tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism explore what it means to be utterly emotionally alive. Written in contemporary, nonacademic language, this book is a radical challenge to the misconception that inner Vajrayana is primarily an esoteric system of ritual and liturgy. The authors teach that emotions can be embraced as a rich and profound opportunity for realization. This fiercely compassionate battle cry rallies all who are audacious enough to appreciate emotions for their supreme potential as vehicles for awakening.

According to the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, Dzogchen is the direct experience of enlightenment. In Roaring Silence, Vajrayana teachers Ngakpa Chögyam and Khandro Déchen walk the reader through the meditation techniques that "enable us to side-step the bureaucracy of intellectual processes and experience ourselves directly"—to discover this direct experience of enlightenment that is the mind of Dzogchen. Surprisingly, the approach is very pragmatic. Offering an investigation of the necessary steps, the authors begin with how to prepare for the journey: the lama is essential; as are a sense of humor, inspiration, and determination. They continue by describing the path of Dzogchen from sitting meditation to the direct perception of reality. The chapters include exercises for sharpening the presence of our awareness, for simple visualizations, and for investigating how to "remain uninvolved" with mental activity for a period—with follow-up guidance on how to view our experiences. Both practical and inspirational, the authors'' exquisitely precise guidance is all presented with the caveat, "be kind to yourself, don''t push yourself beyond your limits."

Khandro Déchen Tsédrüp Rolpa''i Yeshé is a Nyingma Lama who teaches in the Dzogchen lineage of Aro Lingma. Her clear, direct and detailed handbook of sKu-mNyé (kum nye) enables one to enter the dimension of energy revealed through Dzogchen longdé, the series of space. 35 elemental exercises cover 7 dynamic movements from each series of symbolic animals: lion, vulture, tiger, eagle, and garuda. Aro sKu-mNyé can be practised by almost anyone as the forms range from simple to challenging, from mild to strongly aerobic. The theoretical background to the exercises is explained in simple contemporary English, which is accessible to those with no experience of Vajrayana Buddhism, yet will be of value and interest to those who have practised intensively and studied the tradition in depth. The exercises are finely illustrated by Pauline Williams in a western life-drawing style that portrays real-life practitioners rather than perfect iconographic bodies of yogis and yoginis.

An inspirational calendar of daily quotations selected by Naljorpa Druk-tsal and Naljorma Kha’drön from teachings given by Ngak’chang Rinpoche and Khandro Déchen. These quotations provide fresh insights into essential Vajrayana Buddhism. They range from hilarity to piercing directness. This approach is characteristic of the creative, contemporary prose and poetry for which these English Lamas are known.They are the Aro gTér Lineage Lamas and have specialised in expressing the Nyingma Inner Tantras, with an emphasis on incorporating practice in everyday life. Their enthusiasm for both the secular and religious Arts, inspired by Kyabyé Düd’jom Rinpoche, is central to what they teach. They address 21st Century society whilst remaining true to the ancient tradition in which they were trained by their Lamas.Interspersed in this calendar, are quotations from Kyabyé Düd’jom Jig’drel Yeshé Dorje Rinpoche, HE Trülku Ögyen Dro’dül Thrin-lé Kün-kyab Rinpoche and Khar-trül Wangchuk Rig’dzin Rinpoche.