The Torch of Certainty

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ISBN 0-87773-380-5


Publication data

Kongtrul, Jamgon. The Torch of Certainty. Translated by Judith Hanson. Boulder & London: Shambhala Publications, 1986. Originally Published, 1977.
Publication data



Table of Contents

  • List of Illustrations ix
  • Foreword by Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche xi
  • Preface xiii
  • Abbreviations xviii
  • Introduction
  • 1. Description and Background 1
    • Notes 7
  • 2. Practice of the Four Foundations
    • Interviews with Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche and Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche 9
    • Notes 24
  • The Torch of Certainty
  • Invocation 27
  • 1. The Four Ordinary Foundations 29
    • Prologue 30
      • 1. The Precious Human Birth 31
      • 2. Impermanence 35
      • 3. Action, Cause and Result 38
      • 4. The Shortcomings of Samsara 43
      • 5. Conclusion 47
    • Notes 49
  • 2. First of the Four Special Foundations: Taking Refuge and Engendering the Enlightened Attitude 53
    • Taking Refuge 53
    • Engendering the Enlightened Attitude 60
    • Notes 69
  • 3. Second of the Four Special Foundations: The Hundred-Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva Which Purifies Harmful Deeds and Removes Obscurations 79
    • Prologue 79
    • Practical Instructions 80
    • Commentary 82
    • Notes 88
  • 4. Third of the Four Special Foundations: The Mandala-Offering Which Perfects the Two Accumulations 93
    • Practical Instructions 96
    • Commentary 105
    • Conclusion 110
    • Notes 111
  • 5. Fourth of the Four Special Foundations: The Guru-Yoga Which Rapidly Confers Blessing 119
    • Meditation 120
    • Commentary 123
    • Conclusion 129
    • Notes 133
  • Colophon 139
  • Notes 139
  • Bibliography 141
  • Index 1: General Names and Subjects 145
  • Index 2: Tibetan Technical Terms and Names 159


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