The Treasury of Knowledge – Book 6, Part 4 Tibetan Treasures

In Tibetan religious literature, Jamgon Kongtrul`s Treasury of Knowledge in ten volumes stands out as a unique encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings.

Part Four: Systems of Buddhist Tantra is the sixth volume from the Treasury of Knowledge. The chapters cover the nature, action, and conduct of tantra; yoga tantra; the nature of the mind and body; tantric scriptures; exposition methods; and more.

Among the ten books that make up this tour de force, Book Six is by far the longest concisely summarizing the theoretical fields of knowledge to be studied prior to the cultivation of reflection and discriminative awareness. The tantric path is often referred to as the indestructible way of secret mantra, the essence of which is the union of wisdom (the understanding of emptiness) and method (immutable great bliss). This volume, Systems Of Buddhist Tantra, sets forth the various systems that constitute this path, both those of the ancient tantra tradition and of the new tradition.

The chapters cover the nature, action, and conduct of tantra; yoga tantra; the nature of the mind and body; tantric scriptures; exposition methods; and more. Extensive notes aid in the understanding of sometimes technical discourses related to yoga, scripture, states of being, and other matters. This is a superb resource for advanced Buddhist practitioners, students and scholars striving to better understand the wisdom and path to inner peace handed down through centuries. 

“Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé (1813-1899) was one of the leading scholars of the nineteenth century. He broke through sectarian constraints and achieved a deep understanding of the the different philosophical approaches in Tibet. I have no doubt that by studying Kongtrul’s works readers will be inspired to emulate his great qualities of humility, dedication, patience, and nonsectarianism. H.H. the Dalai Lama