Herbert V Guenther - 1989 - Longchenpa - Visionary Journey (113p).pdf

Herbert V Guenther - 1989 - Longchenpa - Visionary Journey (113p).pdf

Paperback: 110 pages
Publisher: Shambhala; 1st edition (January 14, 1990)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0877734992
ISBN-13: 978-0877734994

This book consists of 6 parts: Guenther's introductions to texts, appendix, + notes & 3 mystical poems - 2 Longchenpa & 1 (appendix) Saraha.

The 1st (Wildwood) is prayer-like, expressing Longchenpa's desire to retire (literally, figuratively, or both) from the degeneracy of 14th century Tibet into the Wildwood. I found the poetry quite delicious (e.g. Longchenpa calls the moon p. 17: "The precious eye of the night"). The 2nd poem (Mt. Potala Delights), a very different dream-like fable--perhaps answering wishes expressed in "Wildwood," is a kingly gander's spiritual journey seeking Avalokiteshvara. Interestingly, the Dalai Lama, former resident of the Potala, is said to be a reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara.

Guenther adds a short, sample, Saraha Doha (inspired poetic song) which is, as usual, lovely & profound. But, IMHO the best part of this book consists of Guenther's profound introductions & endnotes. For instance, pp. 74-5 he provides a metaphysical explanation of a Buddha's 32 + 80 marks & p. xv: "a tantra, deals with inner experiences as they express themselves in symbols." He discerningly explains the nature of translations: p. 61 "Each translation is already an interpretation because it was made by a person who thought about what he translated...The fact is that words have no meaning in themselves but acquire meaning in being used, & the usage of a word depends on the context in which it is spoken. It is also a fact that context is never something monolithic or static; rather it constantly broadens & opens up new horizons of understanding." Most succinctly, he describes ego goal/relationship to Dzogchen compatible with psychology & esoteric Buddhism: pp. 59-60 "As the Buddhist texts never tire of stating, in order to be fully human we must first have a vision to which we give form by our imagination oscillating between ecstatic/meditative & rational levels...Goal is a new beginning from a higher non-egocentric & non-egological plane of existence;" p. 73 note 1 "Being's potentialities spread into Being's spontaneous presence out of its virtual primordiality" & p. 76 note 6 "In rDzogs-chen thought `light' is the self-effulgence of Being's pristine awareness (ye-shes) that because of its cognitive character introduces a division such that `internally' it is a subtle lucency as yet colorless & `externally' it is `grossly' colored." One could say that the entire Dzogchen & possibly Buddhist view is summed up in 100 words. Amazing.