Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

FOREWORD BY BOKAR RINPOCHÉ
Two wisdom dakinis, Niguma and Sukasiddhi, received instruction
directly from Buddha Vajra Bearer. They were the foremost
among the 150 Indian scholars and meditation masters who granted an
entire trove of Teachings to the learned and accomplished master Kyungpo
Naljor, who was proficient in tantra’s five ultimate practices.
Kyungpo Naljor established his residence in Tsang, western Tibet, at
Zhang-zhong in Yéru Shang, and lived for 150 years, during which time he
imparted an infinite number of instructions. Chief among them, the wisdom
dakinis’ oral transmission replete with three outstanding qualities
includes the Five Golden Doctrines. The successive tradition of their experiential
cultivation, which leads to states of accomplishment, has become
known as the Illustrious Shangpa Kagyu Lineage.
Our lineage’s past spiritual masters used songs to express their manifest
experience and realization of the spiritual path’s vital subjects, such as the
trio of basis, path, and result; or view, meditation, and conduct; as well as
to dispel hindrances and enrich meditative experience. For us, their followers,
their songs have a special impact: they turn our attention to the
Teachings and nurture our faith, renunciation, and compassion. The blessings
of the lineage enter our heart, the very best technique to realize our
mind’s abiding nature, Great Seal.
I sincerely rejoice that the Illustrious Shangpa Kagyu Lineage’s compendium
of songs has been translated into English, and I pray that all who
see, hear, or read this book be blessed.
Written by him who holds the title of Bokar Tulku,
January 13, 2003.
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