The Torch of Certainty by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye

The Torch of Certainty Reviews

• 
  Alex Lemus

  If you are starting the Ngondro practice this is a must have, very clear and concise description of what you'll need to know for the practice.
• 
  C. Varn

  For those entering the practices Vajrayana practices, Ngöndro is the gateway. This book is a clear translation of this classic of the preliminary practices by the Takpo Kagyü master and key figure of the Ri-me movement. While some of the Kongtrul's style may seem esoteric or hyperbolic to modern sensibilities, the translation of Judith Hanson remain readable and endnotes clarify esoteric, idiomatic, and historical points that can trip a modern reader up. The introductions and discussions by Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche, and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche function as a solid bridge between Jamgon Kongtrul's context and erudition and the modern world. Some of the Ngöndro practices, mantras, and prayers may seem unrelated to the attitudes and philosophical dharma points that undergird the book, they are designed to inculcate the fundamental values and understandings of impermanence, karma, the development of an enlightened attitude, and guru devotion as practices for those entering Tibetan Buddhist practice. While the perspective is generally from the Kagyü lineage and thus related to those kinds of trainings, those in Ri-me traditions and sanghas would benefit from it. My own Sangha operates both in the Karma Kagyü and the Longchen Nyingtik Nyingma traditions and we use this in our preliminary practices. However, even with the introduction and solid notes, I am not sure this would be useful to those new to Buddhism without a formal teacher to help them navigate it.
• 
  Meike

  A precious classic by a realized Buddhist meditation master explaining in detail the four foundational meditation practices of Vajrayana Buddhism (tib. Ngöndro). A must-read for any Ngöndro practicioners from my point of view, highly recommendable.
• 
  Maarten Degryse

  Not an easy read but essential for people doing the ngondro.
• 
  M.E.

  The definitive book describing the ngöndro of the Takpo Kagyü. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone not doing the practice.
• 
  Troy

  To understand Tibetan Buddhism - this book is essential.
• 
  Mark Bourdon

  Definitely a must if you are doing the preliminary practices
• 
  Michael Kilman

  Helpful alongside practice of the four preliminaries.