Establishing Appearances As Divine: Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo On Reasoning, Madhyamaka, And Purity
"Rongzom Chozang, one of the most important scholars of the 11th century, believed in the divinity of the world. Even more interesting, he set out to prove it! Köppl's book, a translation of Rongzom's most important text on the subject, is an important contribution to Buddhist doctrinal studies. The long introduction provides us with one of the most detailed comparative treatments of the Nyingma view (tawa) that I know of, elucidating Rongzom's position in relation to other Nyingma thinkers. The notes to the translation clarify even the most difficult portions of the text. . . . A truly masterful work."—José Ignacio Cabezón, XIVth Dalai Lama Professor of Tibetan Buddhism and Cultural Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara "Heidi Köppl makes the seminal work of Rongzom Chokyi Zangpo newly accessible to the modern reader. Rongzom, in deep conversation with Buddhist philosophy, argued for the most immediate visionary experience of enlightenment—every part of our world as already divine. Rongzom, assisted by Köppl's sparkling exegisis, leads readers to a direct encounter with their own primordial goodness."—John Makransky, Associate Professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology, Boston College"Ms. Köppl's organization of the translation and commentary is superb, enabling the reader to see the arguments clearly. . . . An important contribution to Tantric Buddhist philosophy."—New Age Retailer"Köppl's concise volume is an interesting read and a refreshing view into the nature of purity."—Nanci Rose-Ritter