Yeshe Lama

Abstract

Yeshe Lama, written by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa, is the most important practice manual on the Great Perfection teachings of the Nyingma tradition. Jigmed Lingpa stated, "Realization of the pure awareness that transcends the mind is the specialty of the Great Perfection." Beginning with the preliminary prerequisites, the entire Great Perfection path is spelled out clearly and succinctly in Yeshe Lama, which is meant to be studied and practiced by qualified practitioners who are committed to completing the prerequisites before entering the path of Dzogchen. Even to open this book, one must have received empowerment and have been introduced to the nature of the mind by a qualified master. The teachings and practices taught in Yeshe Lama encompass the innermost cycle of upadesha teachings and clearly define the Dzogchen practices of trekchö, cutting through to original purity and tögal crossing over with spontaneous presence. These are the swift practices that can lead to the attainment of the rainbow body and the complete attainment of buddhahood, and this is the same path that has been followed by many of the great spiritual adepts of India and Tibet. Consequently, if one studies and trains in the Yeshe Lama correctly and with deepest respect and diligence, the possibility of enlightenment within one lifetime is within reach. Yeshe Lama is the most important practice manual on the Great Perfection teachings. The golden words of this sublime text arose from the depths of ultimate wisdom and came to us through the all-embracing compassion of Rigdzin Jigmed Lingpa (1730–1798), one of the greatest adepts and writers of Tibet. Yeshe Lama is for seriously devoted meditators who have matured sufficiently to undertake the Great Perfection trainings and who have been introduced to the text by a master who has perfected his or her realization. Its sole path is one of meditative skills, and its sole goal is to gain inner experience.