Poetic Wisdom: 1 (Sakya Kongma) Paperback – Import, 20 May 2014

This is probably one of the only review/posts I will put out on the Internet but I thought I would just because I believe Chris' work represents a watershed moment in Tibetan-English translations and deserves praise and wider distribution. Thank you Chris for writing in a way that brings the reader directly into the heart of the teachings. For those who read these books in Tibetan, I believe, they would feel the essence in Chris' work. Not hiding behind fancy, non-sensical words, Chris' work reaches out in a vibrant, human way, that is sure to pierce even the most jaded heart.Although, I have yet to finish the book, I feel ok to review it because, it already tastes good in the first few pages....Here from within the book--"I used to be caught up in evil karma, but please consider how hard I work to make the Sages happy. That's what I do. When I collapse, however, you dump additional crap on me. I will continue to do this, but I hope you notice I am doing it." Brilliant! Chris, you know how to capture the heart of the lost and devoted. Thank you for your efforts!

This is the first of 7 vols. of Wilkinson's "Sakya Kongma Series" of his (presently) 38 books. I'd place it somewhere in the middle as to its value to me. But, of course, individual readers will look for & distil different things in differing amounts from the same book. Unlike his other books, the "Sakya Kongma Series" books do not include the Tibetan language addendum. They also differ from the direct translations of Tantras in that they are selections from the writings of the main Sakya masters. Usually, I take notes and copy direct quotations for my collection. Mostly my valuation reflects the length and breadth of these notes & quotes. I didn't take any from this book. My approach in analytical, considering Measurement Theory and statistics--I'm now reading my 37th Wilkinson book ("The Force of Wisdom Tantra"). One thing I've noticed is that these early texts often use words differently from modern usage and I've compiled a "Glossary" of Tantra Usages which you might find helpful.GLOSSARY OF MAJOR TANTRA TERMSAKANISTA:Anywhere you live is the abode of Akanista. Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen: The Hermit King (Sakya Kongma series #2) , 17%. p. 5, loc 500Glossary: "Akanista--the highest heaven" "The Great Tantra of Vajrasattva Equal to the End of the Sky", p. 180In the land of Akanistha, the pure land of the majestic pervasion of our own minds. "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of the Bodhicitta" or "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of a Wheel of Jewels" Perfect Wisdom: Four Early Tantras of the Great Perfection , p. 89THE ALL GOOD ONE:The teacher was the Dharmakaya, the All Good One. "The One-pointed Samadhi of Avalokiteshvara" Eight Early Tantras of the Great Perfection: An Elixir of Ambrosia, p. 181Unchanging self-origination is the All Good. "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of the Bodhicitta" or "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of a Wheel of Jewels" Perfect Wisdom: Four Early Tantras of the Great Perfection , p. 119The commentary in which we are all not corrupt And are totally perfect Is actually the All Good One. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas", 63%, p. 304, loc 5617ATI = THE GREAT PERFECTIONThe way that the Ati, The Great Perfection, Appears Is that whatever may appear And whatever may be possible: Each and every thing Appears to be the playfulness of the All Good One. Self-originating wisdom appears to be an ornament. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" 76%, p. 125, loc 2532Ati is natural abiding, the river of great bliss which contains all things, the state of equipoise that does not divide cause and resulting, where all the world and its living beings are uncontrived. "Secret Wisdom: Three Root Tantras of the Great Perfection" 'The Unborn Root Tantra of the Great Sky Vajrasattva', p. 148A is the unborn. Ti is the awareness, the embodiment of the vajra. [Ati yoga] "The Gods and the Demons Are Not Two" 'The Tantra of the Non-Duality of the Gods and Demons', p. 54The Ati is a self-originating retreat… This is called a 'close retreat.'… The Ati is a self-originating close retreat. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space", pp. 214-5The view that we are all within a Great Spirit: This is the Atiyoga. The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta, 23%, p. 25, loc 735AWARENESS:Self-luminous awareness is a directly perceived clarity. The experience of happiness arises from our own selves. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 67Someone who is aware of his own ignorance Is totally pure. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas", 19%, p. 39, loc 878BLISS:Unborn clear light is bliss itself. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart", 'Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart' p. 173BODHICHITTAThe great perfection is the Bodhicitta. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart", 'Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart' p. 197All things are the perfected Bodhicitta. 