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The third volume in a historic six-volume series containing many of the first English translations of the classic mahamudra literature compiled by the Seventh Karmapa. Sounds of Innate Freedom: The Indian Texts of Mahamudra are historic volumes containing many of the first English translations of the classic mahamudra literature. The texts and songs in these volumes constitute the large compendium called The Indian Texts of the Mahamudra of Definitive Meaning, compiled by the Seventh Karmapa Chötra Gyatso (1456–1539). Translated, introduced, and annotated by Karl Brunnhölzl, acclaimed senior teacher at the Nalandabodhi community of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, the collection offers a brilliant window into the richness of the vast ocean of Indian mahamudra texts cherished in all Tibetan lineages, particularly in the Kagyu tradition, giving us a clear view of the sources of one of the world’s great contemplative traditions. This third volume contains twenty-four texts, the bulk of which are dohas by Saraha and commentaries on them, as well as works by other renowned Indian Buddhist mahasiddhas such as Naropa, Krsna, and Sakyasribhadra. The extensive commentaries brilliantly unravel enigmas and bring clarity to the songs they comment on as well as to many other songs of realization in the series. These expressive songs of the inexpressible offer readers a feast of profound and powerful pith instructions uttered by numerous male and female mahasiddhas, yogis, and dakinis, often in the context of ritual ganacakras and initially kept in their secret treasury. Displaying a vast range of themes, styles, and metaphors, they all point to the single true nature of the mind—mahamudra—in inspiring ways and from different angles, using a dazzling array of skillful means to penetrate the sole vital point of buddhahood being found nowhere but within our own mind. Reading and singing these songs of mystical wonder, bliss, and ecstatic freedom and contemplating their meaning will open doors to spiritual experience for us today just as it has for countless practitioners in the past.

How was the universe created, and why? What is the role of man on Earth, and that of intelligent beings on other planets, in it? What is life like on some other planets? Why is man here, what is expected of him? These are some of the questions that this book answers. The translator considers the material in this book as religion and philosophy of life for people who are searching for the full truth and are willing to think for themselves and to question commonly accepted beliefs. It tells how man should live so that it would be good for everyone, and so that Christ's statement about "Paradise on Earth" would indeed come true. The part dealing with religion can be divided into two broad categories. The first one explains, clarifies, and in a few cases supplements the concepts which the Prophets of the past, such as Buddha, Christ, Indra, Mohammed, Moses, Zoroaster, and others proclaimed. The second part tells what the Prophets of the past could not tell back then, because the humanity of that time would not have understood them. Now that humanity's science is much further advanced, The Almighty has decided to reveal the complete truth about the universe. Here the latest scientific knowledge is brought in, and hints are given beyond the current knowledge of science. This book tells about and explains The Almighty's religion of the universe. This in turn entails the reason for the creation of the universe, how the universe is being created and governed, and, yes, the very significant role which man on Earth is expected to play in this process. Examples are given from intelligent life on other planets and much is said about how man should live and what he should not do. There are stories that help to illustrate the points. The Almighty's religion differs dramatically from all other religions currently practiced on Earth. It recognizes and acknowledges all other religions, it does not require an individual to join it. It does not threaten or condemn the "nonbelievers," it permits, it insists on each individual choosing freely for himself or herself. It merely provides some truly thought provoking material to ponder.