The Collected Works of Chouml;gyam Trungpabrings together in eight volumes the writings of the first and most influential and inspirational Tibetan teacher to present Buddhism in the West. Organized by theme, the collection includes full-length books as well as articles, seminar transcripts, poems, plays, and interviews, many of which have never before been available in book form. From memoirs of his escape from Chinese-occupied Tibet to insightful discussions of psychology, mind, and meditation; from original verse and calligraphy to the esoteric lore of tantric Buddhism-the impressive range of Trungpa's vision, talents, and teachings is showcased in this landmark series. Volume Three captures the distinctive voice that Chouml;gyam Trungpa developed in North America in the 1970s and reflects the preoccupations among Western students of that era. It includesCutting Through Spiritual MaterialismandThe Myth of Freedom,the two books that put Chouml;gyam Trungpa on the map of the American spiritual scene.The Heart of the Buddhaand sixteen articles and forewords complete this volume.

Master of meditation, social visionary, author, artist, poet—Ch÷gyam Trungpa (1939–1987) founded Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, the first Buddhist university in North America; the Shambhala Training program; and Vajradhatu, an international association of meditation centers (now known under the name Shambhala International).