A Chariot to Freedom: Guidance from the Great Masters on the Vajrayana Preliminary Practices

A unique commentary on the preliminary practices of Vajrayāna Buddhism, from a beloved Nyingma master.

A Chariot to Freedom is one of the most beloved presentations of the preliminary practices, or ngöndro, that form the foundation of the Vajrayāna Buddhist path. This set of practices, common to all schools of Himalayan Buddhism, is what nearly every practitioner begins with, yet it also constitutes a complete method in and of itself. Although ngöndro are considered a prerequisite for further teachings and initiations into other practices, many of even the most accomplished masters continue to engage in them every day.

Most of the other excellent works on these foundational techniques are specific to a particular tradition, but this text is widely considered to be exemplary, in part, because it is applicable to all traditions of ngöndro. Drawing from the original words of the Buddha in the sūtras and from later treatises by such masters as Nāgārjuna, Shāntideva, and Guru Padmasambhava, Shechen Gyaltsap's commentary is a wonderfully curated anthology of Buddhist teachings on the preliminary practices of Vajrayāna Buddhism. It covers the thoughts that turn one's mind away from ordinary pursuits and toward enlightenment, taking refuge, arousing the mind set on enlightenment (bodhichitta), purification, maṇḍala offering, and Guru Yoga.

Shechen Gyaltsap explains why each practice is beneficial and provides profound and eminently useful guidance for practitioners, while simultaneously transmitting the wisdom of generations of Buddhist masters.

Author: Shechen Gyaltsap
Publisher: Shambhala
Published: 01/11/2022
Pages: 760
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.55lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.50w x 1.90d
ISBN13: 9781611804584
ISBN10: 1611804582
BISAC Categories:
- Religion | Buddhism | Tibetan
- Religion | Buddhism | Rituals & Practice
- Religion | Buddhism | Sacred Writings

About the Author
SHECHEN GYALTSAP (1871-1926) was one of Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche's closest disciples and the root teacher of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. He was recognized at a very young age to possess the qualities of a bodhisattva and went on to become a devoted monk, scholar, and accomplished master of the Great Perfection, known for his warmth and simplicity. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche said that Shechen Gyaltsap's teachings were worth more than all the gold in the entire world.