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Book description

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. The tantric path is often referred to as the indestructible way of secret mantra, the essence of which is the indestructible union of wisdom (the understanding of emptiness) and method (immutable great bliss). This volume sets forth the various systems that constitute this path, both those of the ancient tantra tradition and of the new tradition.
Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Taye (1813–1900) was a versatile and prolific scholar and one of the most outstanding writers and teachers of his time in Tibet. He was a pivotal figure in eastern Tibet’s nonsectarian movement and made major contributions to education, politics, and medicine.

Ingrid Loken McLeod, Translator

Ingrid Loken McLeod began her studies of Buddhism and the Tibetan language in 1970 in Sonada, India, where she met her principal teachers Kalu Rinpoche and Bokar Rinpoche. Following a six-year period devoted to meditation training, she served as the resident teacher of a Kagyu center in Canada. For the past several years she has been carrying out her translation work as a fellow of the Tsadra Foundation.

Elio Guarisco, Translator

Elio Guarisco was born in Como, Italy in 1954. In the early 1970s he met and studied with major exponents of the Theravada tradition in India. He then studied Buddhist philosophy at a monastery of the Tibetan tradition for ten years, following which he was invited by Kalu Rinpoche to Sonada, India to work as a translator. While engaged in his projects there, he met his main teacher Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and became an active member of the Dzogchen Community for which he now coordinates the Ka-ter (Kama and Terma) translation program and serves as an instructor of the Santi Mahasanga program of study and practice.

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Praise for the book

H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche

“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. the Dalai Lama

“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.”

Sarah Harding

“This crucial section of Jamgön Kongtrül's seminal masterpiece, The Treasury of Knowledge , will fill a long-standing critical gap in our understanding of Buddhist tantra. Never before has there been such a thorough and systematic exposition of the subject available in a Western language. Elio Guarisco and Ingrid McLeod have done an excellent job in translating this profound work to make it accessible to both scholars and practitioners. Finally we might know what we are doing!”

Chökyi Nyima

“A magnificent overview of the Vajrayana traditions of Tibet. . . Yet another jewel in the setting that is the expression of Kalu Rinpoche's intent-the complete English translation of The Treasury of Knowledge .”

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche

“Upon seeing the Treasury of Knowledge , the first Khyentse Rinpoche (a contemporary of Lodrö Thayé) said that it was so inclusive of all knowledge that it did not seem to be composed by a human being but must have been written through the blessing of the dakinis.”

The Indian International Journal of Buddhist Studies

“In his monumental Treasury of Knowledge , [Jamgön Kongtrül] presents a complete account of the major lines of thought and practice that comprise Tibetan Buddhism. . . . By studying Kongtrül's works, readers will be inspired to emulate his great qualities of humility, dedication, patience, and nonsectarianism.”

The Bookwatch

“A superb resource for advanced Buddhist practitioners students and scholars striving to better understand the wisdom and path to inner peace handed down through centuries.”

Cornelia Weishaar-Gunter

“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.”

ARC: The Journal of the Faculty of Religious Studies

McGill University

“With this publication, Elio Guarisco and Ingrid McLeod have contributed to the field of Buddhist and Tibetan studies an important and welcome translation. . . The sheer scope of Jamgön Kongtrül’s Treasury sets it apart from comparable works which have been previously translated into English. . . . An astoundingly rich text.”

Thar Lam

“Systems of Buddhist Tantra is not just an advanced teaching or commentary, but a systematic textbook on how to define practice and teach the various tantras. Its likely readership comprises not only advanced students and scholars but Western lamas. . . . A gold mine of information. . . . It is also at times eloquent and moving. It is animated throughout by the motive of bringing beings to enlightenment, or rather of helping us to realize that we are already enlightened. . . . Unfold[s] to us the majestic sweep and depth of tantric learning one of the great riches of world culture.”

Author: Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye

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

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