Creation and Completion: Essential Points of Tantric Meditation

Creation and Completion is a unique guide to the practice of Tibetan Buddhist tantra. Drawing on explanations from two great masters, Jamgon Kongrul and Thrangu Rinpoche it is both concise and thorough, both authoritative and clear. In the creation stage of tantra, practitioners visualize themselves in the form of buddhas and other enlightened beings. This meditation practice prepares the mind for engaging in the completion stage, where one comes face to face with the ultimate nature of mind and reality. Jamgon Kongtrul, a master practitioner and one of Tibet's most prolific writers, composed this text as a guide to the effective practice of tantric Buddhist meditation. Written in the style of the Tibetan songs of realization, the text leads a way along a clear path of meditative self-transformation; this revised and updated edition includes a commentary by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.

About the Author :
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, (1813-99) was the leading figure in the nineteenth-century rime (nonsectarian) revival of Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most prolific and accomplished teachers and writers in Tibetan history, his works continue to guide and inspire students and practitioners alike. Sarah Harding has been studying and practicing Buddhism since 1974, and has been teaching and translating since completing a three-year retreat in 1980 under the guidance of Kyabjé Kalu Rinpoché. She was associate professor at Naropa University for twenty-five years in Boulder, Colorado, where she currently resides, and has been a fellow of the Tsadra Foundation since 2000. She specializes in literature with a focus on tantric practice. Her publications include Creation and Completion; The Treasury of Knowledge: Esoteric Instructions; Niguma, Lady of Illusion; and two volumes on Chö and Shijé from The Treasury of Precious Instructions. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a senior scholar within the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the author of many books and commentaries. He was born in Kham, Tibet, in 1933 and entered Thrangu Monastery at age seven. He serves as the main tutor to His Holiness the Seventeenth Karmapa and travels worldwide giving teachings and leading retreats. Based in Nepal and India, he is also abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia and founder of Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

Review :
"A delightful introduction to the deepest understanding of visualization, a particular way of cultivating religious imagination and full-bodied practice."--Anne Klein, Professor of Religion, Rice University "An exceptionally important text. It will answer all questions and resolve all doubts about Vajrayana practice."--Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche "Creation and completion meditation is the cornerstone of tantric Buddhist practice, and draws upon a rich array of techniques and presumptions relating to moral culitvation. This book will be of great interest to both scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism."--Janet Gyatso, Hershey Chair of Buddhist Studies, Harvard University "Includes much that is helpful to all meditators using imagery to focus the mind."-- "The Quest" "Sarah Harding has rendered a great service."--Ken McLeod, translator of Great Path of Awakening "Creation and Completion contains both a clearly printed, very readable Tibetan text and a lucid, almost flawless English translation. An excellent book."-- "Religious Studies Review" "Mahamudra meditation is a 'completion stage' practice--completion because, like zazen, it represents fruition on the spot as opposed to a gradual buildup. Tantric techniques that develop gradually to that completion are called 'creation stage' practices. Sarah Harding's translation of Jamgon Kongtrul's Creation and Completion covers both bases but is especially useful for its detailed treatment of the visualization practices in the creation stage. It is, in fact, a point-by-point guide to this contemplative world of imagined mandalas and deities. This edition comes with a new commentary by Thrangu Rinpoche and a long, thoughtful introduction on visualization practice. Even though advanced practitioners will want to study this book, it's also designed to help beginners."-- "Buddhadharma"