Snow Lion Publications - The Leading Publisher of Books on Tibetan Buddhism

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The Magic of Awareness
by Anam Thubten, edited by Sharon Roe
This very profound yet very simple book describes our naturally pure state of consciousness with a clarity that is not often seen. The wisdom revealed here is delivered with great insight, unflinching honesty, and a refreshing sense of humor; through easily understood language and examples, subtle and complex points are revealed to us. There are no prerequisites or conditions, only our willingness to be open to experiencing the all-pervading sacredness of life.
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The Nepal Cookbook
by the Association of Nepalis in the Americas, illust. by Palden Choedak Oshoe
This treasury of recipes offers the best of authentic Nepali cuisine. Nepali food is simple to prepare and subtle in flavor. Included are many recipes for vegetarians; with a quick substitution they become vegan. Here are all the components of a full-course meal, from appetizers, soups, vegetables and meats to garnishes, rice, breads and desserts. The instructions are designed for modern kitchen preparation and Western cooks.
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Treasury of Esoteric Instructions: An Explication of the Oral Instructions of the Path with the Result
by Lama Dampa Sönam Gyaltsen, translated and edited by Cyrus Stearns
According to H.H. Sakya Trizin, "There have been many treatises of commentary on the intention of the Vajra Lines. However, this Treasury of Esoteric Instructions...has many special qualities, and is clearer and more easily understood than others, suitably elaborate, and precise in drawing out the key points." The translations of the Vajra Lines and the Treasury of Esoteric Instructions are accompanied by Pleasure Grove for the Intelligent, a structural commentary on the Vajra Lines.
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Where Is Tibet? 2nd Edition
written and illustrated by Gina Halpern
This delightful book introduces us to two young children, Pema and Tashi, who live in India and decide to travel on an imaginary journey to find their homeland, Tibet. As they explore, young readers are taken on their own multicultural journey into learning both Tibetan and English. Starting with simple phrases and familiar objects, and then expanding outward--and inward--children are treated to colorful and vivid images taken from Tibetan culture. With the Dalai Lama's help, they come to find, "Here is Tibet. In your heart."
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Gone Beyond: The Prajnaparamita Sutras, The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyü Tradition, Volume Two
translated and introduced by Karl Brunnhölzl, a Tsadra Foundation Series book
The prajnaparamita, or perfection of wisdom, sutras are summarized in the Abhisamayalamkara; its commentaries bring the many sutras to life, discussing their hidden meaning as well as providing contemplative guides on how it is to be understood. These texts describe what happens in the mind of a bodhisattva who meditates on emptiness, making it a living experience from the beginner's stage up through buddhahood. A ground-breaking compilation with insights that are concise, pithy, and readily understandable. With breathtaking scholarship, an invaluable reference for scholars and practitioners.
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The All-Seeing Boy and the Blue Sky of Happiness: A Children's Parable
by Nick Kettles, illustrated by Serena Sax Hallam
This charming children's story explores loving-kindness and spins a sweet tale of discovery and compassion, as the All-Seeing Boy explores how to help the people in his life who are unhappy. With a little help from a somewhat enigmatic and distinguished hobo, he learns the secret of how to bring more happiness to the world. Beautifully illustrated, an inspiring book for all ages.
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The Extremely Secret Dakini of Naropa: Vajrayogini Practice and Commentary
by Pabongkha Dechen Nyingpo, translated by David Gonsalez
This commentary on the practice of Vajrayogini was composed by Kyabje Pabongkha, revealed to him directly by Vajrayogini herself. This text has become the basis for almost every subsequent Vajrayogini commentary in the Gelug tradition. Pabongkha's commentary is both thorough and deeply inspiring. It provides profound methods unique to this practice. (See requirements for study before ordering.)
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Tibetan Yogas of Body, Speech, and Mind
by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, edited by Polly Turner
Understanding our actions, words, and thoughts aids our ability to make spiritual progress, bringing us closer to self-realization. In a warm, informal style, meditation practice unfolds for both beginners and experienced students. Sources of problems in our lives are revealed by working with insight, body, speech, and mind, through regular practice. Our self-image gradually shifts, and we experience a lighter, more joyful sense of being.
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Everyday Consciousness and Primordial Awareness
by Khenchen Thrangu, translated and edited by Susanne Schefczyk
This introduction to Buddhist psychology supplies essential instructions for successful meditation practice. Here, within the Buddhist description of mind, in both its conventional and tantric dimensions, we discover the means for enhancing our meditation experience. And its numerous applications to everyday life provide us with practices that can powerfully influence the mind, ultimately transforming it into Buddhahood.
