"The purpose of The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen is to present in a very concise and inclusive way all that an individual actually needs to practice in order to attain awakening. This style of presentation, in its brevity and directness, is appropriate for the present time because our mental afflictions are strong and life is short. We do not have time to waste.

"The text, which is composed of eight songs, presents the quintessence of both the Mahamudra and Dzokchen traditions. Written in Karma Chakme’s style of extreme simplicity and great profundity, it makes what is normally difficult to understand very straightforward and easy to understand."

--From the Introduction by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

Media

"Song Five: Training in Generation and Completion" from The Quintessence of the Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen was excerpted in the Buddhadharma Spring 2008 issue in an article entitled "Vajrayana Unpacked."

Review

"Outrageous Truth"
Reviewer: Sally Clay from Lake Placid, Florida

The garuda on the cover of this book is an outrageous creature half bird and half man, representing primordial wisdom in both gods and humans. Karma Chakme, author of the root text, often compared his teachings to the garuda because they are both mahamudra and dzokchen. His eight songs are clear and easy to understand, yet comprehensive and thorough. These qualities also describe the commentary by Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, abbot of KTD Monastery and a contemporary Tibetan master. The commentary contains concise instructio