David Gonsalez Books

Chittamani Tara is the Highest Yoga Tantra aspect of Green Tara, one of the most popular yidams in Tibetan Buddhism.In this book beloved teacher Pabongkha Rinpoche shares the teachings that his teacher, Gargyi Wangpo Takphu Dorje Chang, received directly from Chittamani Tara herself.The Secret Revelations of Chittamani Tara contains many profound oral instructions that are not easily found elsewhere, including one of the most powerful and practical discourses on the completion stage to be found anywhere in English translation. Rinpoche has supplemented his commentary with teachings from the Gaden Hearing Lineage as well as the general tantric teachings of the Gelug tradition. Also included are the Chittamani Tara self-generation sadhana , the ganachakra offering for Chittamani Tara, and three beautiful and moving praises and prayers to Tara composed by masters in the tradition.Lovingly translated by the scholar-monk David Gonsalez, The Secret Revelations of Chittamani Tara is a guiding force leading all living beings to the state of Arya Tara.The material in this book is restricted. This book may be read only by those who have received an empowerment into any of the four classes of tantra. In order to practice this material, you must have received both the common and uncommon Chittamani Tara empowerments.

This collection features pivotal tantric texts that delve into a meditation practice central to one of the major Buddhist traditions in Tibet. It offers insights into the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizing the transformative power of meditation within its rich cultural context.

A translation of a foundational scripture in beautiful, lyrical translation, perfect for recitation. A key text for one of the most important Buddhist tantric traditions, the Chakrasamvara Root Tantra has been passed down to us from the ancient mahasiddhas of India, such as the great yogi Saraha. This foundational ritual text is one of the earliest of the yogini tantras, tantric scriptures that emphasize female deities. This melodic translation by David Gonsalez (Ven. Losang Tsering) maintains the poetic structure of the original, making it ideal for practitioners and harmonious to recite. It is at once an object of devotion, a profound instruction, and a beautiful poem meant to inspire spiritual seekers.

This book presents a series of translated texts on the tantric teachings of Chakrasamvara, aimed at practitioners rather than scholars, resulting in minimal annotations and notes. It emphasizes the necessity of practicing under the guidance of a qualified lama for proper understanding. The work opens with biographies of two significant lamas from the Gelug tradition, Ngulchu Dharmabhadra and Yangchen Drupay Dorje. Central to the book is a commentary on the five deity generation-stage practice of Heruka Chakrasamvara, originally an oral teaching by Ngulchu Dharmabhadra in the nineteenth century, later compiled by Yangchen Drupay Dorje. To introduce these lamas, a request was made for short biographies by Gen Lobsang Choephel. Following this, the book includes a highly restricted text on the completion stage of Chakrasamvara from the Ghantapa tradition, authored by the First Panchen Lama Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen, marking its first translation into English. Additionally, Ngulchu Dharmabhadra's retreat instructions are provided, offering essential guidance on the rituals necessary for a proper Chakrasamvara five deity retreat. Part 2 contains relevant ritual texts that will assist practitioners in their practice and serve as a reference for the commentary.