The Buddha from Dölpo is a revised and enlarged edition of the only book about the most controversial Buddhist master in the history of Tibet; Dölpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361); who became perhaps the greatest Tibetan expert of the Kalacakra or Wheel of Time; a vast system of tantric teachings. Based largely on esoteric Buddhist knowledge from the legendary land of Shambhala; Dölpopa's insights have profoundly influenced the development of Tibetan Buddhism for more than 650 years. Dölpopa emphasized two contrasting definitions of the Buddhist theory of emptiness. He described relative phenomena as empty of self-nature; but absolute reality as only empty of other (i.e. relative) phenomena. He further identified absolute reality as the buddha nature or eternal essence present in all living beings. This view of an "emptiness of other;" known in Tibetan as shentong; is Dölpopa's enduring legacy. The Buddha from Dölpo contains the only English translations of three of Dölpopa's crucial works. A General Commentary on the Doctrine is one of the earliest texts in which he systematically presented his view of the entire Buddhist path to enlightenment. The Fourth Council and its Autocommentary (which was not in the first edition of this book) were written at the end of his life and represent a final summation of his teachings. These translations are preceded by a detailed discussion of Dölpopa's life; his revolutionary ideas; earlier precedents for the shentong view; his unique use of language; and the influence of his theories. The fate of his Jonang tradition; which was censored by the central Tibetan government in the seventeenth century but still survives; is also examined.
#3173726 in Books University of Massachusetts Press 2001-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.55 x 1.05 x 6.46l; .0 #File Name: 1558492534314 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent Look at a Little-Studied SubjectBy Joshua WatsonI looked up this book to study censorship; and what I found was an interesting; although somewhat narrowly focused read. Basically; and in accordance with the title; this tome deals with how books were either destroyed or preserved in Nazi occupied countries.Each chapter is written by a different person; and therefore offers a unique voice and perspective on literary censorship. The standout chapters for me were "'The Jewish Question' and Censorship in the USSR" - which offers a great glimpse of how governments can slowly turn to censorship; and "When the Printed Word Celebrates the Human Spirit" - in which the author talks about the library kept up at her concentration camp.This book offers an informative; interesting look on literary censorship; and given the variety of authors; everyone who is seeking to learn more about this subject will likely find at least one or two chapters to be particularly useful.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Tom CarrFascinating!
