In wide-ranging essays and interviews, contributors from the fields of Buddhist practice and scholarship, philosophy, the arts, and literature examine the work of a modern genius - the Tibetan Buddhist meditation master Ch gyam Trungpa (1939 - 1987). A pioneer in introducing Buddhism to the West, Trungpa had a distinct knack for breaking down the cultural, historical, and ideological barriers that make any such transmission so difficult today. His skill at communicating in a living, contemporary way to Western students, while remaining faithful to the traditional origins of Buddhism, was paired with an understanding of the modern world of unusual relevance. As a result, his activities in a wide range of areas - including painting, calligraphy, photography, poetry, theater, and business, as well as interreligious dialogue, the creation of Shambhala Training, and the founding of the first Buddhist university in North America - offer penetrating insights into the meaning of Buddhism for our world and our culture. Among the contributions: *Jack Kornfield on the inspiring influence of Trungpa Rinpoche as a beloved friend and respected benefactor *Pema Ch dr n on his founding of a Western monastic tradition *Reginald A. Ray on Trungpa as a modern exemplar of the ancient tantric ideal *Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche on his Shambhala teachings of spiritual warriorship *Ann Waldman on his poetry and his engagement with avant-garde poets and writers *Meredith Monk on how his Dharma Art teachings inspired her work as a performance artist *Bernie Glassman on Trungpa as a role model in his emphasis on the creation of enlightened society