Tibetan Treasure Literature: Revelation, Tradition, and Accomplishment in Visionary Buddhism - Softcover

Doctor, Andreas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1559394250 ISBN 13: 9781559394253

Publisher: Shambhala, 2013

Synopsis

The Treasure tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism posits that in the eighth century, various adepts hid spiritual instructions (gter ma, lit. “Treasures”) for the purpose of future discovery at auspicious times. Tibetan Treasure Literature discusses central themes and personalities in the history and practice of this tradition. It presents the first thorough survey of the revelations of the great visionary master Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870), including translations of selected texts with detailed commentary by Khenpo Rinchen Namgyal, one of Chokgyur Lingpa’s foremost students. Also included is a discussion of the criteria for evaluating the authenticity of those beings who claim to have revealed such Treasures of Buddhist teaching, by the renowned master Ju Mipham (1846–1912).

About this title

From the Back Cover:

The Treasure tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism is richly permeated with wonder and controversy. This unique, mysterious tradition embraces revelation as the primary path to spiritual awakening. Over the course of Tibetan history, revelations--known as Treasures--have been discovered hidden in nature or have emerged directly from the great minds of the Nyingma School, creating a profound and lasting effect on Tibetan religious society and culture.

This book discusses central themes in the history and practice of Treasure revelation and presents translations of seminal texts of the tradition.

"Andreas Doctor's Tibetan Treasure Literature is a treasure trove of fresh insights into the fascinating forces at work in the continuing development of Tibetan Buddhism. By giving extensive new access to centuries of Tibet's remarkable visionary literature, he uncovers a multitude of Tibetan strategies to establish religious authenticity and unity amidst tremendous historico-cultural change and multiplicity. Fresh perspectives emerge on the crucial role of religious communities in the construction and authentication of revelation. This book is a must for those interested not only in Buddhism's past, but also in its present and future ways of negotiating these fundamental issues."-- John Makransky, Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology, Boston College

"This innovative book is a valuable, well-argued and insightful contribution to the growing literature on gter ma. It lays bare the narrative and argumentative strategies behind the treasure polemics and broadens our knowledge of the fascinating literature not only by summarizing the results of the latest research but also by providing us with new significant materials."-- Per K. Sorensen, Professor, Institute for Indology and Central Asian Studies, University of Leipzig

"The continuing Tibetan tradition of terma, hidden treasures, is an important case for study. This book informs us about significant questions asked within the terma tradition, including the all-important one, how are we to know if a revealed book contains authentic Buddha Word?"-- Dan Martin, author of Unearthing Bon Treasures

"...a compelling resource...perhaps the finest introduction to the Tibetan treasure tradition to date, well suited for the undergraduate classroom."--Alexander Gardner, Inner Asia

"This book offers a most lucid exposition."--Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., is the author of over 40 books on yoga and health, including Yoga Morality: Ancient Teachings at a Time of Global Crisis, The Deeper Dimension of Yoga, Holy Madness: Spirituality, Crazy-Wise Teachers, and Enlightenment, and Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga

About the Author:

Andreas Doctor holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies from the University of Calgary. He lives in Nepal, where he is Director of Studies at Kathmandu University's Centre for Buddhist Studies.

About this edition

• Publisher: Shambhala
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1559394250
• ISBN 13: 9781559394253
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 248