"The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, is regarded as the architect of the Karma Kagyu interpretations of the view on buddha nature. Rangjung Dorje's three most renowned treatises are The Profound Inner Reality, The Distinction between Consciousness and Wisdom, and Pointing Out the Tathagata Heart. The teachings from these three treatises play an essential role for practitioners of vajrayana Buddhism by providing an overview which enriches the meditator's understanding of the complete transformative path of vajrayana. The Karma Kagyu lineage is heir to both of the great mahayana traditions of emptiness ”Rangtong Madhyamaka ("Empty-of-self Middle Way") and Shentong Madhayamaka ("Empty-of-other Middle Way"). While the Eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje, and his followers emphasized the view of genuine emptiness that comes from the Madhyamaka teachings of the great Indian master Nagarjuna, Rangjung Dorje and, later, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye emphasized the luminous empty mind of buddha nature, which is mainly presented in the treatises of the great Indian masters Maitreya and Asanga. Thus, the Karma Kagyu lineage inherits the great treasure of the complete teachings of both mahayana lineages."It is my great delight that Dr. Brunnholzl has translated the crucial passages on the view in The Profound Inner Reality as well as the two lesser treatises with their commentaries.

An accomplished translator, Karl is also skilled in presenting the most complicated and intricate subjects in a clear and direct manner. This work is an invaluable gift and great contribution to Western Buddhism. I trust that this book will bring great insight and genuine benefit for all readers." ”from the foreword by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of Mind Beyond Death.