I absolutely loved Natural Radiance. I already do a lot of yoga, but this book helped me to begin to integrate Buddhist mediation into my routine. Natural Radiance is a straightforward book that gives you tools to practice meditation immediately! The CD is great and well produced. Lama Surya Das sounds like the guy next door, and his voice makes the practices seem effortless! I appreciated his tone and the way he speaks to the audience. He puts the listener at ease, and makes you realize that meditation isn't some scary, foreign concept, but something any one can practice everyday. I liked having a book and a CD, because I could read about the concepts practiced in the guided mediations to learn more. I had never heard of "Dzogchen", but Das made it easy to understand and also put into practice. This is a wonderful book and guided mediation CD!

In Natural Radiance, Lama Surya Das introduces readers to the insights of Dzogchen, "the Great Perfection". This Buddhist philosophy, or technique, is described by Das as the "fast track" to enlightenment, and he talk about why it is can be applicable to Westerners in the modern world. Das does what he does best in Natural Radiance - make Buddhist teachings accessible to Western audiences. He is masterful at making these teachings easily understood and effortlessly practiced. His words in this book are poetic, inspiring, and insightful. Even opening up and reading a few pages brought a sense of calm and peace to my mind. Those unfamiliar with Buddhism will find the text appropriate and accessible. Dzogchen is also appealing in its lack of rigid structure or discipline. It is more about awakening your mind to simple practices, like meditating on the infinite space of the sky or observing how thoughts form and arise in the mind. I really love how Das writes about emotions and thoughts. He talks about how meditation isn't about turning off the mind or getting rid of emotions. He uses a great surfing analogy on this topic - the bigger the waves of life, the better the ride! The highs and lows of an emotional life aren't antithetical to Buddhism, but rather it is about how you relate to your emotions that makes all the difference. Dzogchen is also a technique passed from teacher to student orally. Natural Radiance comes with a companion CD of guided mediations so that Das (an ordained Lama) can use his voice to guide you on the Dzogchen path. The combination of written text with CD is perfect! The text provides background information on the philosophy and pith instructions which are helpful, short instructions of one or two sentences. The CD enables you to immediately try the meditations under the direct tutelage of a master. Natural Radiance is a must have for anyone looking to start a mediation practice, or to deepen an existing practice. Lama Surya Das is a masterful writer who really hits the mark with this book. Don't miss it!
-Jessica Teel