Parts One and Two: Indo-Tibetan Classical Learning and Buddhist Phenomenology is the sixth volume from the Treasury of Knowledge summarizing the theoretical fields of knowledge to be studied prior to the cultivation of reflection and discriminative awareness. In Tibetan religious literature, Jamgon Kongtrul`s Treasury of Knowledge in ten volumes stands out as a unique encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings.
Among the ten books that make up this tour de force, Book Six is by far the longest concisely summarizing the theoretical fields of knowledge to be studied prior to the cultivation of reflection and discriminative awareness. The first two parts of Book Six, contained in this volume, respectively concern Indo-Tibetan classical learning and Buddhist phenomenology.
The former analyzes the traditional subjects of phonology and Sanskrit grammar, logic, fine art, and medicine, along with astrology, poetics, prosody, synonymics, and dramaturgy. The principal non-Buddhist philosophical systems of ancient India are then summarized and contrasted with the hierarchical meditative concentrations and formless absorptions through which the summit of cyclic existence can genuinely be attained.
Part Two examines the phenomenological structures of Abhidharma – the shared inheritance of all Buddhist traditions from three distinct perspectives, corresponding to the three successive turnings of the doctrinal wheel.
"Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Tayé was one of the leading scholars of the nineteenth century. He broke through sectarian constraints and achieved a deep understanding of the the different philosophical approaches in Tibet. I have no doubt that by studying Kongtrul's works readers will be inspired to emulate his great qualities of humility, dedication, patience, and nonsectarianism." H.H. the Dalai Lama
