The Library of Tibetan Classics presents seminal works from the immense canon of Tibetan literature. The library's thirty-two volumes have been carefully selected to reflect the breadth of Tibet's thirteen hundred years of literary production, from works on Buddhist philosophy and religious practice to dramatic plays and treatises on medicine. Each volume is prepared under the supervision of Thupten Jinpa, senior English-language translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and includes an introductory essay, detailed annotations, and a comprehensive glossary. Produced at the highest standards, this handsome set preserves and unlocks one of the greatest yet little-recognized contributions to world literature and will be a treasured addition to any library.
"When completed, The Library of Tibetan Classics will represent a comprehensive reference library of the most important Tibetan classics embracing the entire spectrum of Tibetan thought and artistic traditions. Such a series will make Tibet's classical thought truly a world heritage, an intellectual and spiritual resource open to all." —His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso,the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Praise for the Library of Tibetan Classics:
"The Library of Tibetan Classics brings together the essential texts of Tibetan literature. Of excellent quality and great value to scholars, the translations are accessible to nonspecialists as well, and thus should allow a wide audience to gain access to the treasures of the Tibetan tradition. A truly extraordinary accomplishment."—Georges B.J. Dreyfus, Williams College
"The editing and production are first-rate."—John R. Newman, New College of Florida
"This new series edited by Thupten Jinpa and published by Wisdom Publications is a landmark in the study of Tibetan culture in general and Tibetan Buddhism in particular. Each volume contains a lucid introduction and outstanding translations that, while aimed at the general public, will benefit those in the field of Tibetan Studies immensely as well."—Leonard van der Kuijp, Harvard University
"This is an invaluable set of translations by highly competent scholar-practitioners. The series spans the breadth of the history of Tibetan religion, providing entry to a vast culture of spiritual cultivation."—Jeffrey Hopkins, University of Virginia
"Erudite in all respects, this series is at the same time accessible and engagingly translated. As such, it belongs in all college and university libraries as well as in good public libraries. The Library of Tibetan Classics is on its way to becoming a truly extraordinary spiritual and literary accomplishment."—Janice D.Willis, Wesleyan University
"The Library of Tibetan Classics project should be among the top priorities for thinking people in our culture at this time. We stand at a kind of "end of history," in terms of our traditional, unilinear "Western" culture, which has caused us to overdevelop our abilities to control and manipulate the material elements of life, while remaining underdeveloped in our ability to control ourselves. We now urgently need to learn from the resources of all the other great cultures of our world, especially those which developed "spiritual sciences." Tibetan culture is the living matrix of the ancient Indian Buddhist culture that is no longer fully accessible elsewhere. It has been blown out of Tibet itself by the incursion of the Chinese imperium, but its living representatives have spread its positive influence to the far corners of the earth. They daily demonstrate their ability to serve the needs of humanity in these difficult times. Therefore, the systematic translation and publication of the sources from which the Tibetans themselves continue to learn even in the most difficult circumstances, is of the greatest benefit and the utmost necessity for us."—Robert A.F. Thurman, Columbia University
The Series Titles:
1. Mind Training: The Great Collection, compiled by Shönu Gyalchok and Könchok Gyaltsen (fifteenth century). NOW AVAILABLE
2. The Book of Kadam: The Core Texts, attributed to Atisha and Dromtönpa (eleventh century)
NOW AVAILABLE
3. The Great Chariot: A Treatise on the Great Perfection, Longchen Rapjampa (1308–63)
4. Taking the Result As the Path: Core Teachings of the Sakya Lamdré Tradition, Jamyang Khyentsé Wangchuk (1524–68) et al. NOW AVAILABLE
5. Mahamudra and Related Instructions: Core Teachings of the Kagyü School NOW AVAILABLE
6. Stages of the Path and the Ear-Whispered Instructions: Core Teachings of the Geluk School
7. Ocean of Definitive Meaning: A Teaching for the Mountain Hermit, Dölpopa Sherap Gyaltsen (1292–1361)
8. Miscellaneous Tibetan Buddhist Lineages: The Core Teachings, Jamgön Kongtrül (1813–90)
9. Sutra, Tantra, and the Mind Cycle: Core Teachings of the Bön School
10. The Stages of the Doctrine: Selected Key Texts
11. The Bodhisattva’s Altruistic Ideal: Selected Key Texts
12. The Ethics of the Three Codes
13. Sadhanas: Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation Manuals
14. Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kalacakra Tantra, Khedrup Norsang Gyatso (1423–1513). NOW AVAILABLE
15. Lamp Thoroughly Illuminating the Five Stages of Completion, Tsongkhapa (1357–1419)
16. Studies in the Perfection of Wisdom
17. Treatises on Buddha Nature
18. Differentiations of the Profound View: Interpretations of the Emptiness in Tibet
19. Elucidation of the Intent: A Thorough Exposition of “Entering the Middle Way,” Tsongkhapa (1357–1419)
20. Tibetan Buddhist Epistemology I: The Sakya School
21. Tibetan Buddhist Epistemology II: The Geluk School
22. Tibetan Buddhist Psychology and Phenomenology: Selected Texts
23. Ornament of Higher Knowledge: A Exposition of Vasubandhu’s “Treasury of Higher Knowledge,” Chim Jampalyang (thirteenth century)
24. A Beautiful Adornment of Mount Meru: Presentation of Classical Indian Philosophies, Changkya Rölpai Dorjé (1717–86)
25. The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems: A Tibetan Study of Asian Religions Thought, Thuken Losang Chökyi Nyima (1737–1802) NOW AVAILABLE
26. Gateway for Being Learned and Realized: Selected Texts
27. The Well-Uttered Insights: Advice on Everyday Wisdom, Civility, and Basic Human Values
28. A Mirror of Beryl: A Historical Introduction to Tibetan Medical Science, Desi Sangyé Gyatso (1653–1705) NOW AVAILABLE
29. Selected Texts on Tibetan Astronomy and Astrology
30. Art and Literature: An Anthology
31. Tales from the Tibetan Operas
32. Selected Historical Works
To read a full description of each of the upcoming volumes in The Library of Tibetan Classics, please download the catalog:
The Library of Tibetan Classics Complete Catalog
Become a Benefactor of The Library of Tibetan Classics
The Library of Tibetan Classics’ scope, importance, and commitment to quality make it a tremendous financial undertaking. Please consider becoming a benefactor. Contributors of US $2,000 or more will receive a copy of each volume as it becomes available and will have their names listed in the back of all subsequent volumes. If you are interested in partnering with Wisdom to help fund or subscribe to the Library of Tibetan Classics, please contact Tim McNeill at publisher (at) wisdompubs.org.
Or write:
Library of Tibetan Classics Fund
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street
Somerville, MA 02144
USA
Please note that contributions of lesser amounts are also welcome and are invaluable to the development of the series. Wisdom is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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