The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions

The Precious Treasury of Pith Instructions is one of the foremost masterpieces of Dzogchen (or Dzogpa Chenpo) composed by the Omniscient Longchen Rabjam (1308–1363), the greatest master of the Dzogchen lineage. This is the shortest volume among his Seven Treasuries {mDzod bdun), also known as The Vast Treatises of Scholarly Works (rGya che ba pandita'i chos skor).Longchen Rabjam was born with extraordinary intellectual capability and enlightened qualities. He studied at Sangpu Monastic University (the Harvard of Tibet in those days), where Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339), Je Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), and many other eminent minds of Tibet also trained.Dzogchen is the pinnacle and heart essence of Vajrayana Buddhism. Longchen Rabjam synthesized and expounded on its philosophical views, meditation methods, and goals. It is because of his efforts that the Dzogchen teachings were preserved and not only have thrived in Tibet, but also have become an inspiring path for many Buddhists in both the East and West today.