A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar

I believe this book is intended for those who have embarked on the life-changing, and potentially ego-shattering path of Ngondro, -specifically the short Dudjom Tersar Ngondro of which this is a commentary. For those who are fortunate enough to have encountered a genuine guide, and are engaged in this practice, this book is a great resource which can be read endlessly. As with any Dharma practice, reading it requires the utmost attention and perseverance, but the rewards are inconceivable. I do hold a considerably contrary opinion to the previous reviewer, "A Friend and Neighbor", in this regard: do not be mislead by someone reading without experience and sincerity. I believe that it is intended to be challenging, and a practice in and of itself to overcome habitual mental laziness to access it's true import, from paragraph to paragraph. In my experience each sentence can be held indefinitely, and absorbed indefintely, providing many levels of meaning. I have found in the course of reading many Dharma books in the english language that often things are either A. Watered down by being over-simplified, over-explained, and can tend towards being outright boring in this regard. . or B. They are strictly composed in the specialized language of Western Academia for an academic milieu, with a standardized terminology and style that would be almost as daunting to become fluent in as Tibetan itself. I have found that as with all of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche's books, this is a rare exception to both of these tendencies. He adeptly and creatively finds new ways to translate both words and concepts, instead of adhering to standardized forms of translation that in their crystallization have closed down meanings that are actually multilayered and meant to breathe with life. Rinpoche manages to resuscitate them, while using traditional metaphors and creating new ones for clarification. At the same time, he rigorously adheres to the traditional form of commentary, unfolding the meaning of each line of the Ngondro practice completely to it's final import, and thus illustrates that (as we often hear but fail to believe) --everything is contained within the Ngondro. Also true to the form, he cites from a large number of Sutras and traditional sources, -providing the benefit of fragments of translation of otherwise untranslated works, -or insightful re-translations of pieces that provoke new insights. Not to mislead you I will humbly admit that I have possessed this book for months, but haven't completed reading it. I am about half-way through, and I am taking my sweet time. I imagine I will be reading and re-reading it for a good while: It is a book that becomes a process, as you make progress in your own practice, new insights ensue and this text can help illuminate them. I keep it on my shrine, next to HH Dudjom Rinpoche's big red book and Dudjom Lingpa's "Buddhahood Without Meditation", which seems an appropriate place. Addendum: I’m adding to this review now, 17 years later, simply to respond to the review by sammy el-samahi who posed a question, giving a single star to draw attention to it. He is bewildered by the name “Captain of Great Compassion for Black Man with a Short Spear” referred to on page 194. Perhaps it would be fitting to have a footnote here (publisher take note for future editions)— however most people reading this will likely catch the reference, and Thinley Norbu expects us to— it is a reference to the story in the Jataka Tales of one of Shakyamuni Buddha’s past lives, when he was the captain of a ship where a man overcome by greed and aggression plotted to kill the hundreds of passengers in order to rob them. Out of compassion for the passengers—many of whom had precious human opportunities for dharma practice—as well as compassion for the one plotting the negative act, to prevent him from accomplishing the karmic action, he intervened. It’s a standard example of when wrathful activity might be appropriate.

Like Aquinas, a scholarly defense of Dharma, in particular of the Ngondro or Preliminary Practices, and in particular particular of the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro lineage in the Nyingma sect of the Vajrayana Buddhism brought to the West from Tibet. Essential for Dudjom Tersar practitioners; also recommened are Jane Tromge's commentary (Chagdud Tulku's translator) and Lama Tharchin's spiral bound commentary, each from their respective communities).

A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar Very precious words of advice from I believe an enlightened teacher, as with all of his books that I have read. I highly recommend it for all serious students who study the dharma, beginners may have problems understanding some of the material, however this is one to keep coming back to over time.

Thinley Norbu has the quality of a very brilliant and succinct writer that can express in a well written sentence what others would spend pages trying to get right. This makes it easier to read and re-read his wise words periodically over time so that eventually all of his wisdom will sink in and - perhaps after a decade or two - you will start to make some serious progress. Best of luck!

A commentary on the Dudjom Tersar ngondro which reveals all the main practices and wisdom meaning. It's a must and pure wisdom joy for any serious dharma practitioner. In Rinpoche's own words!

This kindle edition of A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar is indispensable for practitioners. HE Thinley Norbu's profound instructions can be kept close to your crown chakra as you use your iPhone , and you can drink the nectar in small sips each day.

Amazing book truly amazing. If you are doing Ngondro practice this text is a must have. Thinley Norbu Rinpoche conveys his realization through the teachings in this nectarous text.

The definitive commentary on the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro practice. Indispensable to anyone practicing Ngondro in the Nyingma trandition.

It needs slow reading but rewards attention. Superb scholarship and deep knowledge of Great Perfection. A classic for those working with Tibetan Buddhist Ngondro.

ce livre est exceptionnel si l'on pratique la philosophie bouddhiste du grand véhicule. Les mots, la forme sont d'une grande limpidité, il est complet et permet de se fait de pratiquer les préliminaires du Ngöndro en toute conscience. dommage qu'il n'ait pas été traduit en français

Drills down into the details and important motivations behind the Ngondro (foundational) practices. Very complete aid to practice and supplement to live teaching. An absolute classic.

Very good quality and so fast came thank you!

Thanks.