Treasures of the Sakya Lineage: Teachings from the Masters

Description

Treasures of the Sakya Lineage is a rich collection of teachings by both contemporary and ancient Sakya masters, showing a thousand years of lineage continuity. It provides an overview of the history, view, key lineage figures, and crucial teachings of the oldest continuously operating institution among the four lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Sakya School has long been known for its balanced approach to study and practice. The writings of Sakya scholars have been deeply influential in every school of Tibetan Buddhism and they continue to be now. A great resource for students and practitioners of all schools of Tibetan Buddhism, this volume contains teachings from great Sakya scholars and meditation masters, including: H. H. Sakya Trizin, Khenpo Appey, Sakya Pandita, Jetsun Dragpa Gyaltsen, Chogye Trinchen, Choegyal Phagpa, Migmar Tseten. About the Author Migmar Tseten is a Buddhist chaplain at Harvard University. He leads retreats at Buddhist centers throughout North America. He founded the Sakya Institute in Cambridge, Mass., and has served as the head of the Sakya Retreat Center in Barre, Mass. He also served as the head of the Sakya Center in Rajpur, India, and the Sakya Monastery in Puruwalla, India, from 1981 to 1989. Review "The Sakya Lineage, one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, is little known among English-speaking Buddhists. This collection aims to fill that void. . . . Tseten is well-positioned to bring these teachings to an audience with some awareness of Tibetan Buddhism; he is a Buddhist chaplain at Harvard University and founded the Sakya Institute in Cambridge, Mass. The book offers writings by important figures in the school, some ancient and others contemporary. Key Buddhist concepts frequently discussed include karma, emptiness, and compassion. An essay on Sakya history is especially helpful; the history of Buddhism from this school's view contains some interesting stories and variants."—Publishers Weekly "I am sure the contents of this book will benefit many seekers of the profound truth. With my blessings for the success of all the noble efforts made toward propagating the peerless doctrine of the Enlightened One."—His Holiness Sakya Trizin "This volume is a treasure of heart teachings on esoteric practices and philosophy, yogic songs, and training instructions, expounded by the greatest masters of the glorious Sakya lineage. These are invaluable provisions for all travelers of any Buddhist path."—Tulku Thondup Rinpoche, author of The Healing Power of Mind and Peaceful Death, Joyful Rebirth From Publishers Weekly The Sakya lineage, one of four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, is little known among English-speaking Buddhists. This collection aims to fill that void, but with mixed results. Tseten is well-positioned to bring these teachings to an audience with some awareness of Tibetan Buddhism; he is a Buddhist chaplain at Harvard University and founded the Sakya Institute in Cambridge, Mass. The book offers writings by important figures of the school, some ancient and others contemporary. But it is tough sledding: one wishes Tseten had ordered the essays according to some principle and added brief introductions to the selections, particularly the older texts. Key Buddhist concepts frequently discussed include karma, emptiness and compassion. Only one essay deals extensively with the practice of meditation. An essay on Sakya history is especially helpful; the history of Buddhism from this school's view contains some interesting stories and variants. Pre-eminently a work of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, this is not a quick read. It will make most sense to advanced and patient students of Tibetan Buddhism who are comfortable with Sanskrit, Tibetan names and terminology, and philosophical distinctions among schools on the ultimate nature of reality and methods to gain enlightenment. (Apr. 8) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.