Tibetan Treasure Literature: Revelation, Tradition, and Accomplishment in Visionary Buddhism [Paperback]

The Treasure tradition of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism posits that in the eighth century, various adepts hid spiritual instructions (gter ma, lit. “Treasures”) for the purpose of future discovery at auspicious times. Tibetan Treasure Literature discusses central themes and personalities in the history and practice of this tradition. It presents the first thorough survey of the revelations of the great visionary master Chokgyur Dechen Lingpa (1829–1870), including translations of selected texts with detailed commentary by Khenpo Rinchen Namgyal, one of Chokgyur Lingpa’s foremost students. Also included is a discussion of the criteria for evaluating the authenticity of those beings who claim to have revealed such Treasures of Buddhist teaching, by the renowned master Ju Mipham (1846–1912). Andreas Doctor's Tibetan Treasure Literature is a treasure trove of fresh insights into the fascinating forces at work in the continuing development of Tibetan Buddhism. By giving extensive new access to centuries of Tibet's remarkable visionary literature, he uncovers a multitude of Tibetan strategies to establish religious authenticity and unity amidst tremendous historico-cultural change and multiplicity. Fresh perspectives emerge on the crucial role of religious communities in the construction and authentication of revelation. This book is a must for those interested not only in Buddhism's past but also in its present and future ways of negotiating these fundamental issues.  —John Makransky, professor of Buddhism and Comparative Theology, Boston College

This innovative book is a valuable, well-argued, and insightful contribution. . . . It lays bare the narrative and argumentative strategies behind the treasure polemics and broadens our knowledge of the fascinating literature not only by summarizing the reslÓ8