THE ORNAMENT OF REASON: The Great Commentary to Nagarjuna's Root of the Middle Way

This work contains Nagarjuna's verses on the Middle Way, accompanied by Mabja's famed commentary, the Ornament of Reason. Mabja Jangchub Tsondru (12th century) was was among the first Tibetans to rely on the works of the great Indian master Chandrakirti to interpret the texts of Nagarjuna. This is his concise yet comprehensive commentary on Nagarjuna's major work, Root of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika). Nagarjuna's lucid and fearless contemplative verses present a method of reasoning, posing a series of unasuming and penetrating investiagtions. He asks basic questions: What does it mean for something to "occur", for something to "take place?" What is meant by "going or coming?" What is an "action" and who or what might perform such an "act?" What is "confinement?" What is "freedom?"

Inspired by the Buddha's teachings on profound emptiness in the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) Sutras, Nagarjuna sets out to probe what appears to be the most fundamental facts of the world, challenging us to question even our most deeply ingrained ideas and what seem to be self-evident facts about the nature of reality.

Through Mabja's incisive Ornament of Reason we can follow Nagarjuna's clear and direct steps and the gateway to the inconceivable emerges. Both texts are presented here The Ornament of Reason has been cherished by generations of Tibetan scholar-yogis. The late Khunu Lama Tezin Gyaltsen Rinpoche, a renowned authority on the subject, often referred to this commentary as "the best there is". A visual outline of the commentary has been added that clearly shows the structure of each chapter and makes the arguments easier to follow.

"I have no doubt that readers interested in the development of the Madhayamaka view will derive great benefit from this work. I congratulate all who participated in this translation." The Dalai Lama.

"Mabja's Ornament of Reason is one of the most important Tibetan commentaries on Nagarjuna's Root of the Middle Way. It is an original work that offers interpretations of Madhyamaka philosophy that cannot be ignored by those who are intent on studying seriously this tradition." Georges Dreyfus.

"Because of its clarity and profundity, Mabja's Ornament of Reason is considered one of the greatest Tibetan commentaries on the Root of the Middle Way...Thomas Doctor's complete translation of the Ornament is truly masterful...a model for the translation of a Tibetan philosophical classic. Lucid, accessible, and yet utterly true to the original, it sets the standard for any philosophical translation undertaken in the future. No one serious about understanding Madhyamaka can afford to overlook this book. " Jose Cabezon.

ISBN : 1559393688
EAN : 9781559393683
Cover : Hardback
Pages : 600
Size : 236 x 160mm
Publisher : Snow Lion Publications
Published : 2011