Jigme Lingpa (1729–1798)

Remarkable in every respect. Biographies are rare in themselves, but a secret autobiography of one of the most commended lineage masters is something truly special. With a biography you profit from the engaged narrative of intractable culture, where the value is in the scope. In a scholarly treatise you receive symbolic understanding, the factorized essentials of profound understanding. But in secret autobiography the mystical insights mingle spontaneously with the atmosphere of an undeniable experience. No scavenging for anecdotes or critical mind belong here. Only the recognition of a vision as glorious or as modest as the reader could allow.… (más)

A fascinating book about a pivotal figure in the Nyingma tradition. In a culture which believes in reincarnation while affirming the 'empty' nature of a separate self, the subject of one's true identity is a rather slippery slope. The text includes translations of a few of Jigme Lingpa's own terse, autobiographical writings, wherein he addresses the nature of the dakini. Janet Gyatso elaborates on this theme, discussing the tantric adepts' relation to the feminine principle of spiritual insight . Personally, I found the most interesting material in this book relates to Jigme Lingpa's own internal process of identifying himself as a 'terton', a reincarnated devotee of Padmasambhava who has been charged with the discovery and revelation of concealed teachings, and his gradual identification with a lineage of great aspirants who represent his past incarnations which coalesces through dreams and visions.… (más)