Treasury of Knowledge: Book Six, Part Three: Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy by Jamgon Kongtrul

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In Tibetan religious literature, Jamgön Kongtrül's Treasury of Knowledge in ten books stands out as a unique, encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings as it was preserved in Tibet. This volume, Frameworks of Buddhist Philosophy, is his masterful survey of the 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 vehicles and four philosophical systems, and provides an overview of the key points of each system. His syncretic approach, which emphasizes the strengths of each of the systems and incorporates them into a comprehensive picture of philosophical endeavor, is well-suited for scholar-practitioners who seek awakening through the combination of analytical inquiry and meditation.

Hardcover

480 pages

Snow Lion

Book 5 of 10: Treasury of Knowledge

"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

"This translation closes a longstanding gap, providing both Western scholars and practitioners with a sound foundation of the various Buddhist schools and their tenets as they are taught in the Kagyu school. In particular, the text furthers our understanding of Jamgön Kongtrül's presentation of the shentong view and its sources supplemented by many helpful annotations. The introduction gives an excellent overview of the development of doxographical literature in both India and Tibet as well as Kongtrül's entire Treasury of Knowledge."—Karl Brunnhölzl, author of Straight from the Heart

"Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche gave extensive instructions to his students about this part of the Treasury of Knowledge so that by learning the stages of Buddhist philosophy we could gain certainty in and also come to experience that which transcends philosophy—the true nature of mind. That this book is now available in English for all students to make use of in this way is wonderful."—Ari Goldfield, translator of The Moon of Wisdom

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

"Jamgön Kongtrül 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, Tibetan translator

"Skillfully translated into English by expert and practicing Buddhist Elizabeth M. Callahan. . . . An undeniable classic, ideal for scholars and practitioners of Buddhism seeking to apply analytical inquiry to their understanding. Highly recommended."—Library Bookwatch

"Meticulously researched and carefully worded, Elizabeth Callahan's translation of this key section from Jamgön Kongtrül’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

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.