The Sun of Wisdom: Teachings on the Noble Nagarjuna's Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way

Rating:
Summary: Emptiness made easy
Review: Khenpo Tsultrim Gyatso's explanations make this classic text accessible. Using clear logics and examples applicable to modern life, the author shows why every sort of belief in solidity just can't hold up. He also shows why this does not mean dwelling in nihilism or blank nothingness. Various contemplations on emptiness effectively challenge the reader to undertake a penetrating look at reality which undercuts closely held preconceptions such as the belief in a self not only intellectually but in a fundamental way that changes one's operational approach to life! The author also includes commentary on the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa's direct realization of emptiness and genuine reality for a potent mix with the examinations of Nagarjuna. Where I previously avoided study of this material (I thought it too hard to make sense of alone) I find myself returning again and again to its examination of all things we ordinarily take as real. (Also a superb translation into English by a practitioner/translator.) Highest recommendation!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent, Accessible and Inspiring Intro to Emptiness
Review: Perhaps the most fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism is 'emptiness', and it was expounded by the 2nd century Indian saint and philosopher Nagarjuna. Unfortunately for most, Nagarjuna's writings, though essential, are very difficult for a beginner. Since it is an understanding (and then direct perception) of emptiness which liberates one from suffering, it is crucial that Nagarjuna's writings be explained by a qualified teacher, one who has both studied extensively, and put the teachings into practice, achieving realizations him/herself.

This is the place of this excellent little book. In each very short and readable chapter, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso takes on one chapter from Nagarjuna's most important work, "Mulamadhyamakakarika" (Root Stanzas on the Middle Way). He picks out individual stanzas from the chapter -- just a few -- and explains them in simple, easy to understand English.

Of course, while the English is easy to understand, the teachings are profound -- most fundamentally, that nothing, not one single thing, exists in a "real" or "inherent" or "independent" way.

Yet having negated the possibility of inherent existence (often called absolutism or essentialism), one must also avoid the other extreme of nihilism. It is not that there is just nothing at all. Appearances do arise, and we can touch, see, hear, think, taste and smell things. Nevertheless, this is not enough to prove real existence. All phenomenal appearances are like a dream, or a moon reflected on water. As the Diamond Sutra states, "One who perceives the illusory nature of things, recognizes the Tathagatha (Buddha)."

With this kind of logic (but in a much more eloquent way, befitting the Khenpo's great experience and wisdom), the fundamental doctrine of emptiness is explained. Moreover, emptiness and Madhyamaka philosophy are related to the practice of Mahamudra (the Great Seal) and the writings of Milarepa (one of the greatest Tibetan yogis, who is recognized by all Tibetans to have achieved buddhahood in one lifetime). So one is getting a lot in this small package.

These writings will most likely give you a lot to think about, and must be contemplated and meditated on. After that, one might turn to some of the original texts, such as Nagarjuna's, or else Chandrakirti's "Introduction to the Middle Way", which is an entry into Nagarjuna.

Good luck!