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Book description

The Treasure tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism posits that in the eighth century, various adepts hid spiritual instructions (gter ma, lit. “Treasures”) for the purpose of future discovery at auspicious times. Tibetan Treasure Literature discusses central themes and personalities in the history and practice of this tradition. It presents the first thorough survey of the revelations of the great visionary master Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870), including translations of selected texts with detailed commentary by Khenpo Rinchen Namgyal, one of Chokgyur Lingpa’s foremost students. Also included is a discussion of the criteria for evaluating the authenticity of those beings who claim to have revealed such Treasures of Buddhist teaching, by the renowned master Ju Mipham (1846–1912).
Andreas Doctor

Andreas Doctor

Author Bio

Andreas Doctor holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies from the University of Calgary. He lives in Nepal, where he is Director of Studies at Kathmandu University's Centre for Buddhist Studies.

Jamgon Mipham

Jamgon Mipham

Author Bio

Jamgon Mipham (1846–1912), one of the great luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, has had a dominant and vitalizing influence on the Nyingma School and beyond. He was an important member of the Rimé, or nonsectarian movement, which did much to strengthen and preserve the entire tradition. A scholar of outstanding brilliance and versatility, his translated works are eagerly anticipated by English-language readers.

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Praise for the book

John Makransky

Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology, Boston College

“Andreas Doctor's Tibetan Treasure Literature is a treasure trove of fresh insights into the fascinating forces at work in the continuing development of Tibetan Buddhism. By giving extensive new access to centuries of Tibet's remarkable visionary literature, he uncovers a multitude of Tibetan strategies to establish religious authenticity and unity amidst tremendous historico-cultural change and multiplicity. Fresh perspectives emerge on the crucial role of religious communities in the construction and authentication of revelation. This book is a must for those interested not only in Buddhism's past but also in its present and future ways of negotiating these fundamental issues.”

Per K. Sørensen

Professor, Institute for Indology and Central Asian Studies, University of Leipzig

“This innovative book is a valuable, well-argued, and insightful contribution to the growing literature on gter ma . It lays bare the narrative and argumentative strategies behind the treasure polemics and broadens our knowledge of the fascinating literature not only by summarizing the results of the latest research but also by providing us with new significant materials.”

Dan Martin

author of Unearthing Bon Treasures

“The continuing Tibetan tradition of terma, hidden treasures, is an important case for study. This book informs us about significant questions asked within the terma tradition including the all-important one, how are we to know if a revealed book contains authentic Buddha Word?”

Alexander Gardner

Inner Asia

“A compelling resource . . . perhaps the finest introduction to the Tibetan treasure tradition to date, well suited for the undergraduate classroom.”

Author: Andreas Doctor, Jamgon Mipham

Tibetan Treasure Literature: Revelation, Tradition, and Accomplishment in Visionary Buddhism

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