By Padmasambhava
Translation by Lama Chönam and Sangye Khandro

This translation of a Tibetan treasure text makes available for the first time to Western readers the remarkable life story of Princess Mandarava. As the principal consort of the eighth-century Indian master Padmasambhava before he introduced tantric Buddhism to Tibet, Mandarava is the Indian counterpart of the Tibetan consort Yeshe Tsogyal. Lives and Liberation recounts her struggles and triumphs as a Buddhist adept throughout her many lives and is an authentic deliverance story of a female Buddhist master. Those who read this book will gain inspiration and encouragement on the path to liberation. 

One account in this volume takes place at the famous Maratika cave in Nepal, where both Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava accomplished the practice of longevity and the stage of the immortal vidyadhara, or pure awareness holder. Upon attaining this accomplishment, they gained the ability to transcend the ordinary elements, caused flowers to descend from the sky, and created rainbow-light displays. At Maratika cave, they left impressions on solid matter that can be seen to this day.

"I want to thank you for making the story of Princess Mandarava available in English. It has truly transformed my life and brought me deep comfort in times of confusion and uncertainty."

. . . a recent communication of appreciation from a dharma student