Luminous Heart: The Third Karmapa on Consciousness, Wisdom, and Buddha Nature (The Nitartha Institute) by Karl Brunnholzl (PDF)

Description

This superb collection of writings on buddha nature by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339) focuses on the transition from ordinary deluded consciousness to enlightened wisdom, the characteristics of buddhahood, and a buddha’s enlightened activity. Most of these materials have never been translated comprehensively. The Third Karmapa’s unique and well-balanced view synthesizes Yogacara Madhyamaka and the classical teachings on buddha nature. Rangjung Dorje not only shows that these teachings do not contradict each other but also that they supplement each other and share the same essential points in terms of the ultimate nature of mind and all phenomena. His fusion is remarkable because it clearly builds on Indian predecessors and precedes the later often highly charged debates in Tibet about the views of Rangtong (“self-empty”) and Shentong (“other-empty”). Although Rangjung Dorje is widely regarded as one of the major proponents of the Tibetan Shentong tradition (some even consider him its founder), this book shows how his views differ from the Shentong tradition as understood by Dolpopa Taranatha and the First Jamgon Kongtrul. The Third Karmapa’s view is more accurately described as one in which the two categories of rangtong and shentong are not regarded as mutually exclusive but are combined in a creative synthesis. For those practicing the sutrayana and the vajrayana in the Kagyu tradition, what these texts describe can be transformed into living experience.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “It is my great delight that Dr. Brunnhölzl has translated the crucial passages on the view in The Profound Inner Reality as well as the two lesser treatises with their commentaries. An accomplished translator, Karl is also skilled in presenting the most complicated and intricate subjects in a clear and direct manner. This work is an invaluable gift and great contribution to Western Buddhism. I trust that this book will bring great insight and genuine benefit for all readers.”—from the foreword by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of Mind Beyond Death From the Back Cover The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339), propounded a unique synthesis of Yogâcâra, Madhyamaka, and the classical teachings on buddha nature. His work occupies an important position between its Indian predecessors and the later, often highly charged, debates in Tibet about rangtong (“self-emptiness”) and shentong (“other-emptiness”). The Third Karmapa is widely renowned as one of the major proponents of the Tibetan shentong tradition. This book contains a collection of some of his main writings on buddha nature; the transition of ordinary deluded consciousness to enlightened wisdom; and the characteristics of buddhahood. Though relying strictly on classical Indian sources, the Karmapa’s texts are not mere scholarly documents. Their topics and styles bear great significance for practicing the sûtrayâna and the vajrayâna as understood in the Kagyü tradition to the present day, thus making what is described in these texts a living experience. Karl Brunnhölzl works for Tsadra Foundation, Nalandabodhi, and Nitartha Institute. He is the author/translator of The Center of the Sunlit Sky (2004), Straight from the Heart (2007), and In Praise of Dharmadhâtu (2008). About the Author Karl Brunnhölzl, MD, was trained as a physician and also studied Tibetology. He received his systematic training in Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Marpa Institute for Translators, founded by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. Since 1989 he has been a translator and interpreter from Tibetan and English. He is presently involved with the Nitartha Institute as a teacher and translator. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. “The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, is regarded as the architect of the Karma Kagyu interpretations of the view on buddha nature…. Rangjung Dorje’s three most renowned treatises are The Profound Inner Reality, The Distinction between Consciousness and Wisdom, and Pointing Out the Tathagata Heart…. The teachings from these three treatises play an essential role for practitioners of vajrayana Buddhism by providing an overview which enriches the meditator’s understanding of the complete transformative path of vajrayana. The Karma Kagyu lineage is heir to both of the great mahayana traditions of emptiness—Rangtong Madhyamaka (“Empty-of-self Middle Way”) and Shentong Madhayamaka (“Empty-of-other Middle Way”)…. While the Eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje, and his followers emphasized the view of genuine emptiness that comes from the Madhyamaka teachings of the great Indian master Nagarjuna, Rangjung Dorje and, later, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye emphasized the luminous empty mind of buddha nature, which is mainly presented in the treatises of the great Indian masters Maitreya and Asanga. Thus, the Karma Kagyu lineage inherits the great treasure of the complete teachings of both mahayana lineages.”It is my great delight that Dr. Brunnholzl has translated the crucial passages on the view in The Profound Inner Reality as well as the two lesser treatises with their commentaries. An accomplished translator, Karl is also skilled in presenting the most complicated and intricate subjects in a clear and direct manner. This work is an invaluable gift and great contribution to Western Buddhism. I trust that this book will bring great insight and genuine benefit for all readers.”—from the foreword by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of Mind Beyond Death Read more