'Fish Wheel Tantra' "The Secret Tantra of the Fish Wheel and the Nine [Jeweled] Spaces [of the Ocean of the Bodhicitta]" , p. 85Everything is obviously the Bodhicitta. 'Nine Spaces Tantra' "The Secret Tantra of the Fish Wheel and the Nine [Jeweled] Spaces [of the Ocean of the Bodhicitta]", p. 97As for Bodhicitta, it is the wheel of life. 'The Wheel of Life' "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras" p. 213All living things are the Bodhicitta. 'The Untroubled Tantra that Is Equal to the Ocean,' chapter 'The View'- "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras" p. 373The Bodhicitta is Buddhahood. Buddhahood is also Bodhicitta. The mind and Buddhahood are indistinguishable. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space" , p. 28In the reality where there are no causes and conditions, our true self is called 'the Bodhicitta…Everything is gathered into the self, so our true self is called 'the Bodhicitta.' "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space" , p. 161Everything, without exception, is the Bodhicitta. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space" , p. 198The reality of the Bodhicitta Is to settle into our uncontrived and natural state. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" , 44%, p. 63, loc 1449The Bodhicitta exists within everyone. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" , 51%, p. 75, loc 1707The greatness of the Buddhahood that is real Is the uncomplicated Bodhicitta. It is especially more noble than anything in the apparent world. This is described as being the greatness of the Atiyoga. As for the greatness of the reality of Buddhahood, The Bodhicitta is the origin of all things. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" , 70%, p. 113, loc 2344The self-originating Creator of All Things is the Bodhicitta. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 12As for the true nature of the Bodhicitta, it is a clear light that is totally free from ideas. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 129The Bodhicitta, which is our astounding self -awareness… Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 219BUDDHA/BUDDHAHOOD: (see Bodhicitta above & Great Spirit below)The awareness that is beyond the mind is the real Buddha. "The Tantra of the Mirror of the Heart of the All Good One" The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon : Three An Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection , p. 55Buddhahood is just unchanging light. It is present in the center of our hearts. "The Lion Stops Hunting: An Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection" p. 159In thusness we are all Buddhas This is because he pervades us all. We see our true nature to be A spontaneously realized mandala…We see that we are all in the mandala Of the root Bodhicitta. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 44-5%, pp. 215-7, loc 3950-71Direct perception is Buddhahood. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas", 22%, p. 47, loc 1048The Buddha is a Great Spirit. He comprehends everything And is primordially alive. He is the All Good One. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 96%, p. 201: loc 4634CIRCLE:Primordial equanimity: this is spaciousness of the circle. Not to depend on anything is the essence of a circle. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart" 'The Tantra of Great Bliss' p. 148CLARITYTotal clarity is secret wisdom. 'Nine Spaces Tantra' "The Secret Tantra of the Fish Wheel and the Nine [Jeweled] Spaces [of the Ocean of the Bodhicitta]" p. 97Self-luminous awareness is a directly perceived clarity. The experience of happiness arises from our own selves. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta p. 67CLEAR LIGHTUnborn clear light is bliss itself. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart" 'Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart' p. 173There is a light that seems to be the origin of all things. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 85As for the true nature of the Bodhicitta, it is a clear light that is totally free from ideas. Sky Space: The Royal Tantra on the Great Perfection of the Bodhicitta, p. 129The thusness that is the clear light Of the mandala of the mind, "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 17%, p. 81, loc 1763As for what we call “clear” It is something that is different than ignorance That is not obstructed by anything. