The Golden Garuda: The Extraordinary Life of Modern Day Mahasiddha Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche

(Paperback)

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A moving biography of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, one of the twentieth century's most influential Tibetan Buddhist teachers, written by his devoted student Khenpo Sodargye. 30 black-and-white historical photographs illustrate this remarkable life story. A moving biography of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, one of the twentieth century's most influential Tibetan Buddhist teachers, written by his devoted student Khenpo Sodargye. 30 black-and-white historical photographs illustrate this remarkable life story. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche (1933-2004) was one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of the twentieth century. In this moving biography, Khenpo Sodargye-a lead teacher at Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy-brings his beloved root teacher's remarkable story and accomplishments to life with wisdom and reverence. His personal anecdotes coupled with the prophecies of great masters and verse from Buddhist texts offer a portrait that is at once intimate and profound, revealing Jigme Phuntsok's legacy as the mythical "golden garuda" who was instrumental in the flourishing of Buddhism. During a pivotal period in modern Tibetan history, he created the world's largest Buddhist institution, attracted thousands of followers with his nonsectarian teachings, and taught some of today's great Tibetan Buddhist teachers. The engaging narrative unfolds chronologically in dozens of short, impactful chapters. We're introduced to Jigme Phuntsok's previous incarnations and learn about his early years. We experience his teaching trips, including a journey to the holy mountain of Wutaishan in China together with ten thousand Tibetan disciples. We learn about his visionary experiences and revelations, including one that failed-a rare account in Tibetan literature of such an occurrence. With elements of biography, travelogue, and magical tale, this life story contains adventure, suffering, and human connection. This portrayal of the great Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche's compassionate life dedicated to spiritual practice and teaching will inspire Buddhist practitioners and meditators and readers with an interest in modern Tibetan and Buddhist history.

Reviews

Khenpo Sodargye compressively illuminates the inspiring life of Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok. He vividly captures his extensive Dharma activities, beginning with his auspicious birth and continuing up until his passing into parinirvana. Reading The Golden Garuda brings the awakened presence of this preeminent teacher. For any student wishing to connect with Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok, this book is a treasure endowed with blessings.
Khenpo Sherab Sangpo, author of The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism

The English translation of Khenpo Sodargyes The Golden Garuda is a cause for celebration. My connection with Khenpo Sodargye goes back many years to our extraordinary experience studying at the feet of our glorious master, Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche, at his retreat center, Larung Gar. Khenpo Sodargye is one of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoches most accomplished students. He accompanied Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche closely for many years. He completely absorbed Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoches entire life story. He was blessed with the very best understanding and actual experience of Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoches profound teachings of Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Dzogchen. Khenpo Sodargye has hundreds of thousands of students in China, where his teachings and books have brought great benefit. I am confident that Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoches profound, priceless, and powerful teachings, and the chronicle of his amazing life, are in the most capable hands. My heartfelt appreciation for the publication of this important biography. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoches extraordinary qualities can now be understood and appreciated by readers everywhere.
Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, author of Our Pristine Mind and From Foundation to Summit

It is a great honor to endorse this wonderful and timely publication that gives the world of English readers a clear glimpse into the traditional life, training, mode of accomplishment, and manner of benefiting the Buddhist doctrine and living beings as carried forth for centuries in the sacred land of Tibet. Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche managed to live through the Cultural Revolution and go on to replicate this process of benefiting the world in the most magnificent way. We in the West were graced with his sole visit during the summer of 1993, accompanied by his esteemed sister, niece, and his devoted disciple Khenpo Sodargye. The memory of his shockingly confident, authentic presence is unforgettable, along with his tireless enthusiasm to benefit others accompanied with profound lineage transmissions mostly given by heart. In these times, when meeting such an authentic master is as rare as a daytime star, this booklike the sighting of a Golden Garudagives us a renewed sense of hope and faith in the timeless wisdom of the Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Ati Yoga traditions.
Sangye Khandro, cofounder of Light of Berotsana Translation Group

Author Bio

KHENPO SODARGYE has been teaching the Dharma using traditional Buddhist methods since 1987. To solidify his disciples' Buddhist studies, Khenpo emphasizes a systematic approach of listening, contemplating, and meditating on the Dharma. Hundreds of thousands of monastic disciples and lay followers worldwide study the Dharma with Khenpo through on-site, livestream, and video teachings. As a Vajra guru and Dzogchen lineage holder, Khenpo is empowered to transmit Vajrayana teachings and practices. He is a frequently invited speaker at top universities across the globe and a prolific author, most recently of Tibetan Buddhism- A Guide to Contemplation, Meditation, and Transforming Your Mind.