Mahamudra Tantra

View other editions of Mahamudra Tantra.
View books by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

be careful, be aware - Rated
I agree with the previous reviewer I read this book as I was interested in the teachings of Buddhist tantra, vajrayana, Manjushri etc, as related to the beliefs of the people who built Borobudur in 9th century Indonesia. In this respect, it's a clear and concise explanation of the path, including some translations of interesting texts and prayers.

However, I feel that anyone that promises enlightenment in 3 years is at best to be questioned and at worst not to be trusted.

Anyone that claims their way is the only way raises my hackles and makes me really irritated.

I agree, by all means read it, but read other stuff too and find your own path. Listen to your heart, don't let anyone, even a "master", tell you what you should do and believe.

Mahamudra within reach! - Rated
I have been studying Buddhism for getting close to 10 years and have received the empowerments of Highest Yoga Tantra - which I have practised with varying results. I mention this to give a little context to my following comments.

This book is amazing! I am left flat footed by how clear, straightforward, attainable and seemingly obvious the Buddhist path to enlightenment really is. Although the subject Tantra Mahamudra is considered to be Buddha's most profound teaching and the meditations involved are quite complex, this book renders everything so clearly that I would propose this book as both an excellent introduction to Buddhist practise and for those seeking to complete the training.

A couple of other observations, the author clearly writes from experience. I say this because the clarity and simplicity of his explanations revealing what is correct and what is mistaken have the unmistakeable mark of direct knowledge, rather than academic parroting. Reading this book actually made my heart tremble because at least for this reader, it becomes abundantly clear that the author is a fully realised being. How amazing is that, if you really take such an idea into your heart? Understanding that such beings do exist and are so immediately available for the average Joe makes this book all the more inspiriing, because it really gives confidence that these are practices to be perfected, not words to discussed.

So I should stop there, I wouldn't normally gush so much, but I hope I share some of my enthusiasm and that others who read it also find such happiness and more! If not, it just goes to show that everything depends on the mind.