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 22%, p. 104, loc 1894DELUSIONS;Real things are not delusional. Our knowledge is delusional. This is like holding a rope to be a snake…We cling to our delusions. They are invisible, so we do not know them. That is why we crave to exaggerate and denigrate. We deceive ourselves…Our philosophical conclusions do not transform our intellects. "Natural Bliss: Five Tantras of the Space Section", "The Tantra on the Heart of the Secret Wheel of the Wisdom of the Great Perfection" [or "Tantra on the Great Perfection in which the Wheel of Wisdom Is Our Secret Heart"] pp. 184-5DEMONS:Demons are obstacles that get in our way. "The Gods and the Demons Are Not Two" 'The Tantra of the Non-Duality of the Gods and Demons' p. 90Our external demons are our grasping at signs. Our internal demons are just our own reverted ideas. Our secret demon is that we do not recognize wisdom. The Great Jewel Blossom Tantra p. 193DHARMA:The definition of "Dharma" is that it is the correct path. "The Jewel Maker: The Great Tantra on the Consequence of Sound" p. 126Dharmas are just your mind…resting in equanimity and the things that follow it are paths to enlightenment. Every path is actually the Mahamudra. "Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen: The Hermit King" (Sakya Kongma series #2) 18%, p. 54, loc 521All of the Dharmas are taught symbolically. The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta 11%, p. 4, loc 353Through knowledge, Our own awareness is self-luminescent, And just that. We do not believe any Dharma that is other than this. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" 36-37%, pp. 51-2, loc 1201-1222There is no Dharma or Sangha, no three jewels, but their existence is an indication of our understanding.'The Tantra on the Unborn Bodhicitta in which we Are All the Essence of the Sky' 'The Tantra on the Unborn Bodhicitta in which we Are All the Essence of the Sky' Star Light: Eight Early Tantras of the Space Section p. 237I am saying that all Dharmas are unsure. You may ask why. It is because there are no Dharmas whatsoever that are fixed. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 55%, p. 114, loc 2645:DHARMAKAYA:We abide within an unmoving true nature. So this is the Dharmakāya. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" 45%, p. 64, loc 1490EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS: [see Poisons below]Lust, hatred, pride, stupidity, jealousy and all the rest: These are our emotional problems. "The Pearl Necklace Tantra: A Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection" p. 67our emotional problems Appear to be five poisons…The true nature of samsara, Which is the totality of our emotional problems, Appears within the experience Of a totally enlightened nirvana. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 56%, pp. 272-3, loc 5012-32EMPTY/EMPTINESS:Self-Awareness and emptiness are complete contrivances. "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of the Bodhicitta" or "The Tantra on the Perfect Wisdom of a Wheel of Jewels" Perfect Wisdom: Four Early Tantras of the Great Perfection , p. 108There is an emptiness that is self-aware And there is an emptiness that lacks awareness. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 13%, pp. 25-6, loc 565-584GODS:In the mandala of self-originating wisdom we set up gods who are our own self-evident playfulness. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space", p. 215GREAT PERFECTION: See AtiWhen we understand that our own mind is our guru, we do not need any blessing to descend. Self-originating wisdom is a god that is empty. It does not seek to be offered any mutterings or heart-spells. It is a secret heard of all the Buddhas. "The Tantra that Displays the Noble Path of Jewels" or "The Tantra that Displays the Precious Noble Path" Perfect Wisdom: Four Early Tantras of the Great Perfection , p. 215THE GREAT SPIRIT:From out of the thusness of the heart-essence of our enlightenment Everything is formed into a Great Spirit. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 78%, p. 378, loc 6985The great spirit {Mahatman} is everything. There is nothing to search for anywhere else. It is not an idea. It is not a thought. Nothing stops it. 'Effulgent Vajra Light,' chapter 'Teaching the Path of Practice' "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras", p. 17HEAP:it is a collection or gathering of letters, names, and words. "Advice to Kublai Khan: Letters by the Tibetan Monk Chogyal Phagpa To Kublai Khan and his Court" Sakya Kongma Series #6, 68-69%, loc 4086-4105LINEAGE OF THE LAMB:Non-conceptual awareness is the lineage of the lamb. "The Pearl Necklace Tantra: A Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection" , p. 65LORD OF SECRETS:The Lord of Secrets who is named Vajrapani. "The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection", Ch. 2, 9%, p. 9, loc 335THE MIND: [see Secret Wisdom below]The mind is, of itself, an even clear light. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart" 'Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart' p. 199The mind itself is the meaning of uncontrived space. 'Nine Spaces Tantra' "The Secret Tantra of the Fish Wheel and the Nine [Jeweled] Spaces [of the Ocean of the Bodhicitta]" p. 97NIRVANA: [see Samsara below]Not being obstructed by the five poisons is nirvana. It is the drop of clarity within the five wisdoms.'The Unborn Tantra that is Equal to a Precious Jewel,' ch. 13 'The Unborn Drop' "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras", p. 465Samsara and nirvana, causes and results, are ourselves. