The ri-me philosophy of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great : a study of the Buddhist lineages of Tibet

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. "Jamgon Kongtrul the Great (1813-1899) is renowned for his scholarly and spiritual achievements, but also for his energetic and evenhanded efforts to unify and strengthen the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ri-me movement, led by Kongtrul and several other leading scholars, cut through interscholastic divisions that were occurring in the nineteenth century in Tibet." "This survey of the Ri-me movement includes the history and philosophy of the movement: a biography of meditation master Jamgon Kongtrul; and summaries of the major lineages' histories, practices, and views. This book is of interest to students and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism."--BOOK JACKET Explores the unifying movement led by several leading scholars in a effort to cut through interscholastic divisions and disputes that were occuring between the different lineages, providing a biography of the movement's leader, a summary of the eight lineages' practice-and-study systems, and an overview of the old and new tantras. The meaning of ri-me The biography of Kongtrul Yonten Gyatso The history of the teaching lineages that came to Tibet The history of the eight practice lineages The essential teachings of the eight practice lineages Rangtong and Shentong Madhyamaka The traditions of the Nyingma and Sarma Tantras.