A Juggernaut of the Non-Dual View

Th is is a remarkable book with many interesting themes. It presents a translation
of the text entitled "Chariot of Establishment", Treasure Trove of a Mind Absorbed in
the Profound Meaning by the second Drukchen [1428-1476 C.E.] or leader of the
Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. To begin with, it is of interest simply
because it is the fi rst major text of Drukpa Kagyu teachings to have been translated
into English.
Th e text is a compilation of over sixty diff erent oral teachings given by the second
Drukchen. Th e compiler, an attendant, tells us that the teachings included were
selected because they establish the ultimate, non-dual view of the Kagyu tradition
as it is presented by the Drukpa Kagyu. Th e text begins with a long teaching on
the view of the Kagyu in general, making it of interest to all Kagyu followers. An
important feature of this teaching is that it clearly shows the Other Emptiness
approach which is at the root of the Kagyu view, though does so according to the
earliest teachings of the Kagyu lineage in which the name "Other Emptiness" is
not mentioned. Th rough it, we see how Other Emptiness was taught originally
in the Kagyu and we see how the Drukpa Kagyu in particular presents the Other
Emptiness view of the Kagyu without using the name "Other Emptiness". Th e text
then presents many smaller teachings on the view, always with reference to the nondual
view of Kalachakra as the ultimate way to establish the view. Th us, the book
also contains many teachings on tantra in general as well as many interesting points
from the Kalachakra. For instance, there are clear explanations of mother, father,
and non-dual tantra and how each demands a diff erent approach.