The Wisdom Chapter: Jamgn Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva

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The first English translation of Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the "wisdom" chapter of Shantideva's classic text, in which Mipham explains Madhyamaka philosophy from the perspective of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. 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.

Reviews

Shantidevas Wisdom Chapter essentializes the Madhyamika teachings. With reasoning that precisely elucidates all of Nagarjunas subtle points, this single chapter has provided a doorway to the Middle Way teachings for many great masters, including Jamgn Mipham Rinpoche, author of the Ketaka Jewel. Miphams commentary and his subsequent debate with Drakar Tulku of the Riwo Gadenpa school show us the potential of deep debate. This dialogue about the nature of phenomena between two of the preeminent scholars and meditation masters of the nineteenth century has moved and inspired many, including myself. I hope this translation serves in the same manner that their original discussion has, ever since it came into being. I am delighted to see that Wulstan Fletcher and the Padmakara Translation Group have accomplished such a great feat, and dedicate the merit of their undertaking to the blossoming of prajna in all beings.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 compassionaccording to the needs of his hearers. Thats why he didnt really mean what he said in some teachings and did really mean it in others. That distinction is very important, because Shantidevas ninth chapter is a commentary on what the Buddha really meant! Its 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 thatwhich creates the huge pitfall of underestimating relative truth and exaggerating ultimate truth, or the reverse.

If you truly want to understand this, then read Shantidevas ninth chapter again and again. In fact, never stop reading it. To that end, Mipham Rinpoches commentary is like a magnifying glass and telescope combinedfor 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 thiscompilationofbeautiful andaccessibletranslations of important Tibetan Buddhist texts.The Wisdom Chapterpresents 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 Jamgn Mipam: His Life and Teachings

Author Bio

Jamg n 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.