The Treasury of Knowledge Part VII: Book Seven; Parts 1 to 2
In July of 1999 Ringu Tulku Rinpoche returned to Kagyu Samye Ling in Scotland, at the invitation of Choje Akong Rinpoche, to continue to teach Jamgön Kongtrül Lodro Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge.
For this Summer Course Rinpoche gave his seventh collection of commentary teachings. Rinpoche starts by explaining the non-sectarian approach of Rime, where the special qualities of all schools are all appreciated and respected. One needn’t practice all of them (although one can integrate them), but one respects and learns from all traditions to enrich one’s own practice, to deepen one’s understanding.
Jamgon Kongtrul wanted to collect terma treasures together, so that they weren’t lost, Jamyang Khyentse encouraged him following a premonition vision of Jamgon Kongtrul’s Five Treasuries. These would include: Kagyu Tantra Treasures; the most important and essential instructions of The Eight Practice Lineages (practiced in the Main Four schools) in 18 volumes; everything that Kongtrul wrote himself on numerous subjects (including Medicine, Astrology, Poetry, Sanskrit & Grammar); and the Treasury of Knowledge (seen as one book with three volumes of commentary).
Jamgon Kongtrul’s writing style is compact and concise; essentialising the main points for those without the time to study everything extensively in a traditional manner. View, Meditation, and Action, are discussed from all aspects of Buddhism.
Book Seven deals with Wisdom. Set out in four sections, this book emphasizes the steps of understanding/study; followed by reflection/contemplation; then meditation.
These three stages are essential for wisdom, where we look at understanding from every perspective and context, to establish deeper clarity and certainty, which then becomes our attitude in life. One needs to reflect and digest. We need to analyze and examine the teachings, rather than just believing or accepting them blindly. Otherwise our understanding may be superficial and not stable. We need to question and examine.
Now available as an English translation, thanks to the peerless translation skills of Richard Barron (Chökyi Nyima), Book Seven elucidates the various keys needed to correctly interpret, understand, and contemplate Buddhist teachings, including the secret teachings of the Vajrayana.
As always, Rinpoche answers students’ questions, during these twelve teaching sessions.
Resource Guide (external link):
https://www.shambhala.com/treasury-of-knowledge/
Snow Lion hardback covers illustrated by Chris Banigan.
