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Lama Jampa Thaye
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A Garland of Gold: The Early Kagyu Masters in India and Tibet Paperback – January 11, 2017

by Jampa Thaye (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
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'A Garland of Gold' is a history of the early masters of the great Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Saraha, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa and their spiritual heirs. This history represents the testament of the Kagyu lineage forefathers, showing us how they developed devotion and confidence in their gurus, received the inspiration of the dakini messengers, obtained the precious lineages, attained the vision of mahamudra, and spread the keys to enlightenment.Their songs, also translated here, though incomplete without a master’s textual transmission, offer a connection with the world of mahamudra.Lama Jampa Thaye's account of the early masters is based on the histories composed by Pawo Tsuklak Trengwa (1504-1566), Go Lotsawa (1392-1481) and Pema Karpo (1527-1592). He received the transmissions and teachings of the Kagyu forefathers from Karma Thinley Rinpoche and his other gurus such as Ato Rinpoche and Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche.The Kagyu tradition is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism alongside the Sakya, Nyingma and Gelug. It rose to prominence in the eleventh and twelfth centuries C.E. some one and a half millenia after the passing of Lord Buddha and remains one of the great spiritual transmission available in the world today. This book offers a remarkable look into the origins of this world.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    120 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 11, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.28 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1541155300
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1541155305
  7. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"My dharma-regent, Ngakpa Jampa Thaye, who lives in the great western kingdom of England has, at this time when the sun of the Sage's doctrine is newly arising in the West, composed this well-founded history of 'The Garland of Gold' of the Kagyus, from the Lord of Refuge Vajradhara through to Jetsun Gampopa. Since it will certainly be beneficial for those who are interested in the Buddhist tradition in general, and the Kagyus in particular, please listen to it and practise in accord with it." - Karma Thinley Rinpoche, Foreword to 'A Garland of Gold'

From the Author

It is my prayer that all who read this book will make an unshakeable connection with the precious dharma, meet with such Buddhas as H.H. Gyalwa Karmapa and H.H. Sakya Trizin, and obtain the undiluted nectar of the Vajrayana transmissions, which are truly forever young.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (January 11, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 120 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1541155300
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1541155305
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.28 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

About the author

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Lama Jampa Thaye

Lama Jampa Thaye

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Lama Jampa Thaye is a scholar and meditation master trained in the Sakya and Karma Kagyu traditions of Buddhism. He is authorized as a lama by his two main teachers, Karma Thinley Rinpoche and His Holiness Sakya Trizin, and has been training students in all aspects of the Buddhist path since 1988.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
21 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Fred
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book, really clear history and includes Mahamudra realization songs
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
I read a few different books on Kagyu but this is most clear and concise. A really great book with biographies of the original Indian masters and Tibetan masters of this special lineage of Vajrayana Buddhism. The book also includes some wonderful realization songs of mahamudra, that is the unique meditation system in the Kagyu school. There's a glossary of terms too! Overall an excellent book on the Kagyu lineage.
3 people found this helpful
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Adrian O'Sullivan
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly readable yet authentic history of the early Kagyus
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
A wonderful book that brings to life the amazing lives of the early Kagyu teachers like Naropa and Milarepa. It is based on the authentic Tibetan sources like the Blue Annals but is also adapted and annotated with the critical eye of a Western scholar so is perfect for the serious Western reader.
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars After reading "The Life of Milarepa" I was desperate to ...
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2017
After reading "The Life of Milarepa" I was desperate to learn more about Milarepa and the Kaygu Tradition. This book brought to life Milarepa and all the founding masters of the Kagyu tradition. I see now why Lama Jampa Thaye is referred to as the lord of scholars. If you have any interest in Tibetan Buddhism this book is a must have!!! Joe Ruggiero
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Liz T
5.0 out of 5 stars The author's own realisation makes this concise account both coherent and inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2017
For those in the West interested in developing an understanding of Tibetan Buddhism in general and the Karma Kagyu school in particular this book is indispensable. Tracing the transmission of one of the most profound teachings in Buddhism, Mahaumdra, from early Indian masters through to the the great practitioners of Tibet, the author's own realisation makes this concise account both coherent and inspiring.
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Top reviews from other countries

Mr. P. Skrzypczak
5.0 out of 5 stars Thankful to have
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2015
Verified Purchase
rare little masterpiece, practically inspiring, Lama Jampa Thaye is a holder of genuine transmission lineage,
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