Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents an English translation of the Samten Migdron (Lamp for the Eye of Contemplation) by Nubchen Sangye Yeshe, a seminal 10th-century Tibetan Buddhist work on contemplation. This treatise is one of the most important sources for the study of the various meditative currents that were transmitted to Tibet from India and China during the early dissemination of Buddhism in Tibet. Written from the vantage point of the Great Completeness (Dzogchen) and its vehicle of effortless spontaneity, it discusses, in the manner of a doxography, both sutra-based-including Chan-and tantric approaches to meditation. The unabridged, annotated English translation of this Tibetan treatise is preceded by a general introduction situating the author-a pivotal figure in what would become the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism-and his work in historical and doctrinal context. The detailed annotations provide elucidating comments as well as crucial references to the numerous texts quoted by the Tibetan author. This book makes this groundbreaking Tibetan work on meditation accessible in English and opens fascinating windows on early forms of contemplative practice in Tibet.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Abbreviations and Symbols General Introduction: The Text and its Author Chapter I: Laying the Groundwork Chapter II: Getting Ready Chapter III: Gaining Perspective Chapter IV: The Gradual Approach of the Classical Mahayana Chapter V: The Simultaneous Approach of Chan Chapter VI: The Tantric Vehicle of Mahayoga Chapter VII: The Vehicle of Effortless Spontaneity of Atiyoga Chapter VIII: Dedication of Virtue Colophons Bibliography
