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Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttaratantra Shastra

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In this short book, a teaching given by Thrangu Rinpoche and translated by Erik Pema Kunsang, Thrangu Rinpoche uses the Uttaratantrashastra to outline ten points of focus, including the seven vajra points. Each chapter contains comments related to each point and a transcript of questions from the participants and answers from Thrangu Rinpoche.

Citation	Thrangu Rinpoche. Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttara Tantra Shastra. Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang. Edited by S. Lhamo. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications, 1988. http://bodhitraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Buddha-Nature-Commentary-to-Uttaratantra-Shastra-by-Thrangu-Rinpoche.pdf.

Table of Contents About the Book Texts Translated Quotes

• Foreword7
• Introduction9

• The Buddha21
• The Dharma37
• The Sangha47
• Buddha Nature47
• Enlightenment91
• Qualities105
• Buddha Activity121

• Conclusion133
• Glossary137

1. Maitreya; Asaṅga. mahāyānottaratantraśāstra-ratnagotra-vibhāga, (theg pa chen po rgyud bla ma'i bstan bcos) (P5525), sems tsam, phi 54b7-74b6 (vol.108, p.24-32); (Tōh) 4024, sems tsam, phi 54b1-73a7. (N) phi 48b3-69a3. (Kinsha) 3524, phi 64b1 (p.33-3-1). In bstan 'gyur (sde dge), Vol. 123: 106-146. Delhi: delhi karmapae choedhey, gyalwae sungrab partun khang, 1982-1985. Columbia AIBS

The body of complete enlightenment is all-pervasive; Suchness is undivided; All beings possess the potential; Therefore, all beings possess the buddha-nature.  

~ in Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttaratantra Shastra, page(s) 56

In general, this treatise may be explained through either the Rangtong system, which emphasizes the empty aspect of the enlightened essence, or the Shentong system, which stresses the wisdom aspect of the enlightened essence.  

~ in Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttaratantra Shastra, page(s) 16

The Rangtong system follows the avenue of reasoning by which the real condition is easily resolved through logic. Because it is more convenient, many masters follow the Rangtong method. But when actually putting the teachings into practice, overstressing the empty aspect sometimes creates problems. Contemplating emptiness in the analytical style of a pandita, one merely thinks, "This is emptiness," or "Emptiness is such and such," which is a mere mental construct. One has not actually perceived emptiness and therefore Rangtong is a stage on the gradual path.  

~ in Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttaratantra Shastra, page(s) 16

In the Shentong system, the practitioner is urged to rest in the natural state, the luminous nature of mind. Therefore, the wisdom or wakefulness aspect is emphasized.

In terms of scholarship, the pandita method, or the Rangtong system, is said to be rapid, but in terms of actual practice the Shentong is faster. This second method is called the technique of a simple meditator, a kusulu. Since the Kagyu tradition stresses the meditation technique of a simple meditator, the view of Shenton is regarded as more profound.  

~ in Buddha Nature: Ten Teachings on the Uttaratantra Shastra, page(s) 17