Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa's JEWEL ORNAMENT OF LIBERATION [Paperback]

Ringu Tulku (Author), Matthieu Ricard (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 11, 2003

The Jewel Ornament of Liberation is regarded by all Tibetan Buddhist schools as one of the most inspiring and comprehensive works of the tradition. Written by Gampopa (born 1079 CE), the main spiritual son of the great hermit Milarepa, this important text lays out the stages of the Buddhist path and explains how an enlightened attitude is strengthened by practicing the six perfections of generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation, and knowledge.

For the first time, this sometimes difficult text is made accessible to Western readers in a clear and engaging commentary. Tibetan teacher Ringu Tulku explores this classic work of Buddhist practice and philosophy with the playful and fresh style that has made him so popular among students of Buddhism. Using folksy examples and anecdotes, he brings this text to life, discussing topics such as:


   •  seeing through the illusions that cause us to suffer
   •  advice on acting with kindness, generosity, and patience
   •  instructions on how to put others first
   •  guidance for attaining peace and lasting compassion

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, written by a physician-turned-monk named Gampopa in the 11th century, is one of the most important texts in Tibetan Buddhism. In the early 1990s, Ringu Tulku, a professor of Tibetan studies and director of numerous meditation centers, gave a series of introductory talks on Gampopa's work, which were transcribed into this book. Tulku outlines the six factors Gampopa says are necessary to escape samsara (suffering) and realize nirvana: the cause (buddha nature is inherent in everyone), the basis (human life is especially conducive to attaining enlightenment), the condition (finding a "spiritual friend" or teacher to guide one to nirvana), the method (the spiritual friend's instructions), the result (the state of buddhahood) and the activity (the compassionate and wise actions of a buddha). He then devotes a chapter to each of these topics. Tulku relies heavily on Gampopa's Jewel, yet rarely quotes the original text; the result, especially in the early chapters, is a confused blend of Tulku's own teaching and his irritating fondness for categorizing and subcategorizing Gampopa's ideas. Readers already familiar with Gampopa's teachings may find this inspiring; novices will find it reads more like a scholarly abstract. In later sections, however, Tulku's own voice becomes prominent, which proves to be much more compelling. His lengthy and penetrating discussion of the six paramitas (generosity, ethics, forbearance, diligence, meditation and wisdom) is especially engaging, and leaves one wishing Tulku had allowed his own voice to permeate the entire work.
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Review

"Compelling. His lengthy and penetrating discussion of the six paramitas (generosity, ethics, forbearance, diligence, meditation and wisdom) is especially engaging."—Publishers Weekly

"Based on The Jewel Ornament of Liberation , Gampopa's classic text, Path to Buddhahood presents a remarkably clear overview of the Buddhist path. With engaging directness, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche guides the reader to an essential understanding of the major philosophical and contemplative practices that constitute the heart of the Buddhist path. A wonderful contribution to the literature of dharma in the West!"—Dzogchen Ponlop, author of Wild Awakening

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (November 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590300122
• ISBN-13: 978-1590300121
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #555,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Surprise, August 18, 2004

By 

S. Plowright (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa's JEWEL ORNAMENT OF LIBERATION (Paperback)

I was in two minds about buying this one, expecting a dry treatise on a difficult text. I am glad I took the risk.

Ringu Tulku puts the subtleties and pitfalls of meditation into clear language, although I suspect much of it may seem obscure to those inexperienced in meditation. For those new to meditation, I would recommend reading Chogyam Trungpa's "Cutting through Spiritual Materialism" first, and finding a good teacher.

For the more experienced, Ringu Tulku sheds some much needed light on the many subtle sources of self deception. He is not only very readable, and even jocular at times, but he has a real knack for getting straight to the heart of the issue.

I would heartily recommend this book for anyone interested in better understanding their meditation practice, and in getting a helping hand over the obstacles.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Path to Buddhahood, by Ringu Tulku, July 7, 2010

By 

Jangchup Datso - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa's JEWEL ORNAMENT OF LIBERATION (Paperback)

Path to Buddhahood, by Ringu Tulku, clearly illuminates the Buddhist view, path and fruition from both an intellectual and an experiential point of view. The book speaks to practitioners of any lineage or level of practice. I found that it wonderfully clarified many old misunderstandings and gaps in my understanding of Buddhist teachings and practice. Includes many illustrative stories. Beautifully written in layperson's language, with a light touch and gentle humour.

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