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I strongly recommend reading “Luminous Heart: The Third Karmapa on Consciousness, Wisdom, and Buddha Nature”, especially if you are one of the following:* Practitioner of Vajrayana Buddhism, as it presents the correct view in which any meaningful practice of Tantra must be rooted;* Practitioner of Mahamudra meditation, as it elucidates the view of Buddha Nature to be one’s nature of mind;* Student of Buddhist Indian philosophy as it presents an excellent entry into Indian Yogachara view;* Student of history of Tibetan Buddhism as it gives a manifold portrait of the complex dialog in the tradition around the hotly debated topic of Shentong, or Empty-of-other school;* Devotee of the lineage of Gyalwang Karmapas of Tibet as it relays the words of enlightened instruction imbued with many blessings;* or, finally, if you are lucky, all of the above combined.I am fortunate I had many opportunities to study with Karl Brunnholz at Nitartha Institute of higher Buddhist studies and at Nalandabodhi practice community. He is one of the most gifted and authoritative contemporary western Dharma teachers, combining vast knowledge of the most intricate topics of Buddhist philosophy, deeply rooted in decades of meditation training under guidance of the greatest masters of Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, such as Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.His four books (with fifth and sixth forthcoming), written and published by Snow Lion Nitartha Institute Series in quick succession from 2004 onwards, reveal utmost professionalism combined with the heart of a genuine dharma practitioner. These characteristics are combined with great ease in a narrative which is captivating and does not allow one to leave his books unfinished.”Luminous Heart” can be viewed as a sequel to previous Karl’s book ”

⭐” on three accounts. First, in his introduction to “Luminous Heart”, Karl continues with his presentation of the general Yogacara view briefly sketched in the previous publication, this time in much greater detail and with many supporting quotes from Indian sources. Second, the same pattern is seen in evolution of Karl’s presentation of the view of the 3rd Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje. Thirdly, the present volume features translation of very much all remaining extant compositions of Rangjung Dorje and their commentaries dealing with the view (with exception of the famous Mahamudra Prayer, widely available in several translations into English). Thus “In Praise of Dharmadhatu” together with “Luminous Heart” are the definitive companion to the study of the view of Ranjung Dorje, who together with Mikyo Dorje is the most prolific and influential author among the Karmapas.If one is interested in approaching the study of Indian Yogachara from Karl’s works, I would recommend, in terms of a progressive entry into this fascinating but complex view, to begin with the introductory remarks from “In Praise of Dharmadhatu”, and continue with the introduction from “Luminous Heart”. One can enrich this feat with studying translations of several stand alone Yogachara works in ”

⭐” including excerpts from Asanga’s Mahayana-samgraha and translation of Vasubandhu’s Tri-svabhava-nirdesha; and conclude with an extended discussion of the relationship of Yogachara and Madhyamaka in the fourth chapter of voluminous ”

⭐.”As for content of “Luminous Heart” itself, the bulk of this volume consists of Ranjung Dorje’s three main treatises: “Profound Inner Reality”, “The Treatise on Pointing Out the Tathagata Heart”, and “The Treatise on the Distinction between Consciousness and Wisdom”, together with their commentaries. All three of them are regarded as essential for determining view for practitioners of Buddhist spiritual path. The first of these is the authoritative work on the Vajrayana view in the Kagyu lineage, the latter two – a creative synthesis of Yogachara and Madhyamaka – are said to be essential for the practice of Sutrayana Mahamudra, just like “In Praise of Dharmadhatu” is.The main theme of “The Treatise on Pointing Out the Tathagata Heart” is Buddha Nature and the composition can be seen as a pithy summary of the extensive Uttaratantra Shastra of Maitreya. “The Treatise on the Distinction between Consciousness and Wisdom”, as the name reveals, deals with the Yogachara theory of eight consciousnesses and their transformation into five Buddha wisdoms. What is really appealing on these two treatises for a contemporary reader, is that they are very brief, yet contain all essential points of the view of Buddha nature and Yogachara and so they can be studied by people who lead busy lives and cannot study the extensive presentations in Uttaratantra, Mahayana-samgraha, etc. The commentaries by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye are direct, methodical and easy to follow.”Luminous Heart” also includes several other translations, including excerpts from Rangjung Dorje’s commentary on Dharma-dharmata-vibhaga by Maitreya, Karma Trinlepa’s Explanation of the Sugata Heart, 2nd Pawo Rinpoche’s presentation of Buddha kayas, wisdoms and enlightened activity, as well as several shorter poems by Ranjung Dorje.In brief, those of us who have not mastered the source languages of this tradition are very fortunate because we can enjoy, for the first time in the history, the breath and profundity of the literary tradition of Gyalwang Karmapas through the medium of accurate and reliable translations of translators-practitioners, such as Karl Brunnholzl’s “Luminous Heart: The Third Karmapa on Consciousness, Wisdom, and Buddha Nature”.

⭐These books were and are being much appreciated by my son an avid reader of Buddhist texts

⭐Extremely comprehensive and profound discussion. Highly recommended but not a casual read!

⭐a very great book, but what makes me sad is that he translates only two chapters from the “profound inner meaning”,the work must be very interesting , here an overview:IntroductionOne: The Causes and Conditions for Sa’sâra and Nirvâ’aTwo: Development of Body in WombThree: Nâ’îsFour: Prâ’asFive: BindusSix: The Four StatesSeven: Correspondence between Inner and OuterEight: Imputed DeitiesNine: Bases and Means of PurificationTen: Stages of the PathEleven: DissolutionConclusion: Vidyâdhara pi’aka

⭐Another in the excellent series by Karl Brunnholzl. This time it’s a detailed explanation of the Yogacara and Madhyamika ideas within the Kagu lineage as understood by the Third Karmampa.Quite a technical book, not really for beginners in Tibetan Buddhism, but still excellent.Big well done to Speaking Tree for a lightening fast delivery.

⭐Excellent book.

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