The word "Chod" in Tibetan means "cutting," and the practice severs the self-cherishing mind so we can cherish others more than we cherish ourselves. Here Kyabje Zong Ripoche, an abbot for 70 years, explains why the practice of Chod is essential to overcoming fear, internalizing transcendent wisdom, attaining altruistic aspiration to enlightenment, and realizing emptiness. He overviews its lineage, places and basis for practice, and explains the seeking refuge, empowering blessings through guru yoga, accumulating merit through seven-limb prayer and mandala offerings, and purifying obstructions, so practitioners can eventually offer their illusory bodies and accumulate wisdom through meditation in emptiness. Appendices including commentary on the practice and its profound path, along with a nondenominational prayer for the flourishing of the Buddha's teachings by His Holiness, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)