Books which give an overview of Nyingma?

[Luke]

Hello,

I am looking for some books which give a good overview of the Nyingma path to enlightenment (the nine yanas) and some general info about the school. I don't want a pile of Dzogchen books which are useless without a Nyingma lama. Which books do you recommend?

Luke

[ground]

As far as the School ist concerned:




http://www.wisdom-books.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=14761

Sort of an encyclopedia

Kind regards

[Dhondrub]

On the lineage I can only second TMingyur.
Concernig the path: in my opinion "The Lions Roar" by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche gives an excellent overview of the 9 Yanas. http://www.amazon.com/LIONS-Dharma-Ocea ... 0877736545

best

Tashi

[Pema Dorje]

If you are not willing to pay over 60 dollars for that one, there is a cheaper book on Nyingma Buddhism, written by my teachers.

http://www.snowlionpub.com/search.php?isbn=BUPAPR

[ngodrup]

H. H. Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche wrote a thin volume
called "Small Golden Key" which, although very concise,
does have an overview of the nine yanas, as well as an
explanation of each of the 100 deities of the Shirto
Mandala.

All of his books are good for understanding the view
especially of vajrayana.

[kirtu]

"Words of my Perfect Teacher", Mipham Rinpoche
Shabkar's Autobiography

Neither of these are exclusively Nyingma but they certainly reflect a Nyingma flavor and view overall.

LIGHT OF FEARLESS INDESTRUCTIBLE WISDOM: The Life and Legacy of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche
(although not an overview of the Nyingma school in general)

THE BUDDHIST PATH: A Practical Guide from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
(both of these are by the Khenpo Brothers)

THE LOTUS-BORN: The Life Story of Padmasamhava, by Yeshe Tsogyal - I gave this text away some time ago but if it's the book I'm thinking of this is the story of Padmasambhava bringing Buddhism to Tibet and is thus the foundational story of the Nyingma.

I have not seen this but NYINGMAPA: Bodhgaya to Tsopema DVD, by HH Penor Rinpoche. The Snow Lion blurb says:

These teachings include wonderfully vivid footage from a pilgrimage from Bodhgaya to Tsopema, the sacred lake of Padmasambhava. Included are: Nyinmapa Grant Cerermony; several teachings by Penor Rinpoche; introductions to Bodhgaya and Tsopema; the story of Guru Rinpoche subjugating the king of Zahor; the footprints of Padmasambhava; and more. Comes with full-color booklet.

Kirt

[udawa]

Luke,

You might find this worth a look http://www.wisdom-books.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=4913&MATCH=2

This edition of Crystal Mirror is mostly about Nyingma history, but contains a lot of background material as well. If my memory serves me right, I think the historical stuff is derived from Dudjom Rinpoches Dharma History.

D

[Jikan]

Gates to Buddhist Practice by Chagdud Tulku is brief, accessible, and authoritative. If this is what you need.

[Sönam]

All those are ok ... but the Big Red Book is really "the" must!

[orgyen jigmed]

Hello,

I am looking for some books which give a good overview of the Nyingma path to enlightenment (the nine yanas) and some general info about the school. I don't want a pile of Dzogchen books which are useless without a Nyingma lama. Which books do you recommend?

Luke

If I may add another book to the excellent list provided, I would invite you to read, The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great, by Ringu Tulku (Shambhala).

This book not only gives an overview of all the Buddhist linages that entered Tibet after the 8th centuary, but also discusses the commonalities and distinctions between the Nyingma and the Sarma schools, provided in chapter 7.

But in particular, I encourage you to read Mipham Rinpoche's Rebuttal of the Criticism of the Nyingma Tradition as well as Atisha's Statements on the Early Tantras, but not at the exclusion of other articles, which will give the reader the necessary background to appreciate the wealth of this Tradition.

[Enochian]

The Nyingma presentation of the 9 yanas serves ONLY to show the superiority of Dzogchen Menngagde. That is the ONLY purpose of the "nine yanas."

[gnegirl]

Everytime i see Guru Rinpoche's picture i can't help but smile

[kirtu]

Everytime i see Guru Rinpoche's picture i can't help but smile

Yep - he's a good guy -

Kirt