Author Description

Path of Heroes, Birth of Enlightenment, by Zhechen Gyaltsab, is a full course of study from the foundations of spiritual practice to the perfection of compassion. Each of the thirty-four chapters has an introduction by Tarthang Tulku, with background information and explanations that were published as "Reflections" in the finished book. Intended to provide a traditional approach to karma and the way of the Bodhisattva, this translation introduces Guru Chekhawa's seven essentials of self-mastery. Consisting of sixty-two directives for the Bodhisattva practice of gTong-len (giving and taking, or exchanging self for others), this teaching guides the reader through seven steps: the Preliminary practices, the Giving and Talking system of developing the mind of enlightenment, transforming all adversity into the path, making self-mastery a way of life, measuring progress, strengthening commitment, and attaining full self-mastery. In his commentary, Zhechen Gyaltsab explains each aspect of this teaching. A commentary by the nineteenth-century Tibetan master Zhechen Gyaltsab on the Seven Essentials of Self-Mastery, a famous text by the twelfth-century Kadampa master Chekhawa Yeshe Dorje. This powerful introduction to the heart of Buddhist practice presents the Tong Len (unconditional giving and taking on the suffering of others) system of developing Bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment. Commentaries by Tarthang Tulku on each of Zhechen Gyaltsab's thirty-four chapters bring these ancient teachings into modern life, illuminating the timeless blessings of the Bodhisattva path. Half of this two-volume set works with preparation (the foundation of practice), with a focus on awakening the heart to the path of enlightenment. Ships as a two-volume set.