The Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet [Hardcover]

Written by Ringu Tulku, a university professor of Tibetan studies for eighteen years, The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of Tibet is a straightforward look at the life and works of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great (1813-1899), who worked tirelessly to unify and strengthen the connections between the different lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Ri-me movement, as led by Kongtrul and several other Buddhist scholars, sought to mend interscholastic divisions among Buddhism, while at the same time carefully preserving the teachings and customs of the different lineages so that they did not become confused with one another. The Ri-Me Philosophy of Jamgon Kongtrul the Great offers a meticulous survey of the Ri-me movement including its history and philosophy, a biography of meditation master Jamgon Kontrul, and the histories, practices, and views of the major Tibetan Buddhist lineages. A welcome and highly recommended addition to Buddhist studies and religious history shelves.

This book is beautifully produced by Shambala Publications, and painstakingly compiled by Ringu Tulku. Clear, concise and comprehensive