DOCSLIB.ORG

The Gandavyuha-Sutra : a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Gandavyuha-Sutra : a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative The Gandavyuha-sutra : a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative Douglas Edward Osto Thesis for a Doctor of Philosophy Degree School of Oriental and African Studies University of London 2004 1 ProQuest Number: 10673053 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 10673053 Published by ProQuest LLC(2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 Abstract The Gandavyuha-sutra: a Study of Wealth, Gender and Power in an Indian Buddhist Narrative In this thesis, I examine the roles of wealth, gender and power in the Mahay ana Buddhist scripture known as the Gandavyuha-sutra, using contemporary textual theory, narratology and worldview analysis. I argue that the wealth, gender and power of the spiritual guides (kalyanamitras , literally ‘good friends’) in this narrative reflect the social and political hierarchies and patterns of Buddhist patronage in ancient Indian during the time of its compilation. In order to do this, I divide the study into three parts. In part I, ‘Text and Context’, I first investigate what is currently known about the origins and development of the Gandavyuha, its extant manuscripts, translations and modern scholarship. Next, using a relative chronology based on current research into the origins of the Mahayana, I argue for the 3rd century CE, as likely time of origin, and suggest Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota as the place of origin for the text. In part II, ‘Structures’, I examine the text’s worldview and narrative structures. In chapter 3, I investigate the notions of reality, society and the individual. In chapter 4 ,1 outline some key concepts developed by the Dutch naixatologist Mieke Bal (1997) and demonstrate how these concepts may be utilised in an analysis of the Gandavyuha. I begin part III, ‘Forces’, by considering Derrida’s (2001) notion of ‘force’ as a critique of structuralism’s overly ‘geometric’ model in the study of narrative. In an attempt to synthesise structure and force in part III, I examine the various structures outlined in previous chapters in relation to the themes of wealth, gender and power, as they unfold chronologically within the narrative From this study, I conclude that in the Gandavyuha, wealth functions as a sign of spiritual status, the significant number of royal female kalyanamitras reflects the importance of female patrons at the time of the text’s compilation, and the spiritual hierarchy within the story mirrors the political hierarchies of Buddhism’s Middle Period in India. 2 Contents Abbreviations ...............................................................................................................7 Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................... 8 Dedication....................................................................................................................9 Introduction..................................................................................................................10 Narratology........................................................................................ 10 Worldview .......................................................................................... 12 Modernism...........................................................................................17 Textual Ontology................................................................................ 20 Scriptures and Canons.........................................................................23 Chapter Outline................................................................................. 24 Part I: Text and Context 1. A Genealogy of the Gandavyuha-sutra......................................................29 Chinese Sources.................................................................................. 29 Tibetan Sources ...................................................................................32 Sanskrit Manuscripts and Editions..................................................... 34 Modern Scholarship...........................................................................36 2. The Indian Context................................... ................................................ 52 Literary References and Title of Gandavyuha................................... 52 Dates of the Gandavyuha................................................................... 54 Geographical Origin of the Gandavyuha............................................60 The Middle Period.............................................................................. 61 The Gandavyuha in the Middle Period.............................................. 66 Part II: Structures 3. The Worldview ............................................................................................74 ‘Reality’ in Indian Buddhist Thought................................................75 ‘Reality’ in the Gandavyuha...............................................................81 Dharmadhatu as a Building................................................................84 Dharmadhatu and Dharmakdya .................................. .....................88 Society............................................................................................... 92 Kalyanamitra in the Gandavyuha.......................................................95 Devotionalism as a Spiritual Path in the Gandavyuha.......................96 The True Identity of the Kalyanamitras .............................................98 Kalyanamitras as a Spiritual Society..................................................100 Individual ........................................ 102 The Individual in the Gandavyuha..................................................... 105 4. Narrative Structures .....................................................................................110 3 Is the Gandavyuha a Mahay ana Avadanal ......................................... 110 Structural Narratology......................................................................... 