The Four Mindfulnesses

THE FIRST EXTENSIVE COMMENTARY IN ENGLISH ON A TEACHING DELIVERED BY MANJUSHRI TO TSONGKHAPA

For generations, The Four Mindfulnesses—of guru, bodhimind, divine body

and emptiness—were taught only orally. The First Panchen Lama and Seventh

Dalai Lama provided written texts, on which both of them Gelek Rimpoche has

taught. The result is a rare combination that illuminates topics so central to

practice.


Born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1939, bestselling author and internationally

renowned Tibetan Lama Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche brings his traditional Buddhist

training into strong dialogue with science, psychology, medicine, metaphysics,

politics and the arts; he skillfully addresses the dilemma of living a spiritual

life in a material world. His collected works now include over 30 transcripts of

his teachings, numerous articles as well as the national bestseller Good Life,

Good Death (Riverhead Books, 2001) and The Tara Box: Rituals for Protection

and Healing from the Female Buddha (New World Library, 2004). Rimpoche is a

U.S. citizen and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.


In 1988, Rimpoche founded Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center with

chapters in the US, Europe and Asia. Jewel Heart offers a multi-layered program

for spiritual development, including weekly webcasts, annual retreats and

special events. The organization also supports senior lamas and the training

of young monks, a children’s school and orphanage, and Buddhist performing

arts tours. Sales from the Jewel Heart Store support Tibetan refugees and

monasteries in India and Nepal.


Gelek Rimpoche has consistently shown resiliency and flexibility of character

and sound understanding of selflessness. He can be an elegant lama in a

formal setting . . . a wise advisor in another setting . . . a loyal and creative

colleague in the endless work of seeing to the continuing usefulness of the

Dharma.—Robert A.F. Thurman


Gelek Rimpoche’s mix of astute psychological insight, extraordinary intellect,

and great compassion—plus delightful wit—makes him a wonderful, wise

spiritual friend and guide.—Daniel Goleman


Gelek Rimpoche constantly shows wisdom, gentleness, depth, rascality,

humor, spaciousness, and the spiritual side to everyday life.—Ram Dass