An Ocean of the Ultimate Meaning : Teachings on Mahamudra

Rating:
Summary: Commentary on 9th Karmapa's longest Mahamudra Classic
Review: This is another commentary on the 16th century text by the 9th Karmapa (head of the Karma Kagyu lineage). The original is one of 3 written by the Wangchuk Dorje (9th Karmapa). The other two are "Pointing out the Dharmakaya" (also available in commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche) and "Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance" (a translation by Alex Berzin with commentary by Beru Khyentze Rinpoche is also available). Interestingly, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche previously published a commentary on the very same original text under the title: "The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean of Definitive Meaning." It is also a high quality textbook on Mahamudra, but I no longer own it (gave it away to someone) so I can't do a point-by-point comparison. This version is said to follow the original's ordering and to be a complete commentary. It is fairly detailed but is written in an easy to read flowing style. I would guess the translation to be more aimed at the essence rather than to be literal. Of course, with the original written in the 16th century it is based upon standard, medieval Tibetan cosmology, medicine, metaphysics, mythology, etc. It also covers the basic territory of several other Mahamudra books presently available in English. I don't see much new here though it is well organized and well written. As Thrangu Rinpoche writes, there are 3 types of practitioners--the one who gets it immediately, the one who kind of jumps around, and the gradual, methodic one. This book is directly stated to address the last type though it is very useful to the middle type as well. I find it useful to read many different texts on the same deep subject--I get variety while the knowledge seeps in. Also, sometimes different hints on how to practice better. As a scientist (despite the medieval assumptions which are only of historical interest to me), I find the experiential focus of Mahamudra to be highly beneficial and appropriate. They appreciate the theory, but the real thrust is in the practice and what you get from the experience. I'll second that.