Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa's JEWEL ORNAMENT OF LIBERATION
The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, written by a physician-turned-monk named Gampopa in the 11th century, is one of the most important texts in Tibetan Buddhism. In the early 1990s, Ringu Tulku, a professor of Tibetan studies and director of numerous meditation centers, gave a series of introductory talks on Gampopa's work, which were transcribed into this book. Tulku outlines the six factors Gampopa says are necessary to escape samsara (suffering) and realize nirvana: the cause (buddha nature is inherent in everyone), the basis (human life is especially conducive to attaining enlightenment), the condition (finding a "spiritual friend" or teacher to guide one to nirvana), the method (the spiritual friend's instructions), the result (the state of buddhahood) and the activity (the compassionate and wise actions of a buddha). He then devotes a chapter to each of these topics. Tulku relies heavily on Gampopa's Jewel, yet rarely quotes the original text; the result, especially in the early chapters, is a confused blend of Tulku's own teaching and his irritating fondness for categorizing and subcategorizing Gampopa's ideas. Readers already familiar with Gampopa's teachings may find this inspiring; novices will find it reads more like a scholarly abstract. In later sections, however, Tulku's own voice becomes prominent, which proves to be much more compelling. His lengthy and penetrating discussion of the six paramitas (generosity, ethics, forbearance, diligence, meditation and wisdom) is especially engaging, and leaves one wishing Tulku had allowed his own voice to permeate the entire work.Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.