The Treasury of Knowledge: Books Two, Three, and Four: Buddhism's Journey to Tibet

by Jamgon Kongtrul, Ngawang Zangpo (Translator)

Overview

Jamgön Kongtrül’s ten-volume Treasury of Knowledge is a unique, encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings as they were preserved in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhist teachers expected their students to study Buddhist philosophical texts as well as practice reflection and meditation; present-day students have also realized that awakening has its source in study as well as in reflection and practice. Buddhism’s Journey to Tibet presents Kongtrül's masterful history of Buddhism in India and Tibet. Beginning with the appearance of the Buddha in our world (Book Two), it describes the Buddha's life, his enlightenment, and what he taught (Book Three) from a multitude of Buddhist viewpoints. Buddhism's transmission to and preservation in Tibet is the focus of the main part of this volume (Book Four), which describes the scriptural transmissions and lineages of meditation practice as well as the Buddhist arts that together make up the world of Tibetan Buddhism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781559397957
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	08/16/2010
Series:	The Treasury of Knowledge , #2
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	696
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Jamgön Kongtrül (1813–1899) was a versatile and prolific scholar. He has been characterized as a "Tibetan Leonardo" because of his significant contributions to religion, education, medicine, and politics.

Editorial Reviews

"The Treasury of Knowledge excellently presents the entire corpus of the sutra and mantra traditions from the paths of the common sciences all the way up to the uncommon Great Perfection or Atiyoga, which is the culmination of the nine vehicles."—H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche

"Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé was one of the leading scholars of the nineteenth century. He broke through sectarian constraints and achieved a deep understanding of the the different philosophical approaches in Tibet. I have no doubt that by studying Kongtrul's works readers will be inspired to emulate his great qualities of humility, dedication, patience, and nonsectarianism."—H.H. the Dalai Lama

"A rich, readable synthesis of Buddhist history by the legendary master Jamgön Kongtrül, who illuminates for 'those who have not studied much'—the people, ideas, and storied texts through which Buddhism is transmitted across cultures and generations. Ngawang Zangpo has rendered an outstanding translation of this in-depth, well-rounded, and accessible introduction to 2500 years and more of Buddhists' understandings of themselves."—Anne Carolyn Klein, author of Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse

"Ngawang Zangpo presents Buddhist enthusiasts—practitioners and scholars alike—with a cogent and masterful translation of important sections of the great nineteenth-century Tibetan Buddhist master Jamgön Kongtrül's encyclopedic Five Treasuries. His clear introduction and useful back matter lend important context to Kongtrul's massive work and explain why it is relevant for a wide range of readers interested in the Buddhist teachings."—Sarah Jacoby, Assistant Professor, Northwestern University Department of Religious Studies


"Lama Ngawang has once again brought to us in English key texts by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé, the preeminent yogi scholar and co-founder of the ecumenical movement of nineteenth-century Tibet. Joyfully, this book expands our understanding of the dharma and its gifts passed from one master to the next, each one like beads of gold in a mala."—Lama Palden, Sukhasiddhi Foundation

"An authoritative and surprisingly accessible rendition of a classic core text of Tibetan Buddhism. The Treasury of Knowledge: Buddhism's Journey to Tibet deserves the highest recommendation for personal and library Buddhist Studies shelves."—Library Bookwatch

From the Publisher

Jamgon Kongtrul is considered to be one of the great leaders of the nonsectarian movement in Tibetan Buddhism, and his Treasury of Knowledge is considered to be one of the most important texts for reference and study in Tibetan Buddhism. Many Tibetan teachers have a compact edition of this monumental work in their travel bags in order to consult it again and again for detailed questions of all types, and not infrequently whole chapters serve as the basis for courses.

Cornelia Weishaar-Gunter

In making a concerted effort to publish the works of translators and translation groups, Snow Lion Publications is playing an important role in the transmission of Buddhism to the West. Their commitment to publish major works such as this [Kongtrul's Treasury of Knowledge] will ensure that substantial portions of Tibetan Buddhist learning will become accessible to a wider range of Western students and practitioners.

The Mirror

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye was one of the leading scholars of the nineteenth century. He broke through sectarian constraints and achieved a deep understanding of the the different philosophical approaches in Tibet. I have no doubt that by studying Kongtrul's works readers will be inspired to emulate his great qualities of humility, dedication, patience and nonsectarianism.

H.H. the Dalai Lama