One of the most important concepts of Buddhism is the understanding of emptiness, or more precisely why all internal thoughts and feelings and also all external objects are empty. As Rinpoche explains, things do obviously appear to be solid and existent, but it can also be shown that they are empty of any inherent existence. If we do not understand the empty nature of phenomena, we really cannot thoroughly practice the reduction of attachment that we have with the phenomenal world. This concept of emptiness which was taught by the Buddha and was greatly expounded on by the great master Nagarjuna is not easy to grasp. But Thrangu Rinpoche, who is well known for taking very complex Buddhist subjects and making them accessible to the Buddhist practitioner, gives a detailed set of logical arguments based on ordinary life experiences on this topic. He bases this unique work on Mipham Rinpoche's great treatise, "The Gateway to Knowledge."
Open Door to Emptiness, Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, Karme Thekchen Choling, Paperback, 126 pages, $12.95
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.
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Contents: The Open Door to Emptiness |
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Preface to the First Edition |
5 |
| 1 |
An Introduction to the Text |
9 |
| 2 |
The Egolessness of the Self |
17 |
| 3 |
Developing Certainty of Egolessness of Self |
27 |
| 4 |
The Benefits of Understanding Non-self |
37 |
| 5 |
The Egolessness of External Phenomena |
45 |
| 6 |
The First Analysis of Madhyamaka: The Examination of Cause |
51 |
| 7 |
The Second Madhyamaka Analysis: The Examination of Result |
77 |
| 8 |
The Third Madhyamaka Analysis: The Examination of the Essential Nature |
85 |
| 9 |
The Fourth Madhyamaka Analysis: The Examination of all Sources |
93 |
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Dedication |
98 |
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Notes |
99 |
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The Glossary of Terms |
105 |
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The Glossary of Tibetan Terms |
117 |
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The Bibliography |
119 |
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About the Author |
123 |
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Index |
125 |
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