The Wisdom Chapter: Jamgn Mipham's Commentary on the Ninth Chapter of The Way o [Hardcover]

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.


Shāntideva’s guide to the training of a Bodhisattva is one of the most important and beloved texts in the Tibetan tradition. The ninth chapter, however, dealing with Madhyamaka, the Middle Way, the most profound wisdom view of Mahayana Buddhism, has always posed unique challenges to readers.

This commentary by the great scholar Mipham Rinpoche presents in quite straightforward terms Shāntideva’s exposition of emptiness, the essential foundation of all Buddhist doctrine, demonstrating that it is not only compatible with, but in fact crucial to, the correct understanding of other important Buddhist teachings such as karma, rebirth, and the practice of compassion. Mipham interprets Shāntideva according to the view of the Nyingma school, which in some respects was at variance with the religiously and politically dominant interpretation of the text in Tibet at that time. As a result, his commentary stirred up a furious debate. With the addition of a critique of Mipham Rinpoche’s view by a prominent scholar of the time, along with Mipham’s response, that debate is beautifully captured in this volume.“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. Thl£.