Now That I Come to Die

The all-knowing Longchenpa (1308-64) stands at the center of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Now That I Come to Die is a compilation of 3 teachings by Longchenpa -- his parting injunctions and teachings on the Four Immeasurably Great Catalysts of Being. This volume contains Longchenpa's heartfelt parting advice to his students, exhorting them to vigorously engage the path to liberation while they are still able. The first text, an inspiring expression of joyful being flowing spontaneously from the depths of this great master's realization in lucid poetry of great beauty, was translated by Herbert V. Guenther. The second text (and its auto commentary) is a teaching on the Four Immeasurables: Love, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity. Longchenpa describes their power to transform our minds and hearts and lay bare a deeper wisdom. He gives beautiful, concise instruction for develping these "immeasurable attitudes" and how to avoid pitfalls of practice. The third text contains Longchenpa's own commentary on the Immeasurably Great Catalysts of Being. A key Mahayana teaching, the Four Immeasurables can be elevated through practice into the gateway to the inconceivably sublime realm of being that lies beyond the reach of words and concepts, beyond all residues of self and other. Now That I Come to Die also includes introductory material by Tarthang Tulku on Longchenpa's life story, the special character and power of his teachings, and advice on how to practice Guru Yoga with Longchenpa. For this compilation, published to present these precious teachings in a format that can be easily carried and consulted, Tarthang Tulku prepared an overview of Longchenpa's life and lineage, offering his thoughts on some of Longchenpa's teachings on impermanence, the inseparability of mind and shunyata, and the all-inclusive, all-illuminating Dharmadhatu.