The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet

by Ringu Tulku

Book Overview

This compelling study of the Ri-me movement and of the major Buddhist lineages of Tibet is comprehensive and accessible. It includes an introduction to the history and philosophy of the Ri-me movement; a biography of the movement's leader, the meditation master and philosopher known as Jamgön Kongtrul the Great; helpful summaries of the eight lineages' practice-and-study systems, which point out the different emphases of the schools; an explanation of the most hotly disputed concepts; and an overview of the old and new tantras. Jamgön Kongtrul the Great (1813-1899) is a giant in Tibetan history, renowned for his scholarly and meditative achievements, but also for his energetic yet evenhanded work to unify and strengthen the different lineages of Buddhism. The Ri-me movement, led by Kongtrul and several other leading scholars of the time, was a unifying effort to cut through interscholastic divisions and disputes that were occurring between the different lineages. These leaders sought appreciation of the differences and acknowledgment of the importance of variety in benefiting practitioners with different needs. The Ri-me teachers also took great care that the teachings and practices of the different schools and lineages, and their unique styles, did not become confused with one another. This lucid survey of the Ri-me movement will be of interest to serious scholars and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590304640
• ISBN13: 9781590304648
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Shambhala
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

A welcome and highly recommended addition to Buddhist studies and religious history shelves.

Written by Ringu Tulku, a university professor of Tibetan studies for eighteen years, The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet is a straightforward look at the life and works of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great (1813-1899), who worked tirelessly to unify and strengthen the connections between the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ri-me movement, as led by Kongtrul and several other Buddhist scholars, sought to mend interscholastic divisions among Buddhism, while at the same time carefully preserving the teachings and customs of the different lineages so that they did not become confused with one another. The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great offers a meticulous survey of the Ri-me movement including its history and philosophy, a biography of meditation master Jamgon Kontrul, and the histories, practices, and views of the major Tibetan Buddhist lineages. A welcome and highly recommended addition to Buddhist studies and religious history shelves.