Wonders of the Natural Mind: The Essence of Dzogchen in the Native Bon Tradition of Tibet

The book presents personal as well as an academic accounts of the ancient religion of Bon, which just until recently was a complete mystery to the Westerners.A system outlined here is unlike anything I ve read before. Unlike a more excepted view of their similarities, this book shows that the above system is pretty dramatically different from Tibetan Buddhism. They do come from the same plato, but the Dharma of Bon has to be somewhat differnt. Being also a Buddhist practitioner, Mr. Wangyal does a great job of outlining the Bon religion without interfering with anyone's personal feelings about the matter. Plus, the book is full to the curb with knowledge.

This great book describes the Dzogchen teachings within Bon, Tibet's oldest spiritual tradition. It is impossible to do this book justice here, but much like Buddhism, with which Bon has much in common, it is though concentration (control and observation of the mind), comprehension (retaining presence in the state of the inseparability of clarity and emptiness), and integration (i.e. integrating presence with the activities of body, voice, and mind in daily life) that we are able to discover the natural clarity and joy and freedom of the "unobstructed" mind. Clearly written and practical in intention, it is one of my favorite books, and as a matter of fact, is my favorite book on meditation. See also his book on dream yoga.

I highly recommend this book as an excellent introduction to the Bon tradition of Tibet. In this book the author explains what the Bon tradition is and how it differs from Buddhist beliefs and practices. The author explores in depth the foundational beliefs and practices of the Bon tradition while also explaining how they can be meaningfully applied to the life of the practitioner. What I like is that its also clear that this tradition has its own perspective on emptiness, which I found useful for getting a new perspective on it. Overall, I recommend this book for anyone serious about doing internal work.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche stands out even among the many fine and great teachers of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. For years I've read the simile that recognizing the natural state is like a son meeting his long lost mother and climbing into his mother's lap. Always a nice simile until Tenzin Wangyal explains it and you suddenly are the son in the mother's lap and then in the state of rigpa for a very long time. All of this is beyond words and i am not expressing it well.I've studied mainly Mahamudra and Madhyamika; and until now, except for a course on the Three Roots, I have always been sorely disappointed with Dzogchen books and teachings. This book has changed all that. If you want to spend lots of time in the Naturl State, buy this book.Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche has great teachings on USTREAM- [...]

As I dive deeper into the history of Tibetan Buddhism I have more questions, and want to know more. This book is an excellent read. Lots of source history, and easy to read. Not at all like a text book.

Tension Wangyal has refreshed my practice with this inspiring book. I have given copies to two friends hoping to help their practice. This book stands out amongst many good Buddhist books. From Ati yoga and zhine to the distinctions between mind and the nature of mind, from an accomplished master.

This early book from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is truly remarkable. In the beginning, this master takes on greater risks, going into deeper detail on his tradition.Vast and important insight into Dzogchen and related topics.Very much recommended!

I loved this book. I haven't even finished it yet. The author is unbelievable. The part that really moved me was "Connect with the spaciousness, be the spaciousness, you are the spaciousness.

A good guide to the ancient Bon religion of Tibet

Tempo splendidoLo consiglio a chi studia il BonConsegna puntualissima

Toller Text für praktizierende! Kann ich sehr gerne weiter empfehlen. Nicht praktizierende sollten sich dazu aber auch gleich einen authentischen Meister suchen, denn Befreiung erreicht man nicht durch Bücher lesen, nur durch authentische Erfahrung durch Meditation.

Rinpoche writes with clarity for the Western mind. A must for those interested in his tradition.

Definitiv nicht geeignet, wenn man nach einer Einführung ins Thema sucht. Viele Begriffe werden nicht hinreichend geklärt. Evtl. gut, wenn bereits viel Wissen da ist, als Ordnung und Systematisierung. Kein unterhaltsames Buch, anstrengend zu lesen, sprachlich ungelenk, zahllose Aufzählungen und kaum Praxishinweise. Dem Thema würde es gut tun, dem westlichen Geist und seinen Bedürfnissen mehr Rechnung zu tragen.