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The Wisdom Chapter
Jamgon Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva
By: Jamgon Mipham
Paperback | 10 November 2020
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Shantideva’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 Shantideva’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 Shantideva 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.
About the Author
Jamgon Mipham (1846-1912) is one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibetan Buddhism of the modern age. An important member of the nonsectarian movement of nineteenth-century Tibet, he was a scholar of outstanding brilliance whose writings are eagerly sought after by present-day teachers and students of the practice of Dzogchen and the Nyingma tradition.
Industry Reviews
Dzigar Kongtrul author of The Intelligent Heart
"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: 9781611808674
ISBN-10: 1611808677
Published: 10th November 2020
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 400
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Country of Publication: GB
Dimensions (cm): 22.5 x 15.3 x 2.7
Weight (kg): 0.56
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