113 Text..........................................................................................114 Fabula ...................................................................................... 116 Story........................................................................................ 117 Position and Weight................................................................ 118 Characters................................................................................119 Space....................................................................................... 121 Focalization............................................................................. 122 Style and Formulae..............................................................................123 1) Question Formula.............................................................124 2) Go and Ask Formula ........................................................ 125 3) Departing Formula........................................................... 126 4) Approach Formula............................................................127 5) Statement of Attainment and Ignorance Formula........... 127 Part HI: Forces Introduction to Part III.....................................................................................130 Wealth..................................................................................................132 Gender................................................................................................. 136 Power...................................................................................................138 5. Setting the Stage: The Nidana-parivarta ....................................................141 The Spiritual Hierarchy.......................................................................141 The Buddha’s Samadhi ......................................................... 144 Gathering of the Bodhisattvas .............................................................150 The Experience of theMahdsrdvakas .................................................152 Recitation of Verses............................................................................ 154 The Buddha’s Light Ray.....................................................................155 Manjusxi’s Verses................................................................................156 Textual Symmetry............................................................................. 157 The Magical Creations of the Bodhisattvas ........................................157 6. Manjusri, Monks and the Merchant-Banker’s Son .....................................160 The Conversion of the Monks .............................................................160 Why is Sudhana called ‘Good Wealth’?.............................................162 Manjusri Sends Sudhana on his Quest................................................167 7. The Authority of Monks ..............................................................................170
Load more

Recommended publications
  • On the Penetration of Dharmakya and Dharmadesana -Based on the Different Ideas of Dharani and Tathagatagarbha
    On the Penetration of Dharmakya and Dharmadesana -based on the different ideas of dharani and tathagatagarbha- Kakusho U jike We can recognize many developements of the Buddhakaya theory in the evo- lution of Mahayana thought systems which are related to various doctrines such as the Vi jnanavada, etc. In my opinion, the Buddhakaya theory stressed how the Bodhisattvas or any living being can meet the eternal Buddha and enjoy the benefits of instruction on enlightenment from him. In the Mahayana, the concept of truth also developed parallel with the Bud- dhakaya theory and the most important theme for the Mahayanist is how to understand the nature of the Buddha who became one with the truth (dharma- kaya). That is to say, the problem of how to realize the truth is the same pro- blem of how to meet the eternal Buddha with the joy of uniting oneself with the realm of the Buddha's enlightenment (dharmadhatu). In this situation one's faculties are always tested in the effort to encounter and understand the real teaching of the Buddha, because the truth revealed by the Buddha is quite high and deep, going beyond the intellect of ordinary people The Buddha's teaching is understood only by eminent Bodhisattvas who possess the super power of hearing the subtle voice of the Buddha. One of the excellent means of the Bodhisattvas for hearing, memorizing, and preaching etc., the teachings of the Buddha is considered to be the dharani. Dharani seemed to appear at first in the Prajnaparamita-sutras or in other Sutras having close relation to theme).
    [Show full text]
  • The Buddhist Conception of Reality
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE The Buddhist Conception of Reality Daisetz T. Suzuki There is one question every earnest-minded man will ask as soon as he grows old, or rather, young enough to reason about things, and that is: “Why are we here?” or “What is the significance of life here?” The question may not always take this form; it will vary according to the surroundings and circum­ stances in which the questioner may happen to find himself. Once up to the horizon of consciousness, this question is quite a stubborn one and will not stop disturbing one’s peace of mind. It will insist on getting a satisfactory answer one way or another. This inquiry after the significance or value of life is no idle one, and no verbal quibble will gratify the inquirer for he is ready to give his life for it. We fre­ quently hear in Japan of young men committing suicide, despairing at their inability to solve the question. While this is a hasty and in a way cowardly deed, they are so upset that they do not know what they are doing; they are altogether beside themselves. This questioning about the significance of life is tantamount to seeking after ultimate reality. Ultimate reality may sound to some people too philosophical and they may regard it as of no concern to them. They may regard it outside their domain of interest, and the subject I am going to speak about tonight is liable to be put aside as belonging to the professional business of a class of peo­ ple known as philosophers.
