The Autobiography of Jamgon Kongtrul: A Gem of Many Colors Hardcover - 2003

Media reviews

"Filled with insight into the human heart. It stands out as a superb example of a genuinely unbiased approach to spirituality, which is of particular relevance to our modern world."—The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

"More than a biography, the story of the extraordinary Kongtrul is an inspiration to all serious students of Buddhist practice and scholarship. Unparalleled in benefiting beings, his life exemplifies the most noble of human endeavors—the accomplishment of receiving and practicing, codifying and transmitting the entirety of Tibet's spiritual traditions. We are fortunate that one of the most gifted translators of our times Richard Barron has brought forth this treasure."—Erik Pema Kunsang, translator of Kongtrul's "Light of Wisdom" series

"Reading the autobiography of this supreme master gives us an understanding of the truly wondrous deeds that bodhisattvas perform, filling our minds with awe and our hearts with faith. It inspires us to actualize our own inherent potential that allows the qualities of the bodhisattvas to manifest within ourselves. This book is a priceless treasure to be studied and revered."—Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche

"To glimpse the origins of Buddhism in Tibet we must read accounts of the lives of such masters as Milarepa and Guru Rinpoche. To survey Tibetan Buddhism at its fullest flowering many centuries later we must read this book, the autobiography of the lama who gave Tibetan Buddhism its definitive form. Richard Barron, brilliant translator of some of the most important Buddhist texts to appear in English, again offers us a meticulous translation of a crucial, challenging work. This book is a must-read for any person committed to the Tibetan Buddhist path of reflection and meditation."—Ngawang Zangpo, author of Sacred Ground and Guru Rinpoche

"To experienced practitioners the Tsadra Foundation Series is more precious than gold dust."—Tricycle 

"For those interested in matters ritual and religious . . . the core autobiography presents a treasure trove of nuanced allusion and insight."—Tibet Journal

"Barron has made an important contribution . . . translations are clear and abundantly annotated . . . rich depictions of religiously inspired dreams. This work should be of interest not only to scholars of Tibetan Buddhism but also to students of the comparative study of religion and mysticism."—Religious Studies Review