Title: Healing with Form, Energy and Light

Author(s): Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (2002)

Tradition/Influence(s): Vajrayana, Bon

Overview of Content: Healing with Form, Energy and Light offers a theoritical and pratical exploration of working with "the Five Elements in Tibetan Shamanism, Tantra, and Dzogchen" (per the subtitle). It is a guide to ritual, pranayama, and energetic practices.

Strengths: Tenzin Wangyal presentsthe "shamanic" elemental meditations, the ritual elementalretrivals and the tantric breathing exercises (including some tsa lung routines) in a straightforward, accessible way. Likewise, the discussion of the element of "space" brings attention to an elemental quality--probably the most potent one--easy to neglect. The book also offers plenty of examples and inspiration for experimenting with "the causal vehicle" of ritual magick.

Weaknesses: The portions on Dzogchen is largely inaccessible, though Wangyal warns that he can't readily provide techniques since Dzogchen works on a level above this. Some of the passages on theory read like fluff. Wangyal also does not seem that familiar with--or does not discuss--other theoretical frameworks or practices, like, e.g., the analysis into four elements in Theraveda, or the samatha or vipassana jhanas. Likewise, the material in the book tends towards the magickal, rather than wisdom practice--this isn't necessarily the most straightforward path, especially for someone starting out.

Overall, is it practical, open, straightforward and usable? Yes, though it's not a good place to start.

Link (if on-line): Wangyal Rinpoche's Lingmincha Institute