Product Description

The Treasury of Knowledge is encyclopedic in its scope of presentation of Buddhist theory and practice. This particular book, the 4th and not final volume of the set, presents the primary doctrinal points of the different schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #587588 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 416 pages

Review
"Meticulously researched and carefully worded...provides readable access to...a complex area of inquiry." -- Jules Levinson, PhD, Light of Berotsana Translation Group

"An undeniable classic ideal for scholars and practitioners of Buddhism seeking to apply analytical inquiry to their understanding. Highly recommended." -- Library Bookwatch

"That this book is now available in English for all students to make use of...is wonderful." -- Ari Goldfield, translator

From the Back Cover
One of the only non-Gelug presentations of the tenet systems, Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy is Kongtrul's masterful survey of broad themes and subtle philosophical points found in more than fifteen hundred years of Buddhist philosophical writings. In a clear and systematic manner, he sets out the traditional framework of Buddhism's three schools and four philosophical systems and provides an overview of the key points of each philosophical system. His approach is also syncretic in that it emphasizes the strengths of each philosophical system and incorporates them into a broad picture of philosophical endeavor. Both of these approaches are valuable for practitioners as an introduction and for scholars as a reference work.

Jamgön Kongtrul's Treasury of Knowledge in ten volumes is a unique encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings as they were presented in Tibet. Tibetan Buddhist teachers expected their students to study Buddhist philosophical texts as well as practicing reflection and meditation; present-day students have also realized that awakening has its source in study as well as in reflection and practice.

Traditional Yoga Studies' review: "Review of the Treasury of Knowledge"

"Meticulously researched and carefully worded, Elizabeth Callahan's translation of this key section from Jamgon Kongtrul's Treasury of Knowledge provides readable access to a terse and knotty exposition of a complex area of inquiry and study, for which we as her beneficiaries owe a considerable debt of gratitude."--Jules Levinson, PhD, Light of Berotsana Translation Group

Also see:

The Treasury of Knowledge: Book One: Myriad Worlds

The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Five: Buddhist Ethics and

The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Six, Part 4: Systems of Buddhist Tantra

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé (1813-1899), a pivotal figure in eastern Tibet's nonsectarian movement, was one of the most outstanding writers and teachers of his time. In his monumental Treasury of Knowledge he presents a complete account of the major lines of thought and practice that comprise Tibetan Buddhism.

About the Author
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye (1813-1899), a pivotal figure in eastern Tibet's nonsectarian movement, was one of the most outstanding writers and teachers of his time. In his monumental Treasury of Knowledge he presents a complete account of the major lines of thought and practice that comprise Tibetan Buddhism.

Customer Reviews

Magnificent must!
This text is a must for any serious student of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly (but not necessarily exclusively) in the Kagyu lineage. It is an elegant, thoughtful, and highly readable translation into English of one portion of the encyclopedic "Treasury of Knowledge" by the renowned nineteenth century Rime (nonsectarian) master, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye.

This installment, just one of an ambitious project underway to translate the entire Treasury, covers, in Jamgon Kongtrul's very concise style, the entire spectrum of views on the Buddha's teachings as studied in Tibetan Buddhism, from the Four Noble Truths through the Middle Way School tenets regarding emptiness. Jamgon Kongtrul surveys first the Shravakayana and Pratyekabuddhayana approaches to the spiritual path. Then he walks the reader through the philosophical underpinnings of the Mahayana, which is itself broken down into the Mind Only and Middle Way schools (the latter including the Autonomy, Consequence, Self-Empty, and Other-Empty schools, as well as Secret Mantra).

As such, it is, indeed, a philosophical text, and one which remains faithful to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist scholarly presentation. The format, as well as the breadth of the material covered, presupposes some familiarity with Tibetan Buddhist thought, and could make the text tough going for the unwary. But anyone engaged in in-depth study of Buddhist philosophy, or willing to give the scholarly approach a try, will find unparalleled rewards. Most importantly, Jamgon Kongtrul's insight into the congruity of all the teachings on the Buddhist path reveals the lack of contradiction between teachings that can, on their face, appear to conflict. With this intention always in the background, the text itself highlights the great value in adopting a stepwise method in studying the Dharma. The very structure of the text engages the investigative faculty, a central component to encountering the Buddhadharma deeply and authentically. The density of the material is actually a boon to the scholar-practitioner, as it supplies rich starting points for the contemplation and analysis that can lead one towards direct experience of the truths inherent in the Buddha's teachings.

Moreover, for students of Tibetan language, this and other volumes in the series are more than worth the price for the quality of translation alone. The translators are tops in their field, each with decades of experience in translating, study, and practice. As a student of Tibetan myself, I read this text alongside the Tibetan, often and happily surprised with the proficiency and thoughtfulness evident in nearly every sentence. Elizabeth Callahan is simply among the best translators of Tibetan into English around. She is not only adept in Tibetan, but a stellar scholar, having studied this material and more in great depth with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, arguably one of the greatest living masters of these teachings. She clearly also engaged in extensive research on these teachings, even actively debating material with other great contemporary scholars in the lineage, such as Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen and Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal. If all this were not enough, she is also a genuine practitioner and has completed the traditional three year retreat. She brings not only her knowledge of Tibetan language, philosophy, and practice, but an evident respect for the material, the reader, and the coherence of the path to the task. Her introduction and voluminous notes are enjoyable and illuminating.

I just can't say enough about this book. May all benefit!

An undeniable classic ideal for scholars and practitioners of Buddhism
The Treasury of Knowledge: Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy is the fourth of ten volumes of the classic "Treasury of Knowledge" series compiling the entire range of Buddhist teachings as they were preserved in Tibet. Written by nonsectarian Buddhist teacher Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye (1813-1900) and skillfully translated into English by expert and practicing Buddhist Elizabeth M. Callahan, The Treasury of Knowledge: Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy explores the broad themes and subtle points brought to light in Buddhist philosophical writings over the past fifteen hundred years. Offering an overview of the key points of each of Buddhism's four philosophical systems, The Treasury of Knowledge: Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy is an undeniable classic ideal for scholars and practitioners of Buddhism seeking to apply analytical inquiry to their understanding. Highly recommended for Buddhist studies shelves.