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Dharma Paths 2nd Edition
by Khenpo Karthar, translated by Ngdup Burkhar and Chjor Radha, edited by Laura M. Roth
In one of the most useful introductory texts on Tibetan Buddhism, this profound master of the Karma Kagyu tradition provides readers with key Buddhist concepts that are concisely and lucidly explained, clear shamatha (calm abiding) meditation instructions, and techniques for working with anxiety and frustration, love and compassion, and the profound methods of the vajrayana. Assumes no prior background or knowledge of Buddhist terminology.
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How to Practice Shamatha Meditation: The Cultivation of Meditative Quiescence
by Gen Lamrimpa, translated by B. Alan Wallace
The wisdom and insight from one of the most revered meditation masters is distilled here in a clear, easy to understand way. This step-by-step instruction manual on how to calm a busy mind, cultivate devotion, and bring awareness to each moment of living is an invaluable aid for developing attentional stability and clarity. Contemplative Gen Lamrimpa brings the teachings to life with his warmth and humor giving us the grounding needed to achieve meditative quiescence (shamatha).
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Preparing for Tantra: Creating the Psychological Ground for Practice
by Rob Preece
The preliminary practices of Tantra are a rich collection of practices with much to offer toward cultivating and maturing a practitioner's psychological ground. They often clear the way when practitioners appear to struggle with problems or hindrances. Each preliminary practice is examined for how it may be used to heal and transform psychological trauma, with practical integrative suggestions for daily life. Excellent psychological, emotional, and energetic preparation for a safe start on the tantric path.
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The Three Silver Coins: A Story from Tibet
by Veronica Leo and Tashi Daknewa
This charming Tibetan tale is filled with adventure and entertainment, with not a dull moment. Through several story twists, children learn in a wonderful way that it is possible to win without being cruel. Our likable hero, by his kind heart, turns bad luck into good fortune, offering us profound lessons in compassion. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully told.
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Minding Closely: The Four Applications of Mindfulness
by B. Alan Wallace
Developing close mindfulness is profoundly helpful in all situations. This in-depth work provides the background theory behind mindfulness, its practical applications, and numerous guided meditations to help us achieve the state that the Buddha called "the direct path to enlightenment." Simple, powerful techniques for beginner and advanced student alike provide a way to achieve genuine happiness and freedom from suffering by enabling us to see all phenomena just as they are.
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Gone Beyond: The Prajnaparamita Sutras, The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyü Tradition, Volume One
translated and introduced by Karl Brunnhlzl, a Tsadra Foundation Series book
The prajnaparamita, or perfection of wisdom, sutras are summarized in the Abhisamayalamkara; its commentaries bring the many sutras to life, discussing their hidden meaning as well as providing contemplative guides on how it is to be understood. This rare, ground-breaking compilation illuminates these important texts with insights that are concise, pithy, and readily understandable. With breathtaking scholarship, an invaluable reference for scholars and practitioners.
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The Guhyagarbha Tantra: Secret Essence, Definitive Nature Just As It Is
commentary by Longchen Rabjam, translated by Lama Chnam and Sangye Khandro of the Light of Berotsana Translation Group
This Secret Essence Tantra is the most advanced tantra within the Nyingma lineage, elucidating how to correctly view the ground, traverse the path, and ultimately reach the result—fully enlightened buddhahood. Revealing the fundamental nature of phenomena, this extremely profound and important treatise clarifies the absolute wisdom intent of the tantras, offering students the opportunity to fully dispel the darkness of ignorance. (See requirements for study before ordering.)
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The Life of the Great Mahasiddha Virupa
written and illustrated by H.E. Dagmo Kalden D. Sakya, foreword by H.H. the Sakya Trizin
Written so that young children the world over could learn about one of the great Dharma masters, this charming book narrates the story of Virupa's life. Virupa tried very hard to lead the life of an enlightened being, but instead was troubled by disturbing dreams, and was often rejected by people. Nevertheless he continued in his spiritual path, and was eventually rewarded.
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The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean of Definitive Meaning
by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche; edited, introduced and annotated by Lama Tashi Namgyal
Here is the most profound and famous text on Mahamudra ever written, distilled and rendered highly manageable. These teachings by the Ninth Karmapa, vitally important to the living Kagyu tradition, are made available to Westerners and modern practitioners, enabling them to achieve realization in the context of virtually any lifestyle. A systematic approach to some of the highest practices, revealing the radiant nature of mind.
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Into the Heart of Life
by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, foreword by H.H. the Gyalwang Drukpa
The real test of our Buddhist practice happens in our daily lives, moment-to-moment, often in the most uncomfortable situations. How do we respond? Jetsunma's insights provide a vast, well-grounded understanding of how to respond to our challenges. She offers down-to-earth, approachable, and deeply informative reflections on how to develop sanity, wisdom, fulfillment and compassion in our lives. For Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
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Bardo Teachings: The Way of Death and Rebirth
by Lama Lod Rinpoche, foreword by Kalu Rinpoche
Understanding the six kinds of bardo, or intermediate states of living, dying, transitioning and rebirth, can provide a powerful way of navigating the uncharted waters of existence. This small volume enhances our ability to master these rarely discussed in-between states, equipping us to face the stages of life and death without fear. Precise, vivid descriptions provide us with a glimpse of the tantric path.
