This book includes translations of two commentaries on the Buddhist practice of chod (Tib. gcod - literally means “cutting off”). Chod exists in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, but the commentaries presented here are from the Gaden tradition transmitted by Lama Tsongkhapa to his disciples. The first commentary is the teachings of Kyabje Song Rinpoche, a little-known teacher of this tradition in Russia. The second commentary is the oral instructions of Khalkha Jetsun Dampa Rinpoche (Bogdo Gegen IX), given by him in 1998, recorded and translated by his students. The translation takes into account additions made by Rinpoche in the spring of 2005 in Dharamsala, India.

The book includes commentaries that are an invaluable guide to the practice of Chodas passed down through the lineage associated with Lama Tsongkhapa. Since the instructions explain meditative techniques belonging to a secret oral tradition, I would like to caution readers that the safety and effectiveness of performing this practice depends on whether they have received the appropriate empowerments and oral instructions from their master. For people without initiation, the book will be a wonderful introduction to a piece of the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.