Beyond Words is an introductory book to Dzogchen, a form of Tibetan Buddhist practice that is becoming hugely popular among Westerners. At the heart of the Dzogchen teachings is learning how to integrate meditation with your everyday life without the need for any kind of formal methods or rituals. By applying presence and awareness in all your daily activities, such as going for a walk, preparing a meal, or driving a car, life itself becomes the primary means for spiritual development. In this way, Beyond Words shows you how to walk a path of knowledge that offers direct insight into your true nature. This book guides you through the theory and practice of Dzogchen as well as telling the stories of many of the great Dzogchen practitioners of the past, both men and women. It also places this ancient spiritual tradition within a firm historical yet living lineage -- an important factor in these times of false prophets. Fundamental Dzogchen practices such as the pointing-out instruction and sky-meditation are elucidated within the context of more complex practices including dream yoga, dark retreat, and ultimately complete realization through attainment of the "rainbow body." It also includes methods for co-ordinating your energy, through practices such as Yantra Yoga, Chod, and the Song of the Vajra.

Book jacket.