Turning the Wisdom Wheel of the Nine Golden Chariots

by Palden Sherab

Buddha Shakyamuni laid out many categories and levels of teaching according to the particular needs, desires, intelligence, and sensibilities of practitioners. In response to these differences, the Buddha gave a wide variety of teachings that were specifically suited to the unique characteristics of individuals. In this way, the Buddha skillfully ensured that all beings could benefit from the Dharma. But despite the inconceivably vast scope of these instructions, the purpose of each one is the same: to remove the obscurations and suffering of all beings and reveal our innate nature, which is the nature of everything. Although the teachings of the Dharma can be summarized in many ways, the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism—also known as the “Ancient Translation school”—divides them into nine yanas or “vehicles.” This special book includes teachings from one of the most qualified Nyingma masters of our times, in which he explains the view, meditation, conduct, and fruition of each of the nine yanas from an authentically Nyingma perspective. Due to the comprehensive yet condensed nature of this book, it serves as both a general outline for those initiating their study of the Dharma, as well as a valuable aid for those wishing to better understand the essential meaning of each of the nine levels of Buddhist meditation and philosophy.

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche (དཔལ་ལྡན་ཤེས་རབ dpal ldan shes rab) was a scholar and lama in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism particularly well known for his texts and teachings on Dzogchen. He was a close student of Dudjom Rinpoche and a frequent collaborator with his brother Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal, with whom he taught regularly in upstate New York.

Reviews

[John]

Excellent . Especially for those pursuing Nyingma lineage practices.

[Isaac Spencer]

Mind expanding. Inspiring. Direct. Pointed.

The book explains the nine different Buddhist paths that are available to follow. I had read about the various paths in other books, but this is the first presentation I encountered that shows how all the paths gradually build upon one another and how they all fit into a single system. Very helpful for giving the big picture of how various Buddhist practices relate to one another.

I think a complete newcomer to Buddhist may find some sections of this text difficult.

[Bonnie]

Excellent book, clearly explains the basics of the progressive views and stages of Buddhist practice.