Preface
The Magic of Awareness is Anam Thubten’s second book based on teachings given at Dharmata Foundation, Pt. Richmond, California. A central theme is that enlightenment is always available, even in this very ordinary moment. It is something extraordinary that ordinary people can witness here and now, whenever we are ready. Spiritual awakening can happen to anyone at any time because it is not bound by culture or religion, and its possibility is our birthright. Rinpoche speaks with startling insight, unflinching honesty, and a great sense of humor. He cuts to the essence, the heart of the matter, drawing from his personal experience of walking the spiritual path, and clarifies subtle, complex points directly, in easily understood language. Rinpoche invites us to fully awaken to the pure, unborn, self-enlightened, unbounded Buddha mind that is already present within us. True spiritual realization, he says, is the experiential understanding of this, and our life’s true purpose. He encourages us to embrace real life rather than the one that exists in our head and is actually nothing more than an accumulation of stories from the past and anticipated, unfulfilled fantasies. Real life, he says, is much more rich and interesting, and it is unfolding right now, here in the present moment. He challenges us to embrace and enjoy it fully. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with Rinpoche and to present now to a wider audience the profound, illuminating teachings of this devoted man who has dedicated his life to expressing in words and actions messages of authentic love, wisdom, and compassion.
Sharon Roe, editor
