The Citadel of Awareness: A Commentary on Jigme Lingpa's Dzogchen Aspiration Prayer Paperback – July 1, 2021

Anam Thubten's clear/beautiful commentary on Jigme Lingpa's Dzogchen aspiration prayer-- is rare. Thubten does a lot to unlock the mysteries of Dzogchen view/way--so crucial in today's world. The rest is up to us-- but at least we now know for sure, what's at stake & what's our homework.(Many Dzogchen commentaries, for me, tie me up in conceptual knots--but not this commentary.Practicing awareness (for example, by observing my reactions--as if I'm inside another person's brain) is a huge step in my practice. The timing of this book (which "translates" Jigme Lingpa's pristine wisdom into a way of living) is deep-acting medicine. It targets the dark dis-ease spewed out by daily news, social media,neighbors, etc. Initially, I thought I'd have to slog thru this book--as I slog thru many 'deep' books-- but thankfully that wasn't the case. Now I'm reading it for a second time.

Having read a number of works in Dzogchen over the past 20 years, I found this the best introduction. Thubten presents the complex in a simple way. Anything he writes, I recommend, if one is interested in Buddhism or truth. Still, anything Dzogchen is best prepared for by reading and practicing in the sutra - scriptures - path, with shamatha and vipassana meditation experience. Dzogchen is subtle, and one, without the sutrayana study and practice previously, will more easily fall into the traps of misinterpreting the philosophy and experience of Dzogchen. A superb work, affirming awakening is already, always here.

I'm on my third reading of "The Citadel of Awareness" and it continues to deepen my appreciation for and understanding of the Dzogchen approach to awakening. Totally readable. Totally relatable. A treasured opening to heart and mind.

This is a terrific book for anyone who has longed to have Dzogchen demystified. It provides the philosophical underpinnings in an accessible way, and inspires the reader. It makes other Dzogchen texts much more understandable.

A thorough and deep examination and explanation of the quintessence of Dzogchen, and yet approachable enough for those who may not be steeped in Buddhist teachings. As such, this book is an impressive and welcome commentary on the aspiration prayer of Jigme Lingpa, who is universally regarded as one of the greatest modern-day (18th century) Dzogchen Masters.Excerpted from the book: “This text is more than an aspiration prayer. It is also a doha, a song of realization. It is poetic and has verses that perfectly express the entirety of Dzogchen as an independent and complete tradition in itself.”I highly recommend this latest book from Anam Thubten to anyone interested in these profound and important teachings.