Rain of Clarity: The Stages of the Path in the Sakya Tradition

The scriptural corpus of Mahayana Buddhism is divided into the texts representing the actual words of the Buddha, as written down after his parinirvana, and the commentaries which re-express and order these in a way which makes it easy to study and practise the dharma. These are called shastras. This text has a special significance then in that it is one of the first, if not the first, written in English to possess the qualities of a traditional shastra. It is not a book commenting on Buddhism from outside, but exists firmly within the scriptural tradition. It must be a historically significant text within the transmission of Buddhism to the west, and incidentally even for the English language itself.Arya Maitreya explained what should be accepted as an authoritative commentary in the Uttatantrashastra, composed in the 4th century: "Whatever someone has explained with undistracted mind, exclusively in the light of the Victor's (Buddha's) teaching, and conducive to the path of attaining liberation, this should be revered as the words of the Sage." Rain of Clarity is authoritative in just this way.The text itself explains very clearly and concisely every aspect of the path to buddhahood through the prism of the well-respected Sakya tradition, one of the major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. It is invaluable for the increase of knowledge of Buddhism in the west, where it is still remarkably little known and even less well understood. As was common in shastras composed in India and Tibet, it includes interesting asides on contemporary issues affecting the dharma, based on the words of the Buddha, in this case for example on cloning among other issues.Karma Thinley Rinpoche writes in this foreword "Since it will bring extensive benefits to students serious about the sutra and mantra doctrines, I request it be taken to heart." This is a wonderful book.

There are many books published today which claim to contain the teachings of the Buddha but really reflect the authors own opinions and ideas. This book - and others by the same author - strive to present the dharma exactly as the Buddha taught it. Rain of Clarity gives us an accurate overview of the stages of the Mahayana Buddhist path as passed down through the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It's content is informed by the writers receipt and practise of the teachings of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism from the greatest living masters of that tradition. If you're interested in developing a proper understanding of Buddhism - from it's founding principles to it's most profound and subtle teachings and practises - this is an excellent place to start.

This book gives a clear and concise overview of the Buddhist path to enlightenment as practised in the Tibetan tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Although focussed on the teachings of the Sakya lineage much of the teaching is common to all schools. Indispensable for people with an interest in the teachings of the Sakya tradition

Authoritative setting-out of the Buddhist path according to the Sakya tradition. Written in tradition style, but speaks to the contemporary spiritual practitioner.

fantastic book - very helpful in presenting an authentic spiritual path