The Sadhana of Mahamudra Teachings on Devotion and Crazy Wisdom

An in-depth commentary on “The Sadhana of Mahamudra,” a visionary text from Chögyam Trungpa on surrendering, renunciation, and devotion.

In 1968, while on retreat in a cave in Bhutan, Chögyam Trungpa revealed “The Sadhana of Mahamudra,” a terma text, or visionary teaching, that illuminated the problems of spiritual corruption and materialism. From that time on, his teachings were dedicated to providing his students with the wisdom and skill to overcome these problems in themselves and in the world.

In later years, Chögyam Tungpa offered teachings to unpack the meaning of the practice. That extensive commentary is contained here, where he lays the groundwork we need to gain a deeper appreciation of this profound text and how it applies to our own lives and practice. As he states in the book, “The sadhana is a prototype of how emotion and wisdom can work together.”

Previously published as Devotion and Crazy Wisdom, this new edition includes for the first time the text of the sadhana. Also included is an updated list of resources for further study, an index, a new foreword by Samuel Bercholz, and updated introductory material—including a new introduction from Carolyn Gimian discussing the significance of  “The Sadhana of Mahamudra.”

CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA (1940–1987) was a meditation master, teacher, and artist who founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, the first Buddhist-inspired university in North America; the Shambhala Training program; and an international association of meditation centers known as Shambhala International. He is the author of numerous books, including Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, and The Myth of Freedom.