“Sarah Harding clarifies the essence of mahamudra with characteristic humor and penetrating insight, including points of contention. These pithy texts, elegantly translated, are contemplations on lucid awareness and immeasurable compassion, sparking illumination while refreshing one’s language skills!”

– Karma Lekshe Tsomo, professor of Buddhist Studies, University of San Diego

“Everybody in the Kagyü lineage knows the pithy and touching verses of the Third Karmapa’s famous Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra, which are like the well-shaped limbs of a beautiful body. Their being adorned by Mendong Tsampa’s concise Ornament skillfully elicits just the right amount of thoughts to shine a light on thought-free mahamudra. In the mirror of Sarah Harding’s fine introduction and translation, we are now enabled to clearly see all these adornments pointing back at naked mahamudra in its unadorned state.”

– Karl Brunnhölzl, author of Milarepa’s Kungfu: Mahamudra in His Songs of Realization

“I well remember, during our three-year retreat, when I shared with Sarah this delightful commentary on the third Karmapa’s Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer. The pleasure and benefit I derived at that time from reading Mendon Tsampa’s words are mirrored now by the pleasure of knowing that Sarah has brought this gem into English for others to benefit.”

– Richard Barron (Ch?kyi Nyima), translator of The Autobiography of Jamg?n Kongtrul: A Gem of Many Colors

“Mendong Tsampa’s commentary on the third Karmapa’s famous Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer is a perfect balance of depth and concision, and Sarah Harding’s presentation—from her introduction to her translation and notes—also strikes the perfect balance of precision and readability. Ornament of Dakpo Kagyü Thought opens up the profundity and brilliance of The Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer in a direct and lucid way—it’s the middle-length commentary we’ve all needed! This book will be savored by all who are inspired by the path of mahamudra, from those starting out to seasoned Buddhist practitioners and scholars.”

– Elizabeth Callahan, translator of Moonbeams of Mahamudra