Longchenpa’s Three Cycles of Natural Freedom: Oral Translation and Commentary

A seminal Dzogchen text that is divided into three cycles: Mind, Ultimate Reality and Equality.

The ninth Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche (1959–2012) of the Kagyu Nyingma tradition, one of the great meditation master and scholars to come out of the Tibetan diaspora, has provided a detailed oral commentary and spontaneous translation of Longchenpa’s text to help reveal the essential meaning of these profound teachings.

A glimpse at each cycle - in the Mind Cycle, Longchenpa is in part concerned with our ability to comprehend and experience the freedom within the authentic state; in the Ultimate Reality Cycle, all dualistic notions are challenged as the nature of self and phenomena are revealed as the same; in the Equality Cycle, our aboriginal state is described as that which transcends conditioned existence.

Within each cycle, Lonchenpa also gives concise guidelines on approaching one’s practice within a retreat situation. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche’s renowned fluency with the English language, coupled with his own profound levels of realization, makes this translation an exciting opportunity for these transmative teachings to not only be known, but also experienced in these modern times.

Traleg Kyabgon (1955–2012) was the founder of the Kagyu E-Vam Buddhist Institute, which is headquartered in Melbourne. He taught extensively at universities and Buddhist centers in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, and is the author of such books as Integral Buddhism, Song Of Karmapa, Letter To A Friend, King Doha, Essence of Buddhism and Karma: What It Is, What It Isn't, Why It Matters.