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space", p. 101PERFECTION OF WISDOM: [see Ati above]We long to understand everything, So we comprehend what is relatively real, Then scrutinize it till we understand that it has no true reality. This is the perfection of wisdom. "Advice to Kublai Khan: Letters by the Tibetan Monk Chogyal Phagpa To Kublai Khan and his Court" Sakya Kongma Series #6, 14%, loc 801POISONS: [See Emotional Problems above]Even majestic self-originating wisdom, When but moved by the winds of our ideas, Is our lust, hatred, and stupidity. "The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta" 51%, p. 75, loc 1687When we take our own understanding to be holy and to be victorious over everyone then in our arrogance we will give birth to lust and hatred. Then we will be stupid, and we will not see what things mean. 'The Tantra on the Unborn Bodhicitta in which we Are All the Essence of the Sky' Star Light: Eight Early Tantras of the Space Section p. 243SAMADHI;Samadhi on a mountain is to actually be the mountain. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 79%, p. 386, loc 7133SAMSARA: [see Nirvana above]Samsara and nirvana, causes and results, are ourselves. "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space", p. 101Avalokiteśvara looks with wide eyes At the reality of samsara, And makes sorrow into a path of enlightenment. He connects karma and self-originating wisdom. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 82%, p. 396, loc 7336SECRET WISDOM:Secret wisdom is an uncontrived mind. 'Nine Spaces Tantra' "The Secret Tantra of the Fish Wheel and the Nine [Jeweled] Spaces [of the Ocean of the Bodhicitta]", p. 95SELF: (see Wisdom below)In the reality where there are no causes and conditions, our true self is called 'the Bodhicitta…Everything is gathered into the self, so our true self is called 'the Bodhicitta.' "The Royal Tantra on the Brilliant Diffusion of Majestic Space" p. 161At the center of the hearts of all sentient beings There is a thing that is called a “self.” It is great. The Magic Key: Instructions on the Bodhicitta 34%, p. 47, loc 1124THE SKY:The sky is taught to be an analogy for the Bodhicitta 'The Unborn Tantra that is Equal to a Precious Jewel,' ch. 7 'The Awareness that Brings Us All Together ' "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras", p. 449THUSNESS:As for our true essence, It is what we call thusness. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 18%, p. 37, loc 818TREE OF LIFE:We use the tree of life, which is expertise in methods, "Advice to Kublai Khan: Letters by the Tibetan Monk Chogyal Phagpa To Kublai Khan and his Court" Sakya Kongma Series #6, 15%, loc 865UNBORN:Unborn clear light is bliss itself. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart" 'Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart' p. 173VAJRA: [or Dorje]Not to be divided by anything whatever is the embodiment of a vajra. "The Tantra of Great Bliss: The Guhyagarbha Transmission of Vajrasattva's Magnificent Sky and the Tantra of the Natural Intent of the Heart" p. 53The experience of the vajra Also outshines a precious jewel. Without decimating any jewel It removes the sorrow of poverty. The true secret turns out to be The experience of being the heart-essence of a vajra… In the heart-essence of the vajra We are generated as one. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 44-45%, pp. 91-3, loc 2083-2122VAJRASATTVA:To be a manifestation of Vajrasattva Is only an attribution. "Vajra Sky vol. 1: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 16%, p. 78, loc 1404THE WHEEL OF LIFE:As for Bodhicitta, it is the wheel of life. 'The Wheel of Life' "Ati Yoga--the Eighteen Tantras" p. 213WISDOM:The dominion of secrets Is the self-awareness of all things. This is why it is called: “Self-originating wisdom.” On some occasions this wisdom is called: “Non-conceptual wisdom.” For some it is called: “The wisdom of emptiness.” For some it is called: “The wisdom of the dominion of the Dharma.” For some it is called: “The wisdom of pure clarity.” For some it is called: “The wisdom of equanimity.” For some it is called: “The wisdom that considers things individually.” For some it is called: “The wisdom that gets things done.” Lord of Langka, These are called The wisdom that is like the sky. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 13%, p. 27, loc 603We must recognize that appearance is wisdom. "Vajra Sky vol. 2: The Sutra that Brings Together the Contemplations of All the Buddhas" 16%, p. 32, loc 717

Finally, something worth reading and digesting internally! What's good about this book is, a lot. However, the main thing is to get the pure translations of the original scriptures without losing the essence and sublime meaning often done by rough literal translations or subjective commentaries. Reading Christopher's chosen words in this book, really allows me to enter the mind of Sakya Pandita, and explore the beauty of what he, Sakya Pandita, was trying to convey as if it was my own journey. The understanding of what's said would come naturally within. For somebody who's very familiar with comparative religion field, I found this quality of of work to be rare--especially in Tibetan Buddhism translation work. Thank you for such beautiful, deep, and pure nourishment of the mind and soul!