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The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
Second Edition
About the Author
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation master and internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern Buddhism into contemporary society. He is the author of 22 highly acclaimed books that perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to our modern world. He has also founded over 1200 Kadampa Buddhist centres and groups throughout the world.
Find out more at www.tharpa.com
The International Temples Project
UK Kadampa World Peace Temple At Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Ulverston
One of many Kadampa Temples established by the author
The International Temples Project was founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche with the aim to introduce the Buddhist faith and practice of the New Kadampa Tradition publicly, and to exemplify contemporary Buddhist practice through public service.
It achieves this through building traditional and non-traditional Temples, meditation centres and retreat centres, and through the activities of Kadampa Schools, World Peace Cafés and Tharpa Publications.
For more information on the International Temples Project, visit kadampa.org/temples
Also by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Meaningful to Behold
Clear Light of Bliss
Universal Compassion
Joyful Path of Good Fortune
The Bodhisattva Vow
Heart Jewel
Great Treasury of Merit
Introduction to Buddhism
Tantric Grounds and Paths
Ocean of Nectar
Essence of Vajrayana
Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully
Eight Steps to Happiness
Transform Your Life
The New Meditation Handbook
How to Solve Our Human Problems
Mahamudra Tantra
Modern Buddhism
The New Heart of Wisdom
The New Guide to Dakini Land
How to Understand the Mind
This book is published under the auspices of the
NKT-IKBU International Temples Project
and the profit from its sale is designated for public benefit through this fund.
[Reg. Charity number 1015054 (England)]
Find out more:
tharpa.com/benefit-all-world-peace
Buddha Shakyamuni
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
The Oral Instructions of Mahamudra
Second Edition
THE VERY ESSENCE OF BUDDHA’S TEACHINGS OF SUTRA AND TANTRA
THARPA PUBLICATIONS
UK • US • CANADA
AUSTRALIA • ASIA
First published 2015.
Second edition 2016.
The right of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means except for the quotation of brief passages for the purpose of private study, research, or review.
Tharpa Publications UK
Conishead Priory
Ulverston, Cumbria
LA12 9QQ, England
Tharpa Publications US
47 Sweeney Road
Glen Spey, NY 12737
USA
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© New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union 2015, 2016
Cover image: Guru Sumati Buddha Heruka.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015957817
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 978-1-910368-36-7 – paperback
ISBN 978-1-910368-24-4 – ePub
Contents
The International Temples Project
Also by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
PART ONE: The General Explanation of this Practice
THE PRACTICE OF THE PRELIMINARIES
THE FIRST GREAT PRELIMINARY GUIDE
HOW TO TRAIN IN SINCERELY GOING FOR REFUGE, THE GATEWAY TO ENTERING BUDDHISM