The Vital Essence of Dzogchen

“If you are sincerely interested in the reality of our own lives and of the universe around us, read this book by Alan Wallace. Through knowing and understanding the truth of our reality, we will expand our view to see much more clearly the origins of these phenomena, without depending on our beliefs or faith.”—Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche, author of Emptiness: The Essence of the Heart Sutra: A Step to the Great Perfection“Through his lifetime of devotion to Dharma as a scholar, teacher, translator, and serious practitioner, Alan brings all these elements together to introduce us to Düdjom Rinpoché’s profound Dzogchen teachings. This translation and commentary offer the serious student a wealth of teachings for understanding and practicing along a swift path.”—Tsoknyi Rinpoche, author of Open Heart, Open Mind

B. ALAN WALLACE has authored, translated, edited, and contributed to more than forty books on Tibetan Buddhism, science, and culture. With fourteen years as a Buddhist monk, he earned a BA in physics and the philosophy of science and then a PhD in religious studies. After teaching in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, he founded the Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies to explore the integration of scientific approaches and contemplative methods.