Illuminating the Intent: An Exposition of Candrakirti's Entering the Middle Way

by Thupten Jinpa

Overview

The Dalai Lama’s translator and author of the definitive biography of Tsongkhapa here presents the first translation of one of that master’s seminal and best-known works.

This work is perhaps the most influential explanation of Candrakirti’s seventh-century classic Entering the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara). Written as a supplement to Nagarjuna’s Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way, Candrakirti’s text integrates the central insight of Nagarjuna’s thought—the rejection of any metaphysical notion of intrinsic existence—with the well-known Mahayana framework of the ten levels of the bodhisattva, and it became the most studied presentation of Madhyamaka thought in Tibet.

Completed the year before the author’s death, Tsongkhapa’s exposition of Candrakirti’s text is recognized by the Tibetan tradition as the final standpoint of Tsongkhapa on many philosophical questions, particularly the clear distinctions it draws between the standpoints of the Madhyamaka and Cittamatra schools. Written in exemplary Tibetan, Tsongkhapa’s work presents a wonderful marriage of rigorous Madhyamaka philosophical analysis with a detailed and subtle account of the progressively advancing mental states and spiritual maturity realized by sincere Madhyamaka practitioners. The work remains the principal textbook for the study of Indian Madhyamaka philosophy in many Tibetan monastic colleges, and it is a principal source for many Tibetan teachers seeking to convey the intricacies of Madhyamaka philosophy to non-Tibetan audiences.

Though it is often cited and well known, this is the first full translation of this key work in a Western language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614297307
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	04/20/2021
Series:	Library of Tibetan Classics , #19
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	720
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Thupten Jinpa was educated in the classical Tibetan monastic academia and received the highest academic degree of geshe lharam (equivalent to a doctorate in divinity). Jinpa also holds a BA in philosophy and a PhD in religious studies, both from the University of Cambridge, England. Since 1985 he has been the principal translator to the Dalai Lama, accompanying him to the United States, Canada, and Europe. He has translated and edited many books by the Dalai Lama, including The World of Tibetan Buddhism, Essence of the Heart Sutra, and the New York Times bestseller Ethics for the New Millennium.

Jinpa has published scholarly articles on various aspects of Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and philosophy, and books such as Songs of Spiritual Experience (co-authored) and Self, Reality and Reason in Tibetan Philosophy. He serves on the advisory board of numerous educational and cultural organizations in North America, Europe, and India. He is currently the president and the general series editor of the Institute of Tibetan Classics, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to translating key Tibetan classics into contemporary languages. And he also currently chairs the Mind & Life Institute and Compassion Institute.

Editorial Reviews

"I always look forward to reading any translation that Thupten Jinpa brings to publication. Not only does he have a masterful way of rendering a Tibetan text into very clear English, he brings to it a clear understanding of the meaning of the text that is derived from his broad education. His presentation is also enhanced by his rich cross-cultural experience. It is significant that he brings these qualifications to the first complete translation of Illuminating the Intent, pivotal text in the Tibetan tradition, for the reader can now definitely, as he says, 'engage with the text in an efficient and comprehensive manner.'"

Joshua W.C. Cutler

Tsongkhapa is without a doubt the most important and influential philosopher Tibet has ever produced, and Illuminating the Intent is without a doubt his most important and influential treatise Thupten Jinpa renders Tsongkhapa’s precise philosophical Tibetan in crystal-clear philosophical English, supplemented by erudite notes and explanations. This volume is indispensable for understanding Tsongkhapa’s philosophical contributions."

Jay Garfield

In his superb translation of Illuminating the Intent, Thupten Jinpa maintains a balance between scholarship and readability to authentically convey Tsongkhapa’s final understanding of the convergence of reality, compassion, and practice.”

Gareth Sparham

Illuminating the Intent represents Tsongkhapa’s final perspective on Madhyamaka philosophy, held in high esteem in the Tibetan monastic curriculum. Thupten Jinpa, as a Lharampa geshé, is a product of this curriculum, as well as being a broadminded and erudite scholar and translator . . . I cannot think of a more suitable person to take on the task of translating this work.

Gavin Kilty

Illuminating the Intent is Tsongkhapa’s renowned commentary on Candrakirti’s Entering the Middle Way, the foundational text for the study of Madhyamaka in Tibet. Composed in 1418, it is Tsongkhapa’s last exposition of Madhyamaka. Here he sets forth the meaning of emptiness in the context of the practice of the bodhisattva, delineating each of the ten perfections along the path. Once again, we have Thupten Jinpa to thank for a masterful translation of a Buddhist classic.

Donald Lopez

Illuminating the Intent is a tremendous accomplishment. Thupten Jinpa has given us a lucid and eloquent translation of a monumental work of Buddhist philosophy, representing Tsongkhapa’s final word on the Middle Way. His scholarly precision and accessible language, along with his well-written introduction to Tsongkhapa’s Madhyamaka and helpful glossary of key terminology, open this crucial resource to a broad audience. This will be the go-to wellspring for scholars and general audiences alike.

Kevin Vose

This exceptional work is the eloquent culmination of Tsongkhapa’s rigorous efforts as a scholar and yogi, written when his analysis of the profound view was complete. Thupten Jinpa has been steeped in the Geluk tradition since childhood, and his assiduous study, reflection, and debate ultimately earned him a geshé lharampa degree. His Cambridge education, decades of interpreting for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, engagement with contemporary academics, and rich experience of translating Tibetan Buddhist literature have made him singularly well placed to present a scintillating rendering of Illuminating the Intent in English. Countless grateful readers will rejoice at his gift.

Jeremy Russell

Thupten Jinpa’s succinct introduction provides a wealth of information on the central issues raised in this important Tibetan commentary on the stages of the bodhisattva path. His skillful translation makes even Tsongkhapa’s lengthy treatment of the complexities of understanding emptiness clear and accessible.

Karen Lang

"In Illuminating the Intent: An Exposition of Candrakirti’s “Entering the Middle Way,” Thupten Jinpa brings to bear his lifetime of experience and the unmatched translations skills of textual precision, clarity, and confidence in meticulously transmitting the great stylistic elegance, methodological rigor, and the deep Prasaṅgika insights of Tsongkhapa in a way no other work before it has succeeded."

Sonam Thakchoe

Jé Tsongkhapa’s Illuminating the Intent presents the enlightened meaning of Nagarjuna, Buddhapalita, Candrakirti, and Santideva, who clarify Lord Buddha’s teachings on selflessness. It is famed for its clarity and for the depth of its decisive analysis of the difficult points of the view of emptiness. Geshe Thupten Jinpa has admirably applied his own years of study and thought to bring this precious work to English-speaking readers.

His Eminence Ling Rinpoché