The torch of certainty is an essential text for any serious Buddhist practitioner of the Kagyu lineage. The text, written by Jamgon Kongtrul and translated by Judith Hanson, describes the four ordinary foundation practices and the four special foundation practices. These are commonly known as the ngondro practice. Three eminent contemporary Tibetan Buddhist masters—Kalu Rinpoche, Deshung Rinpoche, and Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche—explain the significance of The Torch of Certainty for modern-day students and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.