Buddhist Psychology and Phenomenology

Eight compelling Tibetan texts uncover the depth of Buddhist phenomenology and psychology in the footsteps of the revered fourth-century Indian philosopher Asanga.

This newest volume in the Library of Tibetan Classics series is a collection of Tibetan commentaries on Buddhist phenomenology and psychology in the tradition set forth by the pathbreaking Indian philosopher Asanga in his seminal work, Compendium of Abhidharma (Abhidharmasamuccaya). With works ranging from the fourteenth to the mid-nineteenth centuries, the first was composed by the Sakya scholar Rendawa, and the remainder were composed by Geluk scholars, including three works by the lineage founder Je Tsongkhapa and others by Yongzin Yeshe Gyaltsen and Balmang Konchok Gyaltsen.

The first two works here focus on Buddhist phenomenology, explaining Asanga’s Compendium of Abhidharma and summarizing its essential points; a lucid translation of Asanga’s groundbreaking text is interspersed with the commentary. The third and fourth works are centered on the Yogacara theory of the eight consciousnesses: foundation consciousness, the afflicted mental faculty, and the six engaged consciousnesses. The fifth work explains the phenomenology of the form and formless realms. The final three texts concern Buddhist psychology and focus on the structure and function of the mind and mental factors.

This is a landmark translation for the study of how we perceive phenomena and how to understand the mind and mental factors in our pursuit of awakening.

General Editor’s Preface

Translator’s Introduction

Technical Note

1. Jewel Garland of Excellent Explanation

Rendawa Shonu Lodro (1349–1412)

2. Commentary that Captivates the Minds of Scholars

Panchen Sonam Drakpa (1478–1544)

3. Root Verses on the Mental Faculty and Foundation Consciousness

Je Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa (1357–1419)

4. Extensive Commentary on the Difficult Points of the Mental Faculty and Foundation Consciousness

Je Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa (1357-1419)

5. Notes on the Absorption and Formless States

Je Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa (1357-1419)

6. Jewel Garland of Concise Verses Explaining the System of Minds and Mental Factors

Yongzin Yeshe Gyaltsen (1713–93)

7. Necklace of Clear Awareness that Clearly Demonstrates the System of Minds and Mental Factors

Yongzin Yeshe Gyaltsen (1713–93)

8. Mirror Clarifying One’s Mindstream Explaining Some Principles of Minds and Mental Factors

Balmang Konchok Gyaltsen (1764–1853)

Table of Tibetan Transliteration

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

About the Contributors