Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer

གཞན་སྟོང་དབུ་མ་ཆེན་པོའི་ལྟ་ཁྲིད་རྡོ་རྗེ་ཟླ་བ་དྲི་མ་མེད་པའི་འོད་ཟེར།

gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer

Immaculate Light Rays of the Vajra Moon: Instructions on the View of Other-Emptiness of Great Madhyamaka

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Written at Dzamtang, a monastic city in southern Amdo that is the primary institutional base of the Jonang school, this work by the famed Kagyu scholar Jamgön Kongtrul is characterized by Brunnhölzl as "an eclectic blend of what could be called "Kagyü Shentong" (primarily based on Maitrīpa, the Third and Seventh Karmapas, and the Eighth and Ninth Situpas) and "Jonang Shentong" (based on Dölpopa and especially Tāranātha), as well as some elements of Śākya Chogden’s Shentong."

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Jamgön Kongtrul’s GISM begins by identifying the general sources of Shentong as the sūtras of the third turning as well as the works of Maitreya, Nāgārjuna, Asaṅga, their successors, Su Gawé Dorje, Dsen Kawoché, the Third Karmapa, Dölpopa, Longchenpa, the Seventh Karmapa, Śākya Chogden, Tāranātha, the Eight Situpa, the Thirteenth Karmapa, and the Ninth Situpa. Among the two sources of guiding instructions on the view, the specific source of the instructions in GISM is said to be Maitrīpa’s tradition with its emphasis on the intended meaning of the Uttaratantra, which was further transmitted through Ratnavajra, Sajjana, and so on. This approach corresponds to what Jamgön Kongtrul calls "sūtra Mahāmudrā" in his TOK (see above). However, in accordance with Dölpopa and his followers, GISM also speaks about the vajrayāna aspect of the Shentong system by presenting the completion stage practice of the Kālacakratantra as mainly transmitted in the Jonang tradition. The second source of guiding instructions on the view is identified by GISM as the well-known Kagyü approach of Marpa—the uncommon Mahāmudrā of the union of sūtra and tantra.

The structure of the actual guiding instructions in GISM thus consists of (1) the sūtra approach and (2) the tantra approach. (1) The sūtra approach is discussed in two parts: (a) what is to be understood (the two approaches of the Niḥsvabhāvavādins and the Yogācāras) and (b) the actual practice. The practice consists of the preliminaries (contemplating the four seals in accordance with the first turning of the wheel of dharma) and the main practice. The latter has three parts: refuge and bodhicitta, resting in freedom from reference points in accordance with the second turning, and pointing out and distinguishing existence, nonexistence, and so on, in accordance with the third turning and the vajrayāna based on calm abiding and superior insight. (2) The vajrayāna approach consists of two parts: (a) what is to be understood and (b) the main practice (the six-branch yoga of the Kālacakratantra). The text concludes with presenting the benefit of these instructions and practices as well as a brief account of the Shentong lineage through the Jonang tradition and its transmission to the Nyingma and Kagyü lineages.

In this vein, it is noteworthy that Jamgön Kongtrul wrote his GISM at the main seat of the Jonang lineage in Dzamtang after having received teachings from the Jonang lineage holder Ngawang Chöpel Gyatso (c. 1788–1865), the teacher of the famous Bamda Tubten Gelé Gyatso (1844– 1904). Generally speaking, Jamgön Kongtrul’s works, as represented by the contents and the Shentong lineage in GISM as well as the discussions of Shentong in TOK, present a Shentong system that is an eclectic blend of what could be called "Kagyü Shentong" (primarily based on Maitrīpa, the Third and Seventh Karmapas, and the Eighth and Ninth Situpas) and "Jonang Shentong" (based on Dölpopa and especially Tāranātha), as well as some elements of Śākya Chogden’s Shentong.

Similar to several of Mönlam Tsültrim’s texts, both the contents and terminology of GISM’s sūtra approach accord not only with Shentong but also very much with Mahāmudrā instructions. Synonyms for mind’s nature include the emptiness endowed with all supreme aspects, natural luminosity, Mahāmudrā, and the tathāgata heart. This tathāgata heart is the basis of all appearances of saṃsāra and nirvāṇa and, at present, is the self-aware wisdom that is lucid and unceasing. GISM speaks about "mental nonengagement" and meditating in the manner of not meditating. It refers to the triad of mind’s stillness, movement, and awareness and that it is essential to recognize naked awareness in anything that the mind may appear as. All appearances and experiences are said to be self-arising and self-liberated, without ever tainting the essence of this awareness. Thus, there is nothing to meditate on apart from solely recognizing this basic nature. The text also speaks about "searching for the mind"—the common Mahāmudrā approach of cultivating superior insight through searching for any essence or characteristics of the still mind and whether it is different from the moving mind. GISM even mentions two among the four deviations from emptiness that are taught in Mahāmudrā ("deviating from emptiness by mistaking it as the path" and "deviating from emptiness as the fundamental ground of all knowable objects"). In addition, the text also contains many Yogācāra elements, such as the eight consciousnesses and the imaginary nature of the adventitious stains.