    [Show full text]
  • Buddha Speaks Mahayana Sublime Treasure King Sutra (Also Known As:) Avalokitesvara-Guna-Karanda-Vyuha Sutra Karanda-Vyuha Sutra
    Buddha speaks Mahayana Sublime Treasure King Sutra (Also known as:) Avalokitesvara-guna-karanda-vyuha Sutra Karanda-vyuha Sutra (Tripitaka No. 1050) Translated during the Song Dynasty by Kustana Tripitaka Master TinSeekJoy Chapter 1 Thus I have heard: At one time, the Bhagavan was in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Solitary, in Jeta Grove, (Jetavana Anathapindada-arama) in Sravasti state, accompanied by 250 great Bhiksu(monk)s, and 80 koti Bodhisattva-Mahasattvas, whose names are: Vajra-pani(Diamond-Hand) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Wisdom-Insight Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Vajra-sena(Diamond-Army) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Secret- Store Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Akasa-garbha(Space-Store) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Sun- Store Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Immovable Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Ratna- pani(Treasure-Hand) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Samanta-bhadra(Universal-Goodness) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Achievement of Reality and Eternity Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Eliminate-Obstructions(Sarva-nivaraNaviskambhin) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Great Diligence and Bravery Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Bhaisajya-raja(Medicine-King) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Avalokitesvara(Contemplator of the Worlds' Sounds) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Vajra-dhara(Vajra-Holding) Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Ocean- Wisdom Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, Dharma-Upholding Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, and so on. At that time, there were also many gods of the 32 heavens, leaded by Mahesvara(Great unrestricted God) and Narayana, came to join the congregation. They are: Sakra Devanam Indra the god of heavens, Great
    [Show full text]
  • FPMT Retreat Prayer Book Changes
    FPMT Retreat Prayer Book Changes 8/15/2009 After the 100 Million Mani Retreat at Institut Vajra Yogini in France, Education Services received a list of corrections to the FPMT Retreat Prayer Book. These changes are listed below, with the corresponding text included for each change. You may simply mark the changes in your existing copy with a pen, or may print these pages and cut out the corresponding sections and tape them over the mistaken passages in your prayer book. Retreat Prayer Books purchased from Kadampa Center for the Light of the Path retreat already include these changes and do not need to be corrected. For those who may be daunted by adjusting your current copy, new copies may be purchased from Kadampa Center. PAGE 17 Remove the title Inner Mandala Offering. According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teachings, this is not an inner mandala offering. There is no replacement title for this prayer. PAGE 29 Replace the subtitle Visualization with the subtitle: How to Meditate Before the Practice PAGE 31 After the end of the first full paragraph, add the subtitle (the paragraph under the new title has not changed, but is included here for convenience): How to Meditate During the Practice Think that each one of these buddhas is the embodiment of all three times ten directions Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, and all statues, stupas, and scriptures. Think they embody all holy objects, whose essence is the Guru. Have complete faith that each one has the power to purify all your negative karmas and imprints, accumulated since beginningless time.
    [Show full text]
  • English Index of Taishō Zuzō
    APPENDIX 2: TEXTS CITED FROM THE TZ. TZ. (Taisho Zuzobu) is the iconographic section of the Taisho edition of the Chinese Tripitaka. The serial numbers of the Hobogirin are given in brackets. Volume 1 1. (2921) Hizoki ‘Record kept secretly’: 1. Kukai (774-835). 2. Mombi (8th cent.). 2. (2922) Daihi-taizd-futsu-daimandara-chu - Shoson-shuji-kyoji-gydso-shoi-shosetsu-fudoki ‘Observations on the bljas, symbols, forms, and disposition of the deities in the Garbhadhatu-mandala’, by Shinjaku (886-927). 3. (2923) Taizo-mandara-shichijushi-mon ‘Seventy-four questions on the Garbhadhatu’, by Shinjaku (886-927). 4. (2924) Ishiyama-shichi-shu ‘Collection of seven items at Ishiyama’, by Junnyu (890-953). The seven items are: Sanskrit name, esoteric name, blja, samaya symbol, mudra, mantra and figure. 5. (2925) Kongokai-shichi-shu ‘Collection of seven items of the Vajradhatu’, by Junnyu (890-953). 6. (2926) Madara-shd ‘Extract from mandala’, by Ninkai (955-1046). No illustration. 7. (2927) Taizo-sambu-ki ‘Note on three families of the Garbhadhatu’ by Shingo (934-1004). 8. (2928) Taiz5-yogi ‘Essential meaning of the Garbhadhatu’, by Jojin (active in 1108). No illustration. 9. (2929) Ryobu-mandara-taiben-sho ‘Comparison of the pair of mandalas’, by Saisen (1025-1115). No illustration. 10. (2930) Taizokai-shiju-mandara-ryaku-mo ndo ‘Dialogue on the fourfold enclosures of the Garbhadhatu’, by Saisen (1025-1115). No illustration. 11. (2931) Kue-hiyo-sho ‘Extract of the essentials of the nine mandalas’, author unknown. 12. (2932) Ryobu-mandara-kudoku-ryakusho ‘Extract on the merit of the pair of mandalas’, by Kakuban (1095-1143).
