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SNOW LION THE BUDDHIST MAGAZINE & CATALOG

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The First Breakthrough, Reflections on a Mountain Lake Book Excerpt

They say that the initial realization of the nature of the mind is the first breakthrough. It's a very important point in all Buddhist schools. At that moment, you cease to be an ordinary person. You become in Buddhist parlance an "arya," a noble one. It doesn't mean you are finished. It doesn't mean you are a high level bodhisattva. We can fall back from this. But still, this is a big breakthrough. We now understand what is true and what is not true. We don't have to take it all on faith any more. It is a direct non-dual experience. The point is that it is very easy. It's not difficult, and it's not something that can only be attained after years and years of practice.

Our main obstacle is the fact that we don't know how to relax our minds enough to be open to this experience. In the back of our minds we keep thinking this is something so difficult and so advanced. For this reason we don't recognize what is in front of our face. This is why a teacher can be extraordinarily helpful. A teacher living within that realization is able—if the mind of the disciple is completely open—to transmit his or her experience. The problem here is that we have too many hopes and fears; it creates a barrier. It is very hard to be open. You can't just will it.

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More about the book . . .

This sparkling collection of Dharma teachings by Tenzin Palmo addresses issues of common concern to Buddhist practitioners from all traditions.

USA Today, Dec. 19: Reflections on a Mountain Lake is one of the top 10 "Best Spiritual Books of 2002"—as rated by Beliefnet.com.

"Tenzin Palmo is one of the most genuine and accomplished of western practitioners. Her voice is simple and pure, wise and true."—Jack Kornfield, author of Path with a Heart

"Tenzin Palmo's wonderful teachings are pristine and practical—the natural outpouring of her years of intensive meditation and insight. They are her gift to the world"—Vicki Mackenzie, author of Cave in the Snow, the biography of Ven.Tenzin Palmo

"In this book Ani Tenzin Palmo presents the most timely, profound and lucid advice for all Buddhist practitioners. She has torn away the thousand veils that shroud our self-deceptions. She speaks with the humility of experience rather than charisma, her words resonating with the naked simplicity of clarity and wisdom. Her voice constantly reminds me of everything I have ever loved and perceived as truthful in this life."—Robert Beer, author of The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols & Motifs

"One of the true yoginis of our time, a woman who has dedicated her life to Buddhism, Tenzin Palmo, brings her years of experience in a cave to offer us a down-to-earth inspiring approach to the spiritual path. Tenzin Palmo is a voice we need to hear, a woman who has fully experienced what she speaks about with absolute honesty, delightful humor, and real insight."—Tsultrim Allione, MA, author of Women of Wisdom

"Her words are clear, delightful, and inspiring...offers timely and lucid perceptions for all Buddhists...Palmo is an expert at accommodating the needs of the listeners and readers, lovingly guiding the Western Buddhist who has sincere interest in the Dharma but little time for formal practice."—Bloomsbury Review

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More about the author . . .

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo was born in London in 1943. She traveled to India when she was 20, met her teacher, H.E. the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, and in 1964 was one of the first western women to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. After six years of study with her teacher, he sent her to the Himalayan valley of Lahoul to undertake more intensive practice. She lived with a small group of nuns in a monastery there for another six years, doing frequent retreats in the long winter months. Seeking more seclusion and better conditions for practice, Tenzin Palmo found a nearby cave where she stayed and practiced for another twelve years, the last three years in strict retreat. The story of her life and experiences in her remote Himalayan cave is described in the book Cave in the Snow by Vicki Mackenzie. Tenzin Palmo has established Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery for young women from Tibet and the Himalayan border regions. She frequently teaches around the world.

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Books and Teachings by Tenzin Palmo . . .