The first English translation of Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the "wisdom" chapter of Shantideva's classic text, in which Mipham explains Madhyamaka philosophy from the perspective of the Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Jamg n Mipham (1846-1912) is one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibetan Buddhism of the modern age. An important member of the nonsectarian movement of nineteenth-century Tibet, he was a scholar of outstanding brilliance whose writings are eagerly sought after by present-day teachers and students of the practice of Dzogchen and the Nyingma tradition.
“Shantideva’s ‘Wisdom Chapter’ essentializes the Madhyamika
teachings. With reasoning that precisely elucidates all of
Nagarjuna’s subtle points, this single chapter has provided a
doorway to the Middle Way teachings for many great masters,
including Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche, author of the Ketaka Jewel.
Mipham’s commentary and his subsequent debate with Drakar Tulku of
the Riwo Gadenpa school show us the potential of deep debate. This
dialogue about the nature of phenomena between two of the
preeminent scholars and meditation masters of the nineteenth
century has moved and inspired many, including myself. I hope this
translation serves in the same manner that their original
discussion has, ever since it came into being. I am delighted to
see that Wulstan Fletcher and the Padmakara Translation Group have
accomplished such a great feat, and dedicate the merit of their
undertaking to the blossoming of prajna in all beings.”—Dzigar
Kongtrul, author of The Intelligent Heart
“It is important to understand that the Buddha never taught because
of his knowledge but always through his compassion—according to the
needs of his hearers. That’s why he didn’t really mean what he said
in some teachings and did really mean it in others. That
distinction is very important, because Shantideva’s ninth chapter
is a commentary on what the Buddha really meant! It’s also most
important to understand that the reasoning Buddhists use to
investigate ultimate truth cannot be used to examine relative
truth. And yet, unconsciously, we always do that—which creates the
huge pitfall of underestimating relative truth and exaggerating
ultimate truth, or the reverse.
If you truly want to understand this, then read Shantideva’s ninth
chapter again and again. In fact, never stop reading it. To that
end, Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary is like a magnifying glass and
telescope combined—for those who are farsighted and nearsighted.”
—Dzongsar Jamyamg Khyentse, author of The Guru Drinks Bourbon?
“The Padmakara Translation Group has made yet another major
contribution to Buddhist scholarship with
this compilation of beautiful
and accessible translations of important Tibetan Buddhist
texts. The Wisdom Chapter presents a major debate that
has been going on for centuries on the nature of ultimate truth,
and a debate with continued relevance for living Buddhist
traditions in the contemporary world. The introduction and
translations here guide the reader through the dynamic and complex
world of Buddhist commentarial tradition as it charts the contours
of two major lines of interpretation of Madhyamaka in
Tibet.”—Douglas S. Duckworth, author of Jamgön Mipam: His Life and
Teachings
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