    [Show full text]
  • Buddhist Pilgrimage
    Published for free distribution Buddhist Pilgrimage ew Edition 2009 Chan Khoon San ii Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati. The Gift of Dhamma excels all gifts. The printing of this book for free distribution is sponsored by the generous donations of Dhamma friends and supporters, whose names appear in the donation list at the end of this book. ISB: 983-40876-0-8 © Copyright 2001 Chan Khoon San First Printing, 2002 – 2000 copies Second Printing 2005 – 2000 copies New Edition 2009 − 7200 copies All commercial rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or part, in any form, for sale, profit or material gain is strictly prohibited. However, permission to print this book, in its entirety , for free distribution as a gift of Dhamma , is allowed after prior notification to the author. ew Cover Design Inset photo shows the famous Reclining Buddha image at Kusinara. Its unique facial expression evokes the bliss of peace ( santisukha ) of the final liberation as the Buddha passes into Mahaparinibbana. Set in the background is the Great Stupa of Sanchi located near Bhopal, an important Buddhist shrine where relics of the Chief Disciples and the Arahants of the Third Buddhist Council were discovered. Printed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by: Majujaya Indah Sdn. Bhd., 68, Jalan 14E, Ampang New Village, 68000 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Tel: 03-42916001, 42916002, Fax: 03-42922053 iii DEDICATIO This book is dedicated to the spiritual advisors who accompanied the pilgrimage groups to India from 1991 to 2008. Their guidance and patience, in helping to create a better understanding and appreciation of the significance of the pilgrimage in Buddhism, have made those journeys of faith more meaningful and beneficial to all the pilgrims concerned.
    [Show full text]
  • Lankavatara-Sutra.Pdf
    Table of Contents Other works by Red Pine Title Page Preface CHAPTER ONE: - KING RAVANA’S REQUEST CHAPTER TWO: - MAHAMATI’S QUESTIONS I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV XV XVI XVII XVIII XIX XX XXI XXII XXIII XXIV XXV XXVI XXVII XXVIII XXIX XXX XXXI XXXII XXXIII XXXIV XXXV XXXVI XXXVII XXXVIII XXXIX XL XLI XLII XLIII XLIV XLV XLVI XLVII XLVIII XLIX L LI LII LIII LIV LV LVI CHAPTER THREE: - MORE QUESTIONS LVII LVII LIX LX LXI LXII LXII LXIV LXV LXVI LXVII LXVIII LXIX LXX LXXI LXXII LXXIII LXXIVIV LXXV LXXVI LXXVII LXXVIII LXXIX CHAPTER FOUR: - FINAL QUESTIONS LXXX LXXXI LXXXII LXXXIII LXXXIV LXXXV LXXXVI LXXXVII LXXXVIII LXXXIX XC LANKAVATARA MANTRA GLOSSARY BIBLIOGRAPHY Copyright Page Other works by Red Pine The Diamond Sutra The Heart Sutra The Platform Sutra In Such Hard Times: The Poetry of Wei Ying-wu Lao-tzu’s Taoteching The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain The Zen Works of Stonehouse: Poems and Talks of a 14th-Century Hermit The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma P’u Ming’s Oxherding Pictures & Verses TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE Zen traces its genesis to one day around 400 B.C. when the Buddha held up a flower and a monk named Kashyapa smiled. From that day on, this simplest yet most profound of teachings was handed down from one generation to the next. At least this is the story that was first recorded a thousand years later, but in China, not in India. Apparently Zen was too simple to be noticed in the land of its origin, where it remained an invisible teaching.