As for establishing the scriptural connections between sūtra Shentong, Mahāmudrā, and the Uttaratantra, GISM quotes the Sthirādhyāśayaparivartasūtra on the ultimate three jewels and then uses crucial verses from the Uttaratantra to cover the remaining four vajra points (the sequence of all seven is presented through Uttaratantra I.3). The fourth vajra point is covered by Uttaratantra I.28 (all sentient beings possess buddha nature), I.37–38 (the four pāramitās), I.51cd (its changeless nature), I.96–97 (the nine examples), and I.154–55 (the natural absence of obscurations and the intrinsic qualities of the tathāgata heart). The fifth vajra point is discussed through II.3 and II.38 (the characteristics of awakening), II.5 (awakening as possessing all buddha qualities). The sixth vajra point is covered by III.1 (the sixty-four qualities), and the seventh is covered by IV.1 (the characteristics of enlightened activity). The benefit is explained by referring to V.3–6, and the dedication consists of V.25. In this way, GISM highlights the essential points in all of the chapters of the Uttaratantra. The text also quotes Mahāyānasūtrālaṃkāra VI.8 and Laṅkāvatārasūtra X.256–57 on the four yogic practices. In addition, it repeatedly recommends studying Dölpopa’s Mountain Dharma: The Ocean of the Definitive Meaning. (pp. 324-327)

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Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye

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Article

Kong sprul on the Great Madhyamaka of Other-Emptiness: Theory and Practice

This article examines an exposition of the Great Madhyamaka of other-emptiness by 'Jam mgon Kong sprul Bio gros mtha' yas (1813-99)'"`UNIQ--ref-00001B37-QINU`"' of the Bka' brgyud school of Tibetan Buddhism, in his Stainless Ray of Light of the Adamantine Moon: An Instruction on the View of the Great Madhyamaka of Other-Emptiness (Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i Ita khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer zhes bya ba, henceforth Instruction on the View). In it, Kong sprul sets forth the theory and practice of the Great Madhyamaka of other-emptiness, centered upon the doctrine of Buddha-nature. The Instruction on the View largely consists of three main outlines: (1) the origin of the doctrine of the Great Madhyamaka of other-emptiness (gang nas byung ba'i khung); (2) the main part of the Instruction on the View (Jta khrid dngos); and (3) an explanation of the benefits (phan yon bshad pa). In this article, I will first summarize the contents of the Instruction on the View, according to its topical outlines,'"`UNIQ--ref-00001B38-QINU`"' and then discuss a hermeneutical issue related to textual interpretations of authoritative scriptures, comparing Kong sprul's approach with that of Dge rtse Mahāpaṇḍita (1761-1829) and Mi pham rgya mtsho (1846-1912). (Makidono, introduction, 151–52)

Makidono, Tomoko. "Kong sprul on the Great Madhyamaka of Other-Emptiness: Theory and Practice." Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies 16 (2015): 151–191.

Makidono, Tomoko. "Kong sprul on the Great Madhyamaka of Other-Emptiness: Theory and Practice." Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies 16 (2015): 151–191.;Kong sprul on the Great Madhyamaka of Other-Emptiness: Theory and Practice;'jam mgon kong sprul;gzhan stong;Great Madhyamaka;The doctrine of buddha-nature in Tibetan Buddhism;Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer;Tomoko Makidono;&nbsp

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Putting Buddha Nature into Practice

A central concept within Mahāyāna Buddhism is the doctrine of tathāgatagarbha, or buddha-nature (deshin shekpai nyingpo, deshek nyingpo), the element inherent to every sentient being. Presenting this buddha nature as the absolute in positive terms, as a state of wisdom with inconceivable qualities, is the essence of the so-called shentong view. Mind as such is understood to be shentong or "empty of other," meaning that it is empty of adventitious stains, which are not minds true nature. But mind is not empty of its enlightened qualities. Still, as long as sentient beings' perceptions are obscured by the

temporary stains, they are incapable of directly relating to wisdoms inherent enlightened qualities. According to the relevant texts,¹ these stains constitute the only difference between normal beings and the awakened ones who have removed the stains and actualized their inherent buddha nature. From the perspective of both the doctrine of tathāgatagarbha in general and shentong in particular, proper Buddhist philosophy and spiritual training in ethics, view, and meditation have as their goal the removal of the stains of karma and afflictive emotions and their subtle tendencies of ignorance so that the mind's inherent qualities can manifest.
This chapter deals with the corresponding approach in view and meditation taught by the cleric-scholar Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé (1813–99). As one of the leading figures in the rimé movement in eastern Tibet, he worked to preserve practice traditions from the various Buddhist lineages of Tibet—in particular, practices from the Nyingma, Kadam, Jonang, Kagyü, and Sakya schools. His work exemplifies the idea that implementing philosophical understanding in meditative training is an essential part of all Tibetan Buddhist traditions. His Immaculate Vajra Moonrays: An Instruction for the View of Shentong, the Great Madhyamaka (abbreviated here as Instruction for the View of Shentong) is but one instance of the integral relationship between philosophical understanding and meditative training. The text guides meditators in a gradual practice that aims to achieve a direct realization of the true nature of mind—buddha nature with all of its inherent qualities. (Draszczyk, 251–52, 2017)

Notes

For example, the Tathāgatagarbha Sūtra, the Śrīmālādevīsiṃhanāda Sūtra, and the Ratnagotravibhāga, also referred to as the Uttaratantra Śāstra.

