Mahamudra, or the “Great Seal”, is a vast system of practicing and realizing the ultimate nature of mind. This tradition is famous in the Kagyü lineages of Tibet. Some of the specialties of Mahamudra include the gradual trainings of calm abiding and special insight, the Four Yogas of Mahamudra, the Six Dharmas of Tilopa, Coemergent Mahamudra, Five-fold Mahamudra, and so forth. Mahamudra is often practiced in retreat with the elaborate practice of the Six Dharmas of Naropa as a powerful means of enhancement.
Song of the View, Meditation, Conduct, and Fruition by Saraha
This is a classic mahamudra song by one of the earliest mahamudra teachers, the Indian mahasiddha Saraha. It was translated by Marpa Chökyi Lodrö. (6 pages)
This song is one of the most famous sets mahamudra instructions by the Indian mahasiddha Tilopa. This has been used for centuries to introduce the methods of realizing mahamudra. It was translated by Marpa Chökyi Lodrö. (9 pages)
This is a classic mahamudra song by the famous Indian siddha and mahapandita, Naropa. It was translated by his student Marpa Chökyi Lodrö. (10 pages)
Five-fold Lattice Scroll Composed by Vajraraja (Phagmo Drupa)
This is the root text for the tradition of Five-fold Mahamudra developed by Phagmo Drupa (1110-1170) that combines all the practices of the sutras and the tantras into one five-fold practice of cultivating bodhichitta, arising as the yidam deity, Guru yoga, mahamudra, and dedication. (6 pages)
Song of Five-fold Realization by Jigten Sumgon
This is the famous song composed by one of Phagmo Drupa’s main students, Jigten Sumgön (1143-1217), revealing his deep understanding of the practices of Five-fold Mahamudra. It is also considered one of the root texts on Five-fold Mahamudra and dozens of commentaries have been written on it. (4 pages)