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Books Related to Heart Jewel Geshe Kelsang Gyatso - ISBN: 0948006552
Some remarks on The Essential Practices of Kadampa Buddhism - Rated
I feel the publisher notes are a little bit misleading and don't give clarity what the book is all about. The book deals in the first part with the practice of the Guru-Yoga of Tsongkhapa (tib. Ganden Lha Gyema) especially how to practice the Migtsema prayer. This is an essential practice of the Gelug order.
The second part of the book includes the Dorje Shugden practice. Although the Dorje Shugden practice became quite popular by the influence of Pabongkha Rinpoche and Trijang Rinpoche (the latter is the main teacher of the author) many Buddhist authorities (HH the Dalai Lama, Namkai Norbu Rinpoche and almost all Kaygue and Nyingma Lamas) see it as a destructive practice. However, this is a point of discussion and one has to accept different views on it.
What confuses me is the claim of the publisher Tharpa Publications that the book contents "The Essential Practices of Kadampa Buddhism". Because the ancient Kadampa Tradition never practised Shugden or the Tsongkhapa-Guru-Yoga. Also the ancient Kadampa Tradition founded by Atisha does not exist any more. For what purpose Tharpa Publications uses the words "Kadampa Buddhism" indicating to present something they do not present?
There is no such thing as "Kadampa Buddhism". What exist is the New Kadampa Tradition (NKT) founded by the author 1991 in England as a split from the Gelug school (Tibetan Buddhism), and the New Kadampa Tradition's essential practices are summarized in this book.
It would be fine if the Publisher could avoid such confusion for the sake of the reader in the future. It would be far more in accordance with the facts to write: "Heart Jewel: The Essential Practices of the New Kadampa Tradition" and "New Kadampa Tradition is becoming increasingly popular..." For NKT followers the book is a must and inspiring, I think.
A reply to Losang Tashi's review - Rated
I understand that using the ancient name "Kadampa Buddhism" may be confusing from a Tibetan point of view. But surely after a decent interval an old trade mark can be re-used? For the vast majority, "Kadampa" is simply and unambiguously the name of Geshe Kelsang's tradition, which does follow most of the Kadampa practices (Guru yoga of Buddha Shakyamuni, Lam Rim, Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and Lojong) and is based on deep veneration for Je Tsongkhapa, who also felt it appropriate to re-use the name Kadampa. Apart from Je Phabonkhapa's Vajrayogini sadhana and the Dharmapala Dorje Shugdän, almost everything taught by Geshe Kelsang comes from Je Tsongkhapa.
As to the differences between Dharma Protector traditions - well, the Old Kadampas practiced Miyume, Je Tsongkhapa practiced Kalarupa... Dharma Protectors change over time according to Lamas' views as to the appropriate karma of their disciples, so which Protector one practices isn't eternally fixed. There is no eternally right or wrong answer.
Turning to the book itself, as Losang Tashi says it is the essential (i.e. daily or default) practice for disciples of Geshe Kelsang, and is intended for New Kadampa Tradition practitioners. Those wishing to learn a more general form of meditation practice from Geshe Kelsang should instead get his New Meditation Handbook, which is pure Lam Rim as practiced in the NKT's open (General Programme) meditation classes in many towns throughout the world.
My advice to the beginner would be to leave Heart Jewel on the shelf, unless and until you choose Geshe Kelsang as your root Guru.
4 stars not 5, because I have a strong connection with Dorje Shugdän and would have liked to know more about him from those who have venerated him in the past.
