Perfect Clarity is an anthology of essential writings on Mahamudra and Dzogchen for the student of Tibetan Buddhism. Mahamudra, a meditation practice focusing on the nature of mind, and Dzogchen, a body of teachings aimed at realizing the "great perfection" or natural, primordial state, are central to Vajrayana practitioners today.

Translator Erik Pema Kunsang has selected works by legendary masters both ancient and modern. From the distant, mythic past come teachings from Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava), the tantric master who established Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet in the ninth century, his consort Yeshe Tsogyal, and the famous yogis Milarepa (1040-1123), and Longchenpa (1308-1363). More recent teachers included in this collection are Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991), and Khenpo Ganshar, the root guru of Chogyam Trungpa, and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. The writings are in a variety of forms reflecting the genius of each contributor: chapters of detailed meditation instructions, inspired poems, and parable-like stories.

From the Trade Paperback edition.