Two books concerning the Most Venerable Lama Tsongkapa, the root teacher of the Gelug Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

The Life and Teachings of Lama Tsongkapa (LTWA)

This anthology of some of the important works of the great Dharma Master Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa (1357-1419) is presented for the general reader and practitioner of Buddhadharma to give him an introduction to the life and profound teachings of that great Lama. Most of the translations contained here were done same time ago, and published as pamphlets and Xerox- manuscripts. Mr. Gyatso Tsering requested to me gather these translations together, adding some explanatory notes and translating newly some special pieces that round out the collection. It was decided from the beginning not to attempt to impose any standard terminology is to grant access to the useful teachings themselves.

The Book is divided into five parts. The First begins with a short biography drawn by Geshe Ngawang Dhargye from a number of traditional sources, notably Khaydrub's Haven of Faith. This biography is supplemented by Tsongkhapa's own Song of Realization, a spiritual and educational autobiography, and Jamyang Choje Tashi Palden's Song of the Mystic Experiences, a record of his visionary experiences.

The second part presents Tsongkhapa's teachings on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Limrim), including the quintessential summary given in revelation by the Bodhisattva Manjushri, the briefest version written by the master himself, and lucid version of the over all path written in a personal letter to a close disciple. It concludes with a prayer for the accomplishment of the path.

The third part gives Tsongkhapa's enlightenment- poem, his Praise (to Shakyamuni for His Teaching) for Relativity, written on the morning of his attainment of realization; as well as his middle length version of the cultivation of wisdom through transcendent insight.

The fourth part shows his lyrical and mystical side, including praises of the two emblematic Bodhisattvas, Manjushri and Maitreya, a descriptive prayer for rebirth in the pure land of Amitabha, and a dialogue between the great Nying-ma Master Lhobrag Khenchen Namkha Gyaltsen and the Bodhisattva Vajrapani, in the presence of Tsongkhapa himself.

The final Part includes three praises of Tsongkhapa, written by his disciple Khaydrub, the Seventh Dalai Lama, and the Eighth Karmapa Lama, respectively. The entire collection concludes with the famous invocation of Tsongkhapa, Lord of Tushita's Hundred Gods.

Gaden Lha Gyama Commentary by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

This is a commentary given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche on the guru yoga practice of Lama Tsongkhapa. Given in India in 1986, this commentary continues to be to the most comprehensive on the five ngondro, or preliminary practices, of refuge, guru yoga, prostrations, mandala offerings and water bowl offerings. In Lama Zopa's signature style, the commentary is very thorough and a must for anyone considering to do one of these preliminary practices.

Contents Include:
-Motivation
-The Benefits
-Preliminary Prayers
-Seeing the Guru as Buddha
-Guru Yoga
-Karma
-Refuge
-The Preliminary Practices From Jorchoe
-Gaden Lha Gyama
-Mandala Offering
-Prostration
-Water Offering
-Dedication

115 pages