The Sadhana of Mahamudra: Teachings on Devotion and Crazy Wisdom

by Chogyam Trungpa, Diana J. Mukpo (Foreword by), Samuel Bercholz (Foreword by)

Overview

An in-depth commentary on “The Sadhana of Mahamudra,” a visionary text from Chögyam Trungpa on surrendering, renunciation, and devotion.

In 1968, while on retreat in a cave in Bhutan, Chögyam Trungpa revealed “The Sadhana of Mahamudra,” a terma text, or visionary teaching, that illuminated the problems of spiritual corruption and materialism. From that time on, his teachings were dedicated to providing his students with the wisdom and skill to overcome these problems in themselves and in the world.

In later years, Chögyam Tungpa offered teachings to unpack the meaning of the practice. That extensive commentary is contained here, where he lays the groundwork we need to gain a deeper appreciation of this profound text and how it applies to our own lives and practice. As he states in the book, “The sadhana is a prototype of how emotion and wisdom can work together.”

Previously published as Devotion and Crazy Wisdom, this new edition includes for the first time the text of the sadhana. Also included is an updated list of resources for further study, an index, a new foreword by Samuel Bercholz, and updated introductory material—including a new introduction from Carolyn Gimian discussing the significance of “The Sadhana of Mahamudra.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781645473787
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	03/25/2025
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA (1940–1987) was a meditation master, teacher, and artist who founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, the first Buddhist-inspired university in North America; the Shambhala Training program; and an international association of meditation centers known as Shambhala International. He is the author of numerous books, including Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, and The Myth of Freedom.

DIANA MUKPO, the wife of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, was born in 1953 in England. Mrs. Mukpo moved to the United States in 1970, where she remained with Trungpa Rinpoche until his death in 1987. Diana has had a lifelong passion for horsemanship. She is among a handful of women ever trained in dressage at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In addition to pursuing her own career and raising their five children, Diana often accompanied Trungpa Rinpoche and taught with him at seminars and retreats. She is the author of Dragon Thunder: My Life with Chögyam Trungpa. Since Rinpoche’s death, Diana has continued to teach, presenting both her personal experiences with Trungpa Rinpoche, as well as sharing her knowledge of the Shambhala and Buddhist teachings.

Editorial Reviews

‘The Sadhana of Mahamudra’ is a profound spiritual treasure that was very dear to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche greatly valued this text and even requested Trungpa Rinpoche to write an empowerment for it. I received this empowerment, and I consider Trungpa Rinpoche to be one of my teachers. I deeply rejoice in this new publication, which includes the essential terma text and Trungpa Rinpoche’s writings on its profound meaning and practice.”
—Shechen Rabjam

“It’s a miracle that this visionary work of wisdom and raw power is even available. When I first came across this sadhana, it spoke to my whole being, and it continues to do so with every reading. May all beings be fortunate enough to read this!”
—Devendra Banhart, musician and artist

“From the opening lines of ‘The Sadhana of Mahamudra,’ the practitioner is plunged into a sacred world at once devastatingly brilliant and profoundly human. The reverberation that arises from the combined energies of the natural world, our longing and devotion to become free, and the obstacles of fear, complacence, and neurotic habit patterns that keep us bound and suffering, breaks us open into an experience of vivid presence and openness through which the awakening heart of love shines naturally and fully. Especially in these challenging times, as I work to bring the Buddhist teachings to others, I feel how much we need the formulations of devotion, trust, faith, and sanity that the sadhana evokes with such richness and depth. I am so excited that this collection of commentaries and teachings on ‘The Sadhana of Mahamudra,’ edited by Carolyn Gimian, is entering the world at this particular time when its messages are so deeply necessary and healing.”
—Elizabeth Monson, author of Tales of a Mad Yogi

“‘The Sadhana of Mahamudra’ provides the source code for a powerful, meaningful, and vibrant life on earth. This text has had a profound impact on the arc of my life and work in the world. It radiates the essence of the core practices of Tibetan Buddhism, embodying this wisdom tradition as it enters the stream of life in the West, transforming our culture and society.”
—David Nichtern, senior teacher in the lineage of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, founder of Dharma Moon
 
“These brilliant and profound tantric teachings fearlessly proclaim all-pervasive wisdom. They invite us to step beyond aggression and the warfare of materialism. Through our reading study and practice, we join the vast celebration of wakefulness.”
—Gaylon Ferguson, author of Welcoming Beginner’s Mind
 
“I first came to know ‘The Sadhana of Mahamudra’ some twenty years ago. A collection of students dedicated to this amazing offering from Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche generously decided to share this great treasure of our times with me. To this day, it continues to move me on profound levels. This amazing guide, The Sadhana of Mahamudra: Teachings on Devotion and Crazy Wisdom, will no doubt inspire both longtime students and new seekers to connect with this sacred gift.”
—Owsley Brown III, Chair, Festival of Faiths

From the Publisher