Trilogy of Rest Series

A new translation of the Tibetan master Longchenpa’s famous work that systematically presents the path of yogic conduct according to the Dzogchen tradition

Finding Rest in Illusion is the third volume of the Trilogy of Rest, Longchenpa’s classic exposition of the Buddhist path. The purpose of these teachings is to introduce us to our most basic nature—the clear and pristine awareness that is the nature of the mind. According to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist formula of view, meditation, and action, this volume follows Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, which establishes the view of the Buddhist path generally, and specifically that of the teachings of the Great Perfection, and Finding Rest in Meditation, which outlines the main points of meditation, namely, where one should meditate, what qualities a practitioner should possess and develop, and what should be practiced.

The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation of the final volume of the trilogy, Finding Rest in Illusion, along with its autocommentary, The Chariot of Excellence, both intended to elucidate the appropriate action of a Buddhist practitioner. Finding Rest in Illusion describes in detail the conduct of those who have stabilized their recognition of the nature of the mind and how to apply the Buddhist view when relating to ordinary appearances. Drawing extensively from classic Buddhist works, the author uses well-known examples of illusion found throughout Mahāyāna literature to illustrate the illusory nature of both saṃsāra and nirvāṇa, thus revealing their ultimate nondual nature. This is an invaluable manual for any genuine student of Buddhism who wishes to truly find rest through the path of the Great Perfection.

Released in paperback for the first time, this new translation of the Tibetan master Longchenpa’s famous work systematically presents the path of meditation according to the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition.

Longchenpa’s Finding Rest in Meditation is a classic Buddhist text outlining the main points of meditation, namely, where one should meditate, what qualities a practitioner should possess and develop, and what should be practiced. These instructions are a pithy distillation of the entirety of the Buddhist path designed to stabilize one’s direct awareness of the nature of mind through meditative absorption.

The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid translation to Finding Rest in Meditation, which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation. This text follows the first volume of Longchenpa’s trilogy, Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, which focuses on establishing the view and precedes the final volume, Finding Rest in Illusion, which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct.

Released in paperback for the first time, this brilliant translation of Longchenpa’s famous work presents the entire scope of the Buddhist view combined with pith instructions for pointing out the nature of one’s mind.

Longchen Rabjam’s Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind is a classic Buddhist manual for attaining true liberation through familiarizing ourselves with our most basic nature–our clear, pristine, and aware mind. Written in the fourteenth century, this text is the first part to Longchenpa’s Trilogy of Rest, a work of the esoteric Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. This unique presentation of the Buddhist view and path combines the scholastic expository method of explanation with direct pith instructions designed for yogi practitioners.

This text systematically presents the view in thirteen chapters, outlining all that a practitioner must know in order to embark on the complete Buddhist path. Here we find fundamental instructions on the need to turn away from materialism, how to find a qualified guide, how to develop boundless compassion for all beings, tantra and its associated practices, calm abiding (śamatha) and deep insight (vipaśyanā) meditation techniques, all culminating in the practice presented from the perspective of Dzogchen.

This first volume of the Trilogy of Rest is a comprehensive teaching on the view from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, setting the foundation for the following two volumes: Finding Rest in Meditation, which focuses on meditation practice, and Finding Rest in Illusion, which focuses on post-meditation yogic conduct. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided us with a clear and fluid new translation of Finding Rest in the Nature of the Mind, which will serve as a genuine aid to study and meditation.