“Just to state two reasons why this work should be read by all those aspiring to pursue the yoga practices of tantric Buddhism: First, in her introduction Yael Bentor has provided one of the clearest and best explanations of the exclusive technique of Unexcelled Mantra by which wisdom and method are combined within a single cognition. This fundamental practice is the very essence of Unexcelled Mantra. Second, in these times of fascination for high tantric practices, especially those of the completion stage, it is refreshing, and indeed necessary, to see a highly competent translation of the prerequisite creation stage, delivered with the academic professionalism and the high-level scholarship of Professor Bentor.”

– Gavin Kilty, translator, the Library of Tibetan Classics

The eloquent and very clear explanations of the Guhyasamaja Sadhana by the famous teacher of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Pachen Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen, are a fine example of Geluk hermeneutics that skillfully combines a comprehensive knowledge of all relevant canonical sources with well-reasoned critical analysis. With their well-annotated translation of this fine piece of Tibetan scholarship, Yael Bentor and Penpa Dorjee have rendered an invaluable service to scholars and practitioners alike. It can be recommended even to newcomers to the field of tantric studies, given its detailed but straightforward introduction to the complex and fascinating system of generation- stage practice. The introduction also contains a range of interesting new information on the Gelukpa’s understanding of Tantra, such as Je Tsongkhapa’s statements to the effect that consorts can also be male or that female practitioners are able to attain complete awakening in their female bodies.

– Prof. Klaus-Dieter Mathes, University of Vienna

"Contained in this volume is one of the very best introductions to the practice of the Buddhist class of the unsurpassed or unexcelled tantras. The authors, Profs. Yael Bentor and Penpa Dorjee, translated the first Panchen Lama Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen's (1570–1662) substantial summary of Kedrup Geleg Pelsangpo's (1385–1438) large discussion of the so-called generation stage of the Guhyasamaja Tantra as laid out in accordance with the *Arya transmission of the text. As Gelukpa commentators, Kedrup and the Panchen Lama owe a great deal to Tsongkhapa's (1357–1419) earlier interpretations of the Guhyasamaja Tantra and its attendant theoretical and practical literature. Bentor and Dorjee informed their outstanding translation of this difficult work with copious explanatory notes that are based on a very large corpus of primary and secondary literature. Theirs is an outstanding contribution to the field of Buddhist Studies in general and to the study of tantric Buddhism in particular. One can only hope that similar studies of this sterling quality will follow in its wake."

– Leonard van der Kuijp