    [Show full text]
  • The Kayas / Bodies of a Buddha
    The Kayas / Bodies of a Buddha The original meaning of the Sanskrit word Kaya (Tibetan: sku/ku) is 'that which is accumulated'. In English Kaya is translated as 'body'. However, the Kayas of Buddhas do not literally refer only to the form aggregates of Buddhas but also to Buddhas themselves, to their various attributes, and so forth. There are different ways to categorize Kayas: 1. The category into five Kayas 2. The category into four Kayas 3. The category into three Kayas 4. The category into two Kayas 1. The category into five Kayas The category into five Kayas refers to: I. The Dharmakaya / Truth Body (chos sku / choe ku) II. The Svabhavakaya / Nature Body (ngo bo nyid sku / ngo wo nyi ku) III. The Jnanakaya / Wisdom Truth Body (ye shes chos sku / ye she choe ku) IV. The Sambhogakaya / Enjoyment Body (longs sku / long ku) V. The Nimanakaya / Emanation Body (sprul sku / truel ku) Here the basis of the category is Kaya, which means that Kaya is categorized or classified into the five Kayas. I. The Dharmakaya / Truth Body Kaya and Dharmakaya are synonymous. Whatever is a Kaya is necessarily a Dharmakaya and vice versa. The definition of a Dharmakaya is: a final Kaya that is attained in dependence on meditating on its attaining agents, the three exalted knowers. The three exalted knowers are: a) Knower of basis (the Arya paths in the continua of Hearers and Solitary Realizers) b) Knower of paths (the Arya paths in the continua of Buddhas and of Bodhisattvas who have reached the Mahayana path of seeing or the Mahayana path of meditation) c) Exalted knower of aspects (the Arya paths, that is, omniscient mental consciousnesses, in the continua of Buddhas) II.
    [Show full text]
  • Dharma Kings and Flying Women: Buddhist
    DHARMA KINGS AND FLYING WOMEN: BUDDHIST EPISTEMOLOGIES IN EARLY TWENTIETH-CENTURY INDIAN AND BRITISH WRITING by CYNTHIA BETH DRAKE B.A., University of California at Berkeley, 1984 M.A.T., Oregon State University, 1992 M.A. Georgetown University, 1999 A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Colorado in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of English 2017 This thesis entitled: Dharma Kings and Flying Women: Buddhist Epistemologies in Early Twentieth-Century Indian and British Writing written by Cynthia Beth Drake has been approved for the Department of English ________________________________________ Dr. Laura Winkiel __________________________________________ Dr. Janice Ho Date ________________ The final copy of this thesis has been examined by the signatories, and we find that both the content and the form meet acceptable presentation standards of scholarly work in the above mentioned discipline. Drake, Cynthia Beth (Ph.D., English) Dharma Kings and Flying Women: Buddhist Epistemologies in Early Twentieth-Century Indian and British Writing Thesis directed by Associate Professor Laura Winkiel The British fascination with Buddhism and India’s Buddhist roots gave birth to an epistemological framework combining non-dual awareness, compassion, and liberational praxis in early twentieth-century Indian and British writing. Four writers—E.M. Forster, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Lama Yongden, and P.L. Travers—chart a transnational cartography that mark points of location in the flow and emergence of this epistemological framework. To Forster, non- duality is a terrifying rupture and an echo of not merely gross mismanagement, but gross misunderstanding by the British of India and its spiritual legacy.
    [Show full text]
  • An Exploration of the Early One-True Dharmadhatu Thoughts---From
    2019 9th International Conference on Education and Social Science (ICESS 2019) An Exploration of the Early One-True Dharmadhatu Thoughts----From Mind Only Chittamatra, Tantra to Huayen Theory Xiangjun Su Institute of Taoism and Religious Culture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China 206877705@qq. com Keywords: One-true dharmadhatu; Mind only chittamatra; Tantra, Huayen theory; Harmony without obstacles Abstract: The concept of one-true Dharmadhatu originates from India Buddhism, and it appears both in Vijnapti-matrata and Tantra classics, approximately having the same meaning. Li tongxuan was the first one who introduced the concept of One-true Dharmadhatu into Huayen theory. Conformed with the thinking mode of Matter-mind-being Nonduality by Li Tongxuan, taking Fundamental Wisdom as its basis, One-true Dharmadhatu has such harmonious teaching characteristics as wisdom and earth being one, nature and things binging not different, and harmony without obstacles. Later, Chengguan, in his Wutai Mountain Period, explained One-true Dharmadhatu as Dharmadhatu Pure Wisdom, and combined it with Fazang’s Five Dharmadhatu thought, thus made it more philosophical. Introduction In China’s Huayen thoughts, One-true Dharmadhatu is an important concept. Since was introduced into Huayen theory by Li Tongxuan, One-true Dharmadhatu has appeared often in Chenguan’s works and the Huayen works of the following dynasties. Japanese scholar Xiaodaodaishan, Tanwan region researcher Hong Meizhen have discussed the concept of One-true Dharmadhatu in their works. [1]China Main Land scholar Liu Yuanyuan has discussed Li Tongxuan’s thoughts on One-true Dharmadhatu and its influences on Chengguan deeply, but it is not comprehensive, and also not involves in the thoughts of Chengguan.
