Together with Dudjom Rinpoche's history of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism this book by Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche is an essential source for information on the lineages of the Dzogchen transmission from Garab Dorje to the present. Since those lineages are so widespread, of necessity Nyoshul Khenpo has concentrated on his own, which derives from Rigdzin Jigme Lingpa to Jigme Gyalwai Nyugu and thence through his successors, especially Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Patrul Rinpoche. The lineages which come through those two are by far the most often met with in the West.

For example, if one were a student of the matchless Rigdzin Trinley Ozer (Lama Gonpo Tsedan), who was Panchen Vimalamitra in person, through Nyoshul Khen's book one can easily trace his lineage of transmission through his root teacher, Patrul Rinpoche of Tso, to Adzom Drukpa, to Khyentse Wango, and so forth all the way back to Garab Dorje, the source of the teachings.

Filled with inspiring biographies of innumerable great teachers, "A Marvelous Garland" also, for the discerning, is an important book showing forth the essence of the Dzogpa Chenpo itself, through the lives of the Lineage Holders, and in many cases their words and poetry.

Admirably translated by Lochen Chokyi Nyima (Lama Richard Barron), this book is a labor of love. I only have one teeny criticism: there is no glossary to make clear exactly what certain extremely important Tibetan words are being translated. And example of this (which I found frustrating) is his use of the terms "utter lucidity" and "timeless awareness". Are they the same? Subtly distinct from one another? Rigpa? Yeshe? Dzogpa Chenpo? I don't know. If there had been a short glossary the "Marvelous Garland" would have been perfect.

But then, this is just my quibbling and doesn't mean much in the face of this great and sublime work. I've met Chokyi Nyima. He very kindly and for gratis translated a unique Sakyapa text which had fallen into my hands (briefly, for I passed it on to someone who could care for it better than I). For that help alone I am eternally grateful to him. But much, much more, all students of the Dzogpa Chenpo in the future will be grateful for the work of Nyoshul Khen and his translator for making this "Marvelous Garland" available to us pygmies who have the temerity to attempt to stand on the shoulders of giants.