Nature of Mind
"Nature of Mind" is both the title of Alex Grey's unique artwork, a seven-paneled altarpiece honoring artists and masters of Tibet, and the title of this small, lovely book. The Tibetan Buddhist teachings known as Dzogchen inspired the visions and wisdom found herein. A poem accompanies the seven panels, describing the meaning of each sequential image in the altarpiece. The book contains previously unpublished works, such as Grey's original portraits and photographs of luminary Buddhist teachers with notes from their dharma talks. Also here are his self-portrait reflections on identity and the contemporary Western Buddhist path, as well as discussions on the visionary worlds that are part of the Sacred Art of Tibet. "Nature of Mind" differs from other dharma books in featuring original artwork, and differs from art books in featuring Buddhist teachings. The work relates to the legendary Ox Herding Pictures, ten woodblock prints that accompany the Zen parable illuminating the Path to Enlightenment.