Vajrayana Buddhism differs from other branches of Buddhism in providing an accelerated path to enlightenment based on Dzogchen principles. The worddzogchen,translated variously as Great Perfection and Great Completeness, conveys the idea that our nature as intrinsic awareness has many qualities that make it "perfect": indestructibility, incorruptible purity, non-discriminating openness, flawless clarity, profound simplicity, all-pervading presence, and attitude of equality toward all beings. The path to connecting to these qualities was once secretly held and privately transmitted;The Great Gate: A Guidebook to the Guru's Heart Practicemakes the Vajrayana path and techniques available to contemporary seekers. Drawing on the work of four renowned Tibetan masters,The Great Gatecompiles concise instructions on Dzogchen's foundational practices, which comprise a powerful method for turning the mind toward the Dharma and opening to the Dzogchen perspective. This revised edition features a new translation and an extensive commentary by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.

Nyingma School master Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche (c.1870—c.1940) was the first incarnation of the revered Treasure Revealer Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1921—1996) is considered one of the great modern meditation masters; Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche is his spiritual heir. H. H. Dujdom Rinpoche (1904—1987) was the supreme head of the Nyingma lineage. Erik Pema Kunsang, and his partner and editor Marcia Schmidt are the founders of Ranjung Publications.