Tantra in Tibet

This entire series was translated by Jeffrey Hopkins many years ago with the help of his assistants. The content is very concise which requires the reader to have an understanding of terminology and an understanding of the Buddhist path according to Tibet. As the first reviewer mentioned, this book requires a lot of concentration, as it is extremely rich in wisdom; but it is clear Mr. Hopkins may have needed more help translating this text (the translation may be more difficult than it needs to be and IS NOT transcendental in nature). The Dalai Lama's commentary is just as difficult as Tsongkapa's text, so I cannot say Tsongkapa is to blame for writing a concise text! This translation reveals "The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra" by the great Tsongkapa, and includes a commentary by the current Dalai Lama. Dharma is discussed beginning with the Hinayana and ending with Highest Yoga Tantra. Comparisons are made between the different vehicles of Mahayana, the Mantra path and the Perfection path; and the many different schools of the Perfection path are discussed. The role of compassion is discussed and its role during realizations of the bodhisattva. If you are not particularly interested in the discussion of Deity Yoga and its superiority over the Perfection vehicle, you may not appreciate this book. There are too many comparisons throughout the text to count. The text as well as its commentary are very profound and concise. If you are not a student of Tantra, you will be missing what the book really has to offer.

Serious, long-term practitioners of Vajrayana will welcome a book like this one that gets beyond the surface. If you think the Dalai Lama's writing is intense, you should attend his teachings in person some time. Trying to take notes on the Sanskrit and Tibetan terminology from verbal teachings makes you really appreciate having it summarized in published form. The Buddha's Second and Third Turnings of the Wheel of (Dharma) Teachings are more advanced than the First (Deer Park). One simply does not enter the Tantrayana without completing the First Two Turnings in preparation. This book addresses the advanced levels.