The Royal Seal of Mahamudra (Set)

Gerardo Abboud

Gerrardo Abboud lived in India and Nepal and studied Tibetan language for fourteen years. Since 1986, Abboud has been president of the Dongyuling Center, Argentina, which offers free teachings on Buddhist theory and practice. He is the English interpreter for several Tibetan Buddhist masters and, since 1992, has served as the Dalai Lama’s interpreter in Latin America.

Khamtrul Rinpoche III

The third Kamtrul Rinpoche (1680–1729), a great Tibetan visionary, meditation master, civic leader, and polymath, was widely recognized for his teachings and writings on Mahamudra systems of meditation.

"This mahamudra text is very clear and extremely detailed. It is very rare to find a teaching such as this one that is a complete presentation of mahamudra that includes the three sources of transmission on this topic: teachings of Lord Buddha, commentaries of his most learned followers, and, especially, experiential pith instructions by highly realized masters. I read it when I was young and found it to be of great help in my own practice, so it is my hope that it may also bring benefit to all those who practice mahamudra."
—Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, author of Turning Confusion into Clarity

"Because it is one of the most detailed and comprehensive arrays of mahamudra teachings in existence, many years ago I encouraged Gerardo Abboud to prepare an English translation of the Third Khamtrul Rinpoche's instructional treatise on coemergent wisdom. I'm truly delighted to see that his efforts have now resulted in this exceptional work. All those devoted to the path that leads to recognizing the mind's profound nature will surely cherish The Royal Seal of Mahamudra. Ideally, when these precious instructions are studied and put into practice based on empowerment and the practical guidance of a mahamudra lineage holder, they will bring complete awakening to all that is perfect and noble. At the very least, all those interested in these teachings should seek an authentic lineage holder and request a reading transmission of the text. In this way, the blessings will enter one's heart."
—H.E. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche

"The distinguishing feature of this commentary on mahamudra is the way it accurately covers the different experiences of practitioners. People's minds are varied, so their experiences can differ as well. The author describes what antidotes to apply, what adjustments to make, how to determine if an experience is valid or not, and how to avoid straying to a wrong path. The translator, Gerardo Abboud, has studied and practiced under his main teachers H.E. Apho Rinpoche, H.E. the Eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, Ven. Gegen Khyentse, and H.E. Sengdra Rinpoche, as well as other lamas of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage. As such, he not only is learned about mahamudra but also has the experience of practice, both of which are special conditions for an adequate translation. It is my dearest hope that this text may be of great benefit and lead countless beings to the realization of buddhahood."
—Drubwang Tsoknyi Rinpoche 

"This guidebook by the Third Khamtrul, Drodul Ngawang Kunga Tenzin, clearly and extensively presents such topics as ground, path, and fruition; instructions on the four yogas of mahamudra; and detailed descriptions of a yogin's meditative experiences. I express my appreciation to Gerardo Abboud for having tirelessly translated it into English. It is my hope that it may be of great benefit to those Westerners who wish to study and practice mahamudra."
—H.E. Dorzong Rinpoche

"In mahamudra meditation, chaos and emotional upheaval are not rejected but instead used as the fuel for the journey of discovering the truth, transforming confusion into sanity and wisdom. I believe this is the reason why more and more people are waking up to the need and are seeking out mahamudra practice. This book is an extraordinary blessing and indispensable for anyone who has an earnest, fervent wish and intention to pursue this path. May it serve as a source of inspiration and a practical guide to help cut through the veil of illusion, and allow us to discover the luminous, radiant, and joyful heart within each of us. With proper guidance, faith, and devotion, spiritual awakening shall swiftly arise in the fortunate ones!"
—Drukpa Choegon Rinpoche, spiritual head of Dechen Choekhor Monastery

"A practical handbook for the deepest insights a human being can gain, written by a master meditator in clear and simple language."
—Erik Pema Kunzang, translator of Jewels of Enlightenment