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The Ornament of Reason: The Great Commentary to Nagarjuna's Root of the Middle Way
by Mabja Jangchub Tsöndrü, translated by The Dharmachakra Translation Committee, foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This is a commentary on Nagarjuna's Root of the Middle Way, his most critical work, and one of the most important Tibetan texts. Nagarjuna presents a magical method of reasoning that invites all to follow his journey to the heart of transcendent insight, challenging us to question even the most fundamental 'facts' and our most deeply ingrained ideas about our world.
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You Are the Eyes of the World
by Longchenpa, translated by Kennard Lipman and Merrill Peterson, introduction by Namkhai Norbu
Here is a method for discovering awareness everywhere, all the time. This book does not discuss how to turn ordinary life off, but how to live within the source, the unified field where experience takes place. Contains valuable counsel for practitioners, and pith instructions on the path. The luminous beauty of the cover image reflects the inspired and transparent teaching within this gem of a book.
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A Practice of Padmasambhava: Essential Instructions on the Path to Awakening
by Shechen Gyaltsap IV and Rinchen Dargye, trans., ed., and intro. by The Dharmachakra Translation Committee, fore. by Chkyi Nyima Rinpoche
These two practical, compelling works on the visualization and mantra practice of Padmasambhava are based on the profound revelation of a famous authentic treasure revealer. Includes an introduction to the preliminary trainings, visualization practice and mantra recitation topics, and detailed explanation of the practice provides an understanding of Mahayoga, the foundation for the inner tantras.
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Source of Supreme Bliss
by Ngulchu Dharmabhadra and the First Panchen Lama, Losang Chokyi Gyaltsen, trans. by David Gonsalez
Here are the first English translations of important commentaries on the Highest Yoga Tantra system of the Heruka Chakrasamvara Five Deity practice and an extremely rare, profound commentary by the First Panchen Lama. Includes translations of the ritual texts and everything needed to perform the practice. Offers rich and profound insights on Highest Yoga Tantra. Indispensable. (See requirements for study before ordering.)
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Niguma, Lady of Illusion
by Sarah Harding, a Tsadra Foundation Series book
This rare glimpse of Niguma, a mysterious eleventh-century woman who was the source of a major Tibetan Buddhist practice lineage, provides more than an historical presentation--it raises the question of women as real spiritual leaders. It's a treasure trove of information about tantric practices and attainments, while attempting to separate the flesh-and-blood woman from the idealized dakini. Engaging, often amusing.
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Buddhism through American Women's Eyes
edited by Karma Lekshe Tsomo
Experienced practitioners share their understanding of Buddhist philosophy, its practical application in everyday life, and the challenges of practicing Buddhism in the Western world. Thirteen women contribute a wealth of thought-provoking material on topics such as: Bringing Dharma into Relationships, Dealing with Stress, Buddhism and the Twelve Steps, The Monastic Experience, and Forging a Kind Heart in an Age of Alienation. Refreshing, experientially based, and enriching.
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Introduction to the Kalachakra Initiation
by Alexander Berzin, foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
This book clearly explains the Kalachakra path, as well as its vows and commitments. According to the Dalai Lama, "The book will help people to make a realistic decision about whether to take the empowerment as a full participant or merely as an observer.... I am especially happy that the book addresses [non-Buddhists with a sincere wish for peace] as well, suggesting ways in which they can make the experience more meaningful." A comprehensive guide to understanding and engaging in this initiation on any level.
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The Treasury of Knowledge, Books 9 and 10: Journey and Goal
by Jamgn Kongtrul Lodr Tay, translated by Richard Barron (Chkyi Nyima)
There are various routes practitioners can travel on their way to buddhahood. Here is a comprehensive "road map" which defines the spiritual path--"the journey," and the resulting state of enlightenment to which it leads--"the goal," from the divergent perspectives of the many schools of Buddhism, as well as from different levels of practice and attainment. The most comprehensive treatment of these themes to appear in the English language.
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Self-Liberation through Seeing with Naked Awareness
by trans. & comm. by John Myrdhin Reynolds, fore. by Namkhai Norbu
Here is the essence of Dzogchen, "the Great Perfection," one of Buddha's most esoteric teachings. Teaching the attainment of Buddhahood in a single lifetime, this text was concealed by Guru Padmasambhava in the eighth century, to be rediscovered six centuries later. The commentary is based on Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche's and Lama Tharchin Rinpoche's oral teachings.
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The Buddhist Path: A Practical Guide from the Nyingma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism
by Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche<">