Throughout history awakened ones have celebrated the rapture of mystical states with inspired verse, sung extemporaneously. The book offers a rare glimpse into the mysticism of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage, a tradition based mainly on the profound teaching of teo women. This compendium of spontaneous verse sung by tantric Buddhist masters from the 10th century to the present includes translations as well as short descriptions of each poet's life and a historical overview of the lineage.
"Our lineage's past spiritual masters used songs to express their manifest experience and realization of the spiritual path's vital subjects, such as the trio of basis, path, and result; or view, meditation, and conduct; as well as dispelling hindrances and enriching meditative experience. The blessings of the lineage enter our heart, the very best technique to realize our mind's abiding nature, Great Seal. I pray that all who see, hear, or read this book be blessed."-- Bokar Rinpoche
"Only a fraction of Tibet's vast literature of mystical poetry has yet been translated into other languages. Now, with the gift of Ngawang Zangpo's inspired English translations, the exquisite expressions of inner experience sung by the greatest men and women of the Shangpa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism are available to the world."-- Cyrus Stearns, author of The Buddha from Dolpo, Hermit of Go Gliffs, and Luminous Lives
"Ngawang Zangpo's fluid translation and rich commentary truly brings us into the presence of the extra-ordinary masters of the Shangpa Kagyu tradition. As we listen to their verse, we are transported by their devotion, awakened wisdom, and blessing to the Vajra world that has become their home."-- Lama Drupgyu Tenzin
"Ngawang Zangpo has given us, for the first time in English, the complete translation of the Songs of Realization of the Shangpa masters. This is a living, unbroken lineage, of fully realized mahasiddhas, both female and male, whose teachings burst forth in spontaneous song. Through the centuries these pith instructions have inspired and brought to full realization generations of yogis and yoginis. I highly recommend Timeless Rapture for its illuminating and joyful transmission."-- Lama Palden Drolma, Sukhasiddhi Foundation
