The Jewel Ornament of Liberation (Clear Light Series) (Paperback)

by sGam.po.pa (Author), Herbert V. Guenther (Translator) "GENERALLY SPEAKING: the whole of reality is subsumed under the duality of Samsara and Nirvana..." (more)
Key Phrases: Noble Doctrine, Wish-Fulfilling Gem, Victorious One (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this skillful translation, Herbert Guenther offers English-speaking readers sGam.po.pa's comprehensive and authoritative exposition of the stages of the Buddhist path. A masterly survey of Tibetan Buddhism, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation explains how an enlightened attitude is strengthened by practicing the six perfections (generosity, discipline, patience, exertion, meditation, and knowledge) and offers a concise presentation of Buddhism as a living experience.

As Chogyam Trungpa writes in his foreword: "It is in the flow of karma that this book materialized in 1959 on the very eve of the destruction of the spiritual land of Tibet. Professor Guenther was instrumental in making available the only commentary and guide in English to the bodhisattva tradition of Tibet, Japan, and China. The book remains the classic text of all Buddhists."

Language Notes
Text: English, Tibetan (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Shambhala (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570626146
• ISBN-13: 978-1570626142
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #834,880 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 8, 2000

By A Customer

This is an excellent book presenting the stages of the Mahayana path to all those interested in Buddhism. Written in the 1100's by Gampopa, a great Kagyu scholar, it is invaluable to all beginners and especially to those on the path. This book never gets old, and you can always use it as you proceed on the path. A wonderful achievement in spiritual literature, and a great gift to the English reader who does not have the ability to read the original Tibetan text.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Text, May 12, 2007

By	John S. Baker "Chela 01" (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a 1958 translation of a classic basic text for Tibetan Buddhist students. I have owned the text before and studied it. It is humbling to 'review' a classic.

This text presents the Mahayana approach with a few references to tantric elements. I use it to review ideas I need to refresh in my mind. The approach is to study the text, think about it and then meditate on what you have read. This is a source book for those persons beginning the approach to Tibetan Buddhism. I find it inexhaustible.

The author, Gampopa, was a disciple of Milarepa and Gampopa's disciples started one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the standard ways to study the path leading to tantra. It is best, of course, to have a teacher or spiritual friend, to use the standard term.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for a Study Group..., November 25, 2000

By	Neal J. King (Munich, Germany) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An authoritative, if somewhat dry, presentation of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition from a Tibetan perspective. I have instigated the use of this book in a study group setting, in which people agreed to read a particular chapter and topic ahead of time. It was very useful in giving people an opportunity to bring their understanding and misunderstandings to the surface, to be clarified (or at least narrowed!) by discussion with others.