Author: S K Hookham
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Year: 1992
Language: English
Pages: 438
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8170303095
Description
Tathagatagarbha-Buddha Nature - is a central concept of Mahayana Buddhism crucial to all the living practice traditions of Tibetan and Zen Buddhism. Its relationship to the concept of emptiness has been a subject of controversy for seven hundred years. Dr Hookham’s work investigates the divergent interpretations of these concepts and the ways the Tibetan tradition is resolving them. In particular she does this with reference to the only surviving Indian commentary on the Tathagatagarbha doctrine, the Ratnagotravibhaga.
This text addresses itself directly to the issue of how to relate the doctrine of emptiness s (the illusory nature of the world) to that of the truly existing, changeless Absolute (the Buddha Nature). This is the first work by a Western writer to present an analysis of the Shentong tradition based on previously untranslated sources.
The Shentong view rests to meditative experience that is inaccessible to the cococeptualizing mind. It is deeply rooted in the sutra tradition of Indian Buddhism and is central to an understanding of the Mahamudra and Dzogchen traditions and Tantric practice among the Kagyupas and Hyingmapas.
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CHAPTER 1: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
SECTION ONE: THE ISSUES
Chapter 2: Introduction to the Rangtong-Shentong Distinction
Chapter 3: Emptiness from the Shentong Point of View
Chapter 4: The Shentong View of Absolute Reality
Chapter 5: Means of Apprehending Absolute Reality
Chapter 6: The Nature of Beings
Chapter 7: The Third Dharmacakra: Neyartha or Nitartha
SECTION TWO: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Chapter 8: The Shentong Tradition
Chapter 9: Traditions of Interpretation of the RGV and RGVV
Section Three: A Shentong Interpretation of the RGV and RGVV and a Translation of Kongtrul’s Introduction to His RGV Commentary
Chapter 10: A Shentong Interpretation of the RGV and RGVV - A Paraphrase with Comments
Chapter 11: Translation of the Introduction to Kongtrul’s RGV Commentary
Chapter 12: Conclusion
APPENDICES
ABBREVIATIONS
NOTES
CONVENTIONS USED
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX