Pure Appearance: Development and Completion Stages in Vajrayana Practice

This book is simple and easy-to-read, but contains a large amount of information in brief form, giving a very thorough overview of the Vajrayana path. No explicit ritual instructions are given; instead broad descriptions of various forms the practices of empowerment and accomplishment are presented, arming a student well to recognize elements across traditions. The book stays relatively grounded in Nyingma doctrine, but often gives the Sarma perspective on various topics as well. Since the book is not intended as an in-depth study of any one topic it is not long, but its reader will learn valuable things in its pages on a very broad variety of topics.In particular it spends quite a lot of its time on the conceptual elements of the practices it covers. Short, allegorical aphorisms are frequent, and although often nonsensical they are a helpful mnemonic, returning to the mind easily.If there were to have any complaints at all, I would say that the subtitle is a bit misleading: the book gives good explanations of the development stage, and a section devoted entirely to it, but is somewhat foggy on the completion stage practices, making somewhat impulsive references as they come up in the author's mind rather than describing them in an orderly way. Several other things, such as the four 'binding forces', are given ample explanation, which is quite useful, but outside the subtitle. I bought the book specifically looking for overview information on the completion stage, which is the only reason I noticed at all.All in all a wonderful commentary.

A simple and profound book on development stage! Going through the 3 samadhis, the main aspects of visualization and mantra recitation, etc... but I would recommend one to read a more systematic presentation of the practice, like Gyatrul Rinpoche's "The Generation Stage..." so H.H. Dilgo Khyentse can clarify the meaning in this book!

Dilgo khyentse had the ability to explain profound things in simple language. Don't hesitate. Pick up anything written by or about him.

Excellent. Best deity work instructions I have seen in print.

One of many spiritual masters of Tibetan Buddhism I study. This book is a gem, easy to read and comprehend.

Surprised to be able to get it so easily as it is of restricted circulation from some other publishers.It is a beautiful text, and I was grateful to get it.

wonderful addition to this master's available works...

With Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, one always finds great simplicity and depth, conveyed as straightforwardly as possible. This is a good book for drawing inspiration and information concerning several visualization practices.