Esteemed Tibetologist Jean-Luc Achard contextualizes and provides a clear translation of highly secret precepts on Dzogchen practice unlike anything published. 

The Instructions on the Six Lamps is a profound and important work from the Bön Dzogchen tradition and is one of the root texts of the Zhangzhung Nyengyü (Oral Transmission of Zhangzhung) series of orally transmitted teachings. Considered to be the central work of the inner cycle of these teachings, it expertly details the principles of the natural state and its visionary marvels. The root text describes highly secret precepts of Dzogchen (Great Perfection) practice—the teachings of Trekchö and Thögel—as revealed by Tapihritsa to Gyerpung Nangzher Löpo. The teachings in this text represent oral instructions transmitted by a single master to a single disciple in the mode known as “single transmission.” It is through such a practice that one can see the clear light of one’s own mind before achieving complete buddhahood. In this respect, the text contains a complete teaching of Dzogchen, from beginning to end. “Many have eagerly been awaiting an English rendering of Jean-Luc Achard’s masterly French translation of the Instructions on the Six Lamps. These are most fascinating and important Bön teachings. Achard moreover is the leading expert in the field. He brings his impressive erudition, near-native command of the Tibetan language, and impeccable academic acumen to the task. In addition—and this is a combination even much rarer—on nearly every page, he displays deep insight into the application of these teachings in actual practice. This new translation is a major improvement on what is widely available in English. Achard manages to render the direct, colloquial style of the Tibetan in plain and accessible English, lucid and faithful to the original. Extensive introductory materials greatly aid comprehension for the general reader but do not burden with technical minutiae. This sympathetic translation will speak to a wide audience but will also be much appreciated by those with a more scholarly or academic bent.”