    [Show full text]
  • From Believers to Bodhisattvas
    From Believers to Bodhisattvas The Lecture series of Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro The goal of the bodhisattva is NOT to attain Buddhahood, but to benefit all sentient beings more capably after attaining Buddhahood. – by Patrul Rinpoche Preface In this early 21st century, man have succeeded in building an advanced material civilization with hands and brains, and along the way have managed to overcome many of life’s challenges. However, the fundamental question regarding cyclic existence remains an enigma which modern science is still scrambling to understand. Great scientists like Newton, Einstein and other luminaries, all must succumb to the inevitable process going from life to death just like you and me, without exception. Science, as we know it today, is not the answer to our ultimate longing for absolute emancipation from samsara. This true liberation is beyond the cycle of birth, aging, sickness and death; it is where life rests, the natural state where every living being will eventually return. Those masters who had already attained this enlightened state conducted their lives with such contentment and equanimity, and carried themselves with tremendous dignity and grace until the very end. They experienced no suffering nor harbored any negative thoughts. Because once mind is free from all obscurations, external influences of the four elements (earth, water, fire and wind) cease as well. Only then can true freedom and happiness be had. To realize this ultimate ideal, man’s self-awareness and inherent wisdom must be explored and developed. As for the critical questions regarding the origin and the nature of cyclic existence, and the ways to go beyond its bounds, only the Dharma has the answers.
    [Show full text]
  • The Changeless Nature
    The Changeless Nature MAHAYANA UTTARA TANTRA SASTRA by Arya Maitreya & Acarya Asanga TRANSLATED FROM THE TIBETAN BY KEN & KATIA HOLMES "The Ultimate Mahayana Treatise on The Changeless Continuity of the True Nature" The Changeless Nature (the mahayanottaratantrasastra) by Arya Maitreya and Acarya Asanga translated from the Tibetan under the guidance of Khenchen the IXth Trangu Rinpoche and Khempo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche by Kenneth Holmes and Katia Holmes M. A., M. Sc with the kind assistance of Dharmacarya Tenpa Negi KARMA DRUBGYUD DARJAY LING Published in Scotland by: Karma Drubgyud Darjay Ling (Karma Kagyu Trust), Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Centre Eskdalemuir, Dumfriesshire DG13 OQL. © Copyright K. & CMS. A. Holmes All rights reserved. No reproduction by any known means, or re-translation, in part or on whole, without prior written permission. Second Edition 1985 ISBN 0906181 05 4 Typeset and printed at Kagyu Samye Ling Bound by Crawford Brothers Newcastle. Illustrations: Frontispiece: Jamgon Kongtrul the Great page 14: Maitreya and Asanga Back page: His Holiness the XVIth Gyalwa Karmapa The illustrations for each of the vajra points were chosen by Khenchen Trangu Rinpoche, as was the banner emblem on the cover of all this series of our books. The banner symbolises victory over the senses. All line drawings by Sherapalden Beru of Kagyu Samye Ling, © Copyright Karma Drubgyud Darjay Ling, Scotland 1979. No reproduction without prior written permission. This book is especially dedicated to the swift enthronement of His Holiness the XVIIth Gyalwa Karmapa and that the precious dharma work of all the Buddhist teachers and their assistants flourish without obstacle to bring peace to this and all worlds.
    [Show full text]