The Ornament of Clear Realization: A Commentary on the Prajnaparamita of the Maitreya Buddha (Skt. Abhisamayalankara-prajnaparamita-upadesha-shastra)

Book Title: The Ornament of Clear Realization
Author: Thrangu Rinpoche
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Language: English
Edition: 2001
ISBN: 9788170307181
Pages: 165
Cover: Paperback
Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm
Weight: 180 gm

About the Book

The Ornament of Clear Realization is a detailed commentary by Ven. Thrangu Rinpoche Geshe Lharampa on the Prajnaparamita teachings, focusing on the Abhisamaya-lankara, which summarizes the vast Prajnaparamita text of 100,000 verses. This text, along with its shorter versions of 25,000 and 8,000 verses, was transmitted by the great tantric practitioner Nagarjuna in the first century A.D. The Ornament of Clear Realization comprises 80 distinct points, each representing a crucial aspect of the Prajnaparamita teachings. These points are memorized in Tibetan monastic colleges and are integral to the Buddhist education system, providing a foundation for understanding key aspects of Mahayana philosophy.

The book offers a comprehensive study of the teachings of Maitreya Buddha, transmitted through Asanga, his disciple, who spent twelve years meditating on Maitreya’s teachings and received five important shastras, one of which is the Abhisamaya-lankara. The book introduces readers to the fundamental Buddhist concepts of emptiness and selflessness that form the core of the Mahayana path, including the nature of Buddha-nature, the relationship between wisdom and compassion, and the Middle-way teachings. This text is essential for those interested in the study of the Mahayana Buddhist path and the teachings of Maitreya Buddha.

Thrangu Rinpoche's commentary on this text is highly regarded for its clarity and depth, bridging the gap between the ancient teachings of Buddhism and modern-day students. The book is not only a key resource for advanced students of Tibetan Buddhism but also for anyone interested in the profound wisdom of the Prajnaparamita teachings and their application in the path to enlightenment.

About the Author

Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher and scholar. He is a leading authority on the teachings of the Mahayana tradition and has taught extensively on various texts, including those of Maitreya Buddha. Rinpoche's teachings have been instrumental in transmitting Tibetan Buddhist wisdom to Western audiences, and his commentaries on key texts are widely respected for their insight and precision. He has received numerous transmissions from great Buddhist masters and continues to inspire practitioners around the world with his deep understanding of the Dharma.

Conclusion

The Ornament of Clear Realization is a highly valuable text for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the Mahayana teachings and the Prajnaparamita tradition. Through his careful commentary, Thrangu Rinpoche provides profound insights into the nature of wisdom, compassion, and emptiness, key concepts in the journey toward enlightenment. This book is a must-read for students of Tibetan Buddhism and those wishing to engage more fully with the philosophical underpinnings of the Mahayana path.