
The Wisdom Chapter
Jamgon Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva
By: Jamgon Mipham
Hardcover | 13 January 2017
At a Glance
Hardcover
RRP $69.99
$61.80
12%OFF
Aims to ship in 15 to 25 business days
When will this arrive by?
Enter delivery postcode to estimate
Shāntideva’s guide to the training of a Bodhisattva is one of the most important and beloved texts in the Tibetan tradition. The ninth chapter, however, dealing with Madhyamaka, the Middle Way, the most profound wisdom view of Mahayana Buddhism, has always posed unique challenges to readers.
This commentary by the great scholar Mipham Rinpoche presents in quite straightforward terms Shāntideva’s exposition of emptiness, the essential foundation of all Buddhist doctrine, demonstrating that it is not only compatible with, but in fact crucial to, the correct understanding of other important Buddhist teachings such as karma, rebirth, and the practice of compassion. Mipham interprets Shāntideva according to the view of the Nyingma school, which in some respects was at variance with the religiously and politically dominant interpretation of the text in Tibet at that time. As a result, his commentary stirred up a furious debate. With the addition of a critique of Mipham Rinpoche’s view by a prominent scholar of the time, along with Mipham’s response, that debate is beautifully captured in this volume.
Industry Reviews
"It is important to understand that the Buddha never taught because of his knowledge but always through his compassion--according to the needs of his hearers. That's why he didn't really mean what he said in some teachings and did really mean it in others. That distinction is very important, because Shantideva's ninth chapter is a commentary on what the Buddha really meant! It's also most important to understand that the reasoning Buddhists use to investigate ultimate truth cannot be used to examine relative truth. And yet, unconsciously, we always do that--which creates the huge pitfall of underestimating relative truth and exaggerating ultimate truth, or the reverse.
If you truly want to understand this, then read Shantideva's ninth chapter again and again. In fact, never stop reading it. To that end, Mipham Rinpoche's commentary is like a magnifying glass and telescope combined--for those who are farsighted and nearsighted." --Dzongsar Jamyamg Khyentse, author of The Guru Drinks Bourbon?
"The Padmakara Translation Group has made yet another major contribution to Buddhist scholarship with this compilation of beautiful and accessible translations of important Tibetan Buddhist texts. The Wisdom Chapter presents a major debate that has been going on for centuries on the nature of ultimate truth, and a debate with continued relevance for living Buddhist traditions in the contemporary world. The introduction and translations here guide the reader through the dynamic and complex world of Buddhist commentarial tradition as it charts the contours of two major lines of interpretation of Madhyamaka in Tibet."--Douglas S. Duckworth, author of Jamgoen Mipam: His Life and Teachings
ISBN: 9781611804164
ISBN-10: 1611804167
Published: 13th January 2017
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 384
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 23.5 x 16.1 x 3.3
Weight (kg): 0.7
Shipping
Standard Shipping | Express Shipping | |
---|---|---|
Metro postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Regional postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
Rural postcodes: | $9.99 | $14.95 |
How to return your order
At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.
Additional postage charges may be applicable.
Defective items
If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.
For more info please visit our Help Centre.