P1+ - Empowerment of the Guru Yoga of Ju Mipham + Teaching on a text about Dreaming - 1PM EST

Following our Guru Yoga series, we will do a teaching on Mipham Rinpoche's Guru yoga and Text: A debate between waking & dreaming

Mipham Rinpoche, also known as Jamgön Mipham Gyatso (1846–1912), stands as a colossal figure in the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and has also been widely revered in the Kagyu tradition. Born in the Derge kingdom of eastern Tibet, Mipham Rinpoche emerged as one of the most prolific and influential Tibetan scholars of the 19th century, bridging the gap between the old and new waves of Buddhist thought and practice in Tibet.

His contributions span across all fields of Buddhist studies—philosophy, logic, literature, poetry, astrology, and medicine, making him a polymath of his time. However, he is best known for his works on the Nyingma teachings, particularly the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) texts, where his writings helped systematize and elucidate the Nyingma doctrines, ensuring their transmission to future generations. Mipham Rinpoche's efforts in writing and teaching not only revitalized the Nyingma tradition but also provided a comprehensive framework for understanding its teachings in harmony with the broader Tibetan Buddhist context.

Mipham Rinpoche was unique in his ability to harmonize the apparent contradictions between different Buddhist schools of thought, especially between the sutra and tantra teachings, as well as between the old (Nyingma) and new (Sarma) schools. His non-sectarian approach fostered a greater unity among the various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and emphasized the underlying wisdom common to all.

Among his most famous works are his commentaries on the Indian Buddhist classics by Nagarjuna, Shantideva, and Chandrakirti, as well as his own original treatises on the Madhyamaka (Middle Way) philosophy. His "Beacon of Certainty" (Tib. nges shes rin po che'i sgron me) is particularly celebrated for its clear presentation of the highest philosophical views and its resolution of difficult points of doctrine.

Mipham Rinpoche's legacy extends beyond his scholarly and spiritual achievements. He was a master practitioner, known for his deep meditative realization and for embodying the qualities of the bodhisattva path—compassion, wisdom, and ethical integrity. His life and works continue to inspire practitioners and scholars alike, making him one of the most revered masters in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

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