Voices from Larung Gar: Shaping Tibetan Buddhism for the Twenty-First Century

by Holly Gayley (Editor), Jigme Phuntsok (Contribution by), Khenpo Sodargye (Contribution by), Tsultrim Lodro (Contribution by)

Overview

A collection of new voices from Tibet—at celebrated Larung Gar—with innovative reflections on how Buddhism can meet the challenges of our times.

Voices from Larung Gar is the first collection of talks and writings by the leading voices of Larung Gar, the largest Buddhist institution on the Tibetan plateau. The book offers a compelling vision for Buddhism in the twenty-first century by some of the most erudite, creative, and influential Tibetan Buddhist luminaries today. In everyday language, these leaders delve into an array of contemporary issues, including science, ethics, gender equity, and animal welfare.

This collection features contributions from a range of prominent figures who are forging dynamic, modern paths forward for an ancient tradition. Included are the internationally renowned Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, founder of Larung Gar, his distinguished successors Khenpos Sodargye and Tsultrim Lodro, and erudite nuns holding the scholarly title Khenmo, who are becoming known for their impressive publishing projects. Larung Gar is thus one of Tibetan Buddhism's most vital communities, actively balancing cultural preservation and innovation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611808940
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

HOLLY GAYLEY, Associate Professor of Buddhist Studies, is a scholar and translator of contemporary Buddhist literature in Tibet. She is author of Love Letters from Golok: A Tantric Couple in Modern Tibet, co-editor of A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rime Masters of Tibet, and translator of Inseparable Across Lifetimes: The Lives and Love Letters of Namtrul Rinpoche and Khandro Tāre Lhamo.

Table of Contents

Editor's Preface ix

Editor's Introduction xi

1 The Serta Speech The Tenth Panchen Lama, Chokyi Gyaltsen: Translated Antonio Terrone 3

2 Heart Advice for the Twenty-First Century Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok: Translated Holly Gayley 17

3 A Spontaneous Song of Victory Khenpo Sodargye on Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok and Mipham Rinpoche: Translated Pema Jamyang 37

4 The Unity of Religion and Tibetan Culture Metrul Tenzin Gyatso: Translated Jann Ronis 109

5 A Case for Animal Compassion Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro: Translated Geoffrey Barstow 125

6 Tibetan Buddhism and the New Science of Rebirth Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro: Translated Michael R. Sheehy 135

7 Answers to Questions on Madhyamaka Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro: Translated Douglas Duckworth 155

8 Liberating Lives Khenpo Sodargye and Khenpo Sherab Zangpo: Translated Catherine Hardie 175

9 The Future of Tibetan Women Khenmo Rigzin Chodron: Translated Padma 'tsho 209

10 Lessons from Buddhist Foremothers The Editors of the Arya Tare Book Series: Translated Padma 'tsho Sarah H. Jacoby 219

Notes 235

Bibliography 257

List of Contributors 271

Index 275

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2021

Gayley (Love Letter from Golok), religious studies professor at the University of Colorado, brings together writings from the Tibetan Buddhist Larung Gar academy that offer compassionate and progressive perspectives on social, ethical, and political issues confronting Buddhists. In an essay about preserving Tibetan culture, Larung Gar founder Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok advocates maintaining a good heart and intent, and concern for other beings. Chökyi Gyaltsen, the 10th Panchen Lama, discusses the ubiquitous sins of telling lies and using divisive speech, and the need to embrace morality. Khenpo Tsultrim Lodrö writes about eliminating cruelty toward animals and the virtues of vegetarianism. In another essay, Lodrö weighs in on modern science’s role in the debate about Buddhist concepts of rebirth and reincarnation, arguing scientific attempts to disprove them have been inconclusive. Nun Khenmo Rigzin Chödrön considers the importance of women’s rights in education and women’s need for more financial independence. Gayley’s lengthy introductions situate each essay within Buddhist academic study and provide plentiful references for further reading. Buddhist readers will be lifted by the unquestioned optimism for human achievement and potential in the future in Larung Gar teachings. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Buddhist readers will be lifted by the unquestioned optimism for human achievement and potential in the future in Larung Gar teachings.”—Publishers Weekly

“I am deeply honoured and grateful for the opportunity to remark on the writings of the eminent teachers of Larung Gar, especially the heart sons of the great and formidable Kyabje Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche. My observations of both Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro and Khenpo Sodargye over the years have turned gradually to admiration and then to real veneration. Their ‘walk the talk’ approach to the dharma they teach gives great hope to all followers of the Buddhadharma. And so, I want to express my joy that having their words now in printed form will provide at least a glimpse of the unfathomable and infinite activity of these great teachers from Larung Gar.”—Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, author of The Guru Drinks Bourbon?

“Voices from Larung Gar is a groundbreaking volume that brings much-needed focus to one of the most important Buddhist institutions in the world. It provides depth and detail about this monastic academy and contemporary Buddhism in Tibet more generally. This volume also adds nuance to the larger question of how Buddhists interlace tradition and innovation in areas like gender equality, animal welfare, philosophy, and ethics.”—David McMahan, author of The Making of Buddhist Modernism and editor of Meditation, Buddhism, and Science

“This anthology gives voice to the amazing leaders of the most dynamic Tibetan Buddhist institution of the last century. It illustrates vividly the remarkable ways in which Larung Gar monks and nuns are engaging modern social issues while remaining deeply grounded in their beloved Buddhist traditions.”—David Germano, Executive Director of the Contemplative Sciences Center at the University of Virginia

“Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche was a remarkable master, the Buddha of Tibet in our time. Some of his disciples are among the most highly revered spiritual leaders in Asia. This is a blessed book that can be used for reading as well as a sacred object on one’s altar.”—Anam Thubten, founder and spiritual advisor to Dharmata Foundation and author of Choosing Compassion

From the Publisher