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

(Paperback)

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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 Literaturediscusses 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).

Reviews

"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. . . . 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, PhD, author of 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

Author Bio

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.