Jamgön Mipam (1846—1912) was one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibet. He shaped the trajectory of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that traces its history back to the early transmission of Buddhism from India in the eighth century. Herein we have an introduction to the life and works of this extraordinary teacher.
The book is organized into three main sections:
The first section provides some general background, and gives the reader context for understanding Mipam’s life and works. It touches upon some important features of Buddhist traditions in India and Tibet, providing a background for the tapestry of Mipam’s texts and allowing us to better appreciate his contribution.
The second section presents an overview of some of the main themes in his works and his interpretation of Buddhism. By looking at major themes in his work, we discover how he presents Buddhist theory and practice. In particular, this section looks more deeply into Mipam’s interpretation of emptiness, a central issue in Buddhist philosophy, and contrasts his interpretation with the positions of some other prominent figures in Tibet.
The last section offers translations excerpted from his Buddhist writings. Each of the excerpts includes a short introduction to frame the context and help the reader appreciate significant elements of the passage. The selections draw from a wide range of Mipam’s writings to illustrate the eloquent way in which he articulates the key issues that are addressed in the preceding sections.
Mipam’s life example and philosophical works are deeply rooted in an experiential orientation, and can be read as quintessential instructions for Buddhist practice.
Jamgon Mipham (1846–1912), one of the great luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, has had a dominant and vitalizing influence on the Nyingma School and beyond. He was an important member of the Rimé, or nonsectarian movement, which did much to strengthen and preserve the entire tradition. A scholar of outstanding brilliance and versatility, his translated works are eagerly anticipated by English-language readers.
View titles by Jamgon Mipham
“At last, a comprehensive study of Mipam, the Nyingma Lion, whose magisterial works bridged the scholastic and yogic traditions of Tibet. Beautifully written, Duckworth’s book lucidly surveys Mipam’s Buddhist philosophy and provides translated excerpts from Mipam’s voluminous body of work that illustrate his erudite views. This is an exciting, accessible book we have been waiting for!”—Judith Simmer-Brown, Professor of Religious Studies, Naropa University, author of Dakini’s Warm Breath
“Like the sun shining in the sky, the writings of our kind protector, Lama Mipam, sparkle with the light of wisdom. I congratulate my student, Prof. Douglas Duckworth, for publishing this important book on the life and works of the great scholar-practitioner, and I believe the book will be of interest, not only to students of Tibetan Buddhism, but to anyone with a sincere interest in discovering the depths of Buddhist insight.”—Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, author of Present Fresh Wakefulness: A Meditation Manual on Nonconceptual Wisdom
“Douglas Duckworth gives historical background to important Buddhist discussions in India and Tibet that concerned Mipam, a survey of the philosophical themes that he addressed and a selection of translations from his impressive array of writings. Though the translations are excerpts from longer works, they are valuable reading for practitioners. As a condensed anthology on Mipam, this book strikes an important balance, explaining the thought of one of Tibet’s great intellectuals while giving readers handpicked gems from Mipam’s forest of wisdom.”—Buddhadharma
Jamgön Mipam (1846—1912) was one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of Tibet. He shaped the trajectory of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that traces its history back to the early transmission of Buddhism from India in the eighth century. Herein we have an introduction to the life and works of this extraordinary teacher.
The book is organized into three main sections:
The first section provides some general background, and gives the reader context for understanding Mipam’s life and works. It touches upon some important features of Buddhist traditions in India and Tibet, providing a background for the tapestry of Mipam’s texts and allowing us to better appreciate his contribution.
The second section presents an overview of some of the main themes in his works and his interpretation of Buddhism. By looking at major themes in his work, we discover how he presents Buddhist theory and practice. In particular, this section looks more deeply into Mipam’s interpretation of emptiness, a central issue in Buddhist philosophy, and contrasts his interpretation with the positions of some other prominent figures in Tibet.
The last section offers translations excerpted from his Buddhist writings. Each of the excerpts includes a short introduction to frame the context and help the reader appreciate significant elements of the passage. The selections draw from a wide range of Mipam’s writings to illustrate the eloquent way in which he articulates the key issues that are addressed in the preceding sections.
Mipam’s life example and philosophical works are deeply rooted in an experiential orientation, and can be read as quintessential instructions for Buddhist practice.
Jamgon Mipham (1846–1912), one of the great luminaries of Tibetan Buddhism in modern times, has had a dominant and vitalizing influence on the Nyingma School and beyond. He was an important member of the Rimé, or nonsectarian movement, which did much to strengthen and preserve the entire tradition. A scholar of outstanding brilliance and versatility, his translated works are eagerly anticipated by English-language readers.
View titles by Jamgon Mipham
“At last, a comprehensive study of Mipam, the Nyingma Lion, whose magisterial works bridged the scholastic and yogic traditions of Tibet. Beautifully written, Duckworth’s book lucidly surveys Mipam’s Buddhist philosophy and provides translated excerpts from Mipam’s voluminous body of work that illustrate his erudite views. This is an exciting, accessible book we have been waiting for!”—Judith Simmer-Brown, Professor of Religious Studies, Naropa University, author of Dakini’s Warm Breath
“Like the sun shining in the sky, the writings of our kind protector, Lama Mipam, sparkle with the light of wisdom. I congratulate my student, Prof. Douglas Duckworth, for publishing this important book on the life and works of the great scholar-practitioner, and I believe the book will be of interest, not only to students of Tibetan Buddhism, but to anyone with a sincere interest in discovering the depths of Buddhist insight.”—Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, author of Present Fresh Wakefulness: A Meditation Manual on Nonconceptual Wisdom
“Douglas Duckworth gives historical background to important Buddhist discussions in India and Tibet that concerned Mipam, a survey of the philosophical themes that he addressed and a selection of translations from his impressive array of writings. Though the translations are excerpts from longer works, they are valuable reading for practitioners. As a condensed anthology on Mipam, this book strikes an important balance, explaining the thought of one of Tibet’s great intellectuals while giving readers handpicked gems from Mipam’s forest of wisdom.”—Buddhadharma
