The Royal Seal of Mahamudra

Introduction to The Royal Seal of Mahamudr

“The Royal Seal of Mahamudra” by Ngawang Kunga Tenzin and Gerardo Abboud, is a profound and illuminating book that provides a comprehensive introduction to the practice of mahamudra in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. , the book presents a clear and accessible guide to this advanced practice, which is considered the pinnacle of the Buddhist path.

Overview of The Royal Seal of Mahamudr

The book is divided into three parts. Part One provides an overview of the history and philosophy of mahamudra, including its origins in India and its development in Tibet. The authors explain the key concepts of emptiness, luminosity, and the nature of mind, which are central to the practice of mahamudra. They also describe the different stages of practice and the obstacles that practitioners may encounter along the way.

Part Two presents the main practice of mahamudra, which is the direct realization of the nature of mind. The authors provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the practice, including the preliminary practices of refuge, bodhicitta, and guru yoga. They also offer guidance on how to cultivate mindfulness, develop concentration, and stabilize the mind.

Part Three focuses on the post-meditation practices, which help integrate the insights gained during meditation into everyday life. The authors explain how to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and the four immeasurables (loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity). They also offer advice on how to apply the teachings of mahamudra to daily life and how to overcome the obstacles and challenges that may arise on the path.

Strengths

One of the book’s strengths is its clarity and accessibility. The authors present the teachings in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner, without sacrificing the depth and richness of the tradition. They use clear and concise language and provide helpful examples and analogies to illustrate key points.

Another strength of the book is its comprehensive approach. The authors cover all aspects of the practice, from the history and philosophy to the main practice and the post-meditation practices. They also address common questions and misconceptions about the practice and offer practical advice for integrating the teachings into daily life.

The book is also well-organize and structure. Each chapter builds on the previous one, and the authors provide clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader. The book is also well-edit, with few errors or typos.

Weaknesses

One weakness of the book is that it may be too advance for beginners. While the authors do provide an overview of the practice and its history and philosophy, the book assumes a basic understanding of Buddhist concepts and terminology. It may be challenging for readers who are new to Buddhism or who have not yet established a regular meditation practice.

Another weakness of the book is that it may be too focus on the theoretical aspects of the practice. While the authors do provide practical guidance on how to meditate and apply the teachings to daily life, the book may be more appealing to those who are interest in the intellectual and philosophical aspects of the tradition.

Conclusion

Overall, “The Royal Seal of Mahamudra” is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the practice of mahamudra. It is well-written, well-organized, and comprehensive in its coverage of the subject matter. While it may be challenging for beginners, it is an invaluable resource for those who are interest in exploring this advanced practice and deepening their understanding of the nature of mind.