Draszczyk, Tina, trans. "Putting Buddha Nature into Practice." A translation of Immaculate Vajra Moonrays: An Instruction for the View of Shentong, the Great Madhyamaka (Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer). By Jamgön Kongtrul ('jam mgon kong sprul). In A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rimé Masters of Tibet, edited by Holly Gayley and Joshua Schapiro, 251–84. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2017.

Draszczyk, Tina, trans. "Putting Buddha Nature into Practice." A translation of Immaculate Vajra Moonrays: An Instruction for the View of Shentong, the Great Madhyamaka (Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer). By Jamgön Kongtrul ('jam mgon kong sprul). In A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rimé Masters of Tibet, edited by Holly Gayley and Joshua Schapiro, 251–84. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2017.;Putting Buddha Nature into Practice;The doctrine of buddha-nature in Tibetan Buddhism;gzhan stong;tathāgatagarbha;Gzhan stong dbu ma chen po'i lta khrid rdo rje zla ba dri ma med pa'i 'od zer;Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye;འཇམ་མགོན་ཀོང་སྤྲུལ་;'jam mgon kong sprul;blo gros mtha' yas;yon tan rgya mtsho;'jam mgon chos kyi rgyal po;pad+ma gar dbang blo gros mtha' yas;pad+ma gar gyi dbang phyug rtsal;pad+ma gar dbang phrin las 'gro 'dul rtsal;བློ་གྲོས་མཐའ་ཡས་;ཡོན་ཏན་རྒྱ་མཚོ་;འཇམ་མགོན་ཆོས་ཀྱི་རྒྱལ་པོ་;པདྨ་གར་དབང་བློ་གྲོས་མཐའ་ཡས་;པདྨ་གར་གྱི་དབང་ཕྱུག་རྩལ་;པདྨ་གར་དབང་ཕྲིན་ལས་འགྲོ་འདུལ་རྩལ་; Martina Draszczyk

Translations & Scholarship

Book

When the Clouds Part

"Buddha nature" (tathāgatagarbha) is the innate potential in all living beings to become a fully awakened buddha. This book discusses a wide range of topics connected with the notion of buddha nature as presented in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and includes an overview of the sūtra sources of the tathāgatagarbha teachings and the different ways of explaining the meaning of this term. It includes new translations of the Maitreya treatise Mahāyānottaratantra (Ratnagotravibhāga), the primary Indian text on the subject, its Indian commentaries, and two (hitherto untranslated) commentaries from the Tibetan Kagyü tradition. Most important, the translator’s introduction investigates in detail the meditative tradition of using the Mahāyānottaratantra as a basis for Mahāmudrā instructions and the Shentong approach. This is supplemented by translations of a number of short Tibetan meditation manuals from the Kadampa, Kagyü, and Jonang schools that use the Mahāyānottaratantra as a work to contemplate and realize one’s own buddha nature. (Source: Shambhala Publications)

Brunnhölzl, Karl. When the Clouds Part: The Uttaratantra and Its Meditative Tradition as a Bridge between Sūtra and Tantra. Tsadra Foundation Series. Boston: Snow Lion Publications, 2014.

Brunnhölzl, Karl. When the Clouds Part: The Uttaratantra and Its Meditative Tradition as a Bridge between Sūtra and Tantra. Tsadra Foundation Series. Boston: Snow Lion Publications, 2014.;When the Clouds Part;Ratnagotravibhāga Mahāyānottaratantraśāstra;History of buddha-nature in India;History of buddha-nature in Tibet;Mahamudra;Ngok Tradition;Tsen Tradition;Asaṅga;ཐོགས་མེད་;thogs med;slob dpon thogs med;སློབ་དཔོན་ཐོགས་མེད་;Āryāsaṅga; Maitreya;བྱམས་པ་;byams pa;'phags pa byams pa;byams pa'i mgon po;mgon po byams pa;ma pham pa;འཕགས་པ་བྱམས་པ་;བྱམས་པའི་མགོན་པོ་;མགོན་པོ་བྱམས་པ་;མ་ཕམ་པ་;Ajita;Karl Brunnhölzl;When the Clouds Part: The Uttaratantra and Its Meditative Tradition as a Bridge between Sūtra and Tantra;'jam mgon kong sprul;Asaṅga;Maitreya;Sajjana;Vairocanarakṣita;bdud mo bkra shis 'od zer;Skyo ston smon lam tshul khrims;Karmapa, 8th

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