Mahamudra Teaching - Dharma Media

lineage. Khenpo Könchog Gyaltshen has himself, on numerous occasions, given teachings in English
on the subject and has also acted as a translator for other notable teachers such as H. H. Chetsang
Rinpoche. His utter joy at translating these teachings for students is clearly evident even from the
edited transcript.
I undertook the task of transcribing and editing these teachings, with Garchen Rinpoche’s blessings,
to contribute the little I could to preserving one more jewel from the land of Tibet for the benefit of
living beings. As a record of the oral transmission of Mahamudra based on the instructions of the
founder of the Drikung Kagyü lineage, these teachings are of immeasurable value. As a student of
Mahamudra, I have found that maintaining some record of oral instructions which subsequently can
be reflected upon and serve as a guide for practice to be helpful. This is consistent with the teachings
of the lineage, which define the path of Mahamudra to consist of listening to, reflecting on, and
meditating according to the teachings. I hope that it will serve the same purpose for other students as
well.
I have tried my utmost to preserve the spontaneous flow and intended meaning of the original
presentation. Nevertheless, errors are certain to enter into this process due to gaps in the recordings
and my own limited abilities. To ensure accuracy of key points I would refer the more serious
students to the original tapes, which are available from Ratna Shri Sangha, San Francisco, California,
U.S.A. Thanks go to both Jeff Beach and Cindy Chang for recording these tapes and making them
available to students.
I believe that both beginners and long-time practitioners will find much delightful and invaluable
instruction embodied within these pages.
May they be taken to heart!
Peter Barth
Introduction
The Essence of Instruction and Practice
(Day One)
First please begin by cultivating within yourselves the precious altruistic thoughts expressed by the
opening prayers (see Ratna Dharma Chakra Book of Prayers, Khenpo Könchog Gyaltshen, 1982)
Today we will have some instructions on Mahamudra. The Buddha gave so many teachings. These
are sometimes referred to as the 84,000 categories of the teachings. There is no limit to the teachings,
studies and practices of the Buddha. Even if one strives to become an expert and achieve the ranks of
a great scholar, one finds that there is no limit to the studies. There are countless, infinite areas of
study. However, at the same time there is also the opportunity to practice without becoming a great
scholar, so in fact everyone has the opportunity to study and practice this teaching of the Buddha.
When the Buddha first presented the teachings of “The Four Noble Truths,” he said one should come
to know the nature of suffering and avoid the causes of suffering. The Buddha taught this because
every sentient being desires to be free from suffering and achieve complete peace and happiness. Yet