Close Modal
Wish List 0 Wish List 0
Download high-resolution image Look inside

The Wisdom Chapter

Jamgön Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva

Author Jamgon Mipham
Translated by Padmakara Translation Group
Look inside
Paperback
$29.95 US
Shambhala | Snow Lion
6.01"W x 8.94"H x 0.96"D   | 19 oz | 16 per carton
On sale Nov 10, 2020 | 400 Pages | 9781611808674
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies
See Additional Formats
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.


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.
“Shantideva’s ‘Wisdom Chapter’ essentializes the Madhyamika teachings. With reasoning that precisely elucidates all of Nagarjuna’s subtle points, this single chapter has provided a doorway to the Middle Way teachings for many great masters, including Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, author of the Ketaka Jewel. Mipham’s 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 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 Jamgön Mipam: His Life and Teachings
Jamgon Mipham (1846–1912), one of the great luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, has had a dominant and vitalizing influence on the Nyingma School and beyond. He was an important member of the Rimé, or nonsectarian movement, which did much to strengthen and preserve the entire tradition. A scholar of outstanding brilliance and versatility, his translated works are eagerly anticipated by English-language readers. View titles by Jamgon Mipham

About

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.


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.

Praise

“Shantideva’s ‘Wisdom Chapter’ essentializes the Madhyamika teachings. With reasoning that precisely elucidates all of Nagarjuna’s subtle points, this single chapter has provided a doorway to the Middle Way teachings for many great masters, including Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, author of the Ketaka Jewel. Mipham’s 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 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 Jamgön Mipam: His Life and Teachings

Author

Jamgon Mipham (1846–1912), one of the great luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, has had a dominant and vitalizing influence on the Nyingma School and beyond. He was an important member of the Rimé, or nonsectarian movement, which did much to strengthen and preserve the entire tradition. A scholar of outstanding brilliance and versatility, his translated works are eagerly anticipated by English-language readers. View titles by Jamgon Mipham

Additional formats

  • The Wisdom Chapter
    The Wisdom Chapter
    Jamgön Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva
    Jamgon Mipham
    9781611804164
    $39.95 US
    Hardcover
    Shambhala
    Jun 13, 2017
  • The Wisdom Chapter
    The Wisdom Chapter
    Jamgön Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way of the Bodhisattva
    Jamgon Mipham
    9781611804164
    $39.95 US
    Hardcover
    Shambhala
    Jun 13, 2017

Other Books by this Author

Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use

© 2024 Penguin Random House

Back to Top
0
    • 0
    Wish List (0)