The Path of Compassion: A Biography of Hor shul Khenpo Gelek Palsang Rinpoche — Preface

To attain buddhahood in this very life through the brilliant jewel of the esoteric teachings—the unsurpassed Dzogchen of the Nyingma tradition—is the cherished aspiration of every disciple. Yet every attainment of the Vajrayana arises entirely from faith in the vajra guru. As the great accomplished master Tilopa said: “If one wishes to attain buddhahood within a single lifetime, one must enter the Vajrayana of the esoteric teachings. The arising of realization of the profound esoteric path within one’s mindstream depends entirely upon respectful, sincere faith in the vajra guru. One must perceive the guru’s qualities, and to perceive those qualities one must know the guru’s life story.”

At present, very few Chinese disciples know of the deeds of Hor shul Khenpo Gelek Palsang Rinpoche. The Khenpo’s Tibetan biography has not yet been published, and materials about him are extremely scarce. Taking as its basis the account in Chokyi Nyima’s The Radiance of Nyingma, this book systematically introduces the lineage system of the Nyingma tradition, presents a brief biography of Hor shul Khenpo Gelek Palsang Rinpoche and his short teachings on Dharma practice, and describes the undertakings of his present life, such as carving one hundred million mani stones, founding an educational “Buddhist institute,” and other works of teaching the Dharma and benefiting beings.

It is earnestly hoped that this book will enable the wider community of faithful people to gain a systematic understanding of the extraordinary qualities of the esoteric teachings and the lineage gurus, thereby increasing their faith, practicing diligently, reaching completion, awakening, and liberation.

For all eminent monastics and great masters to remain in this world for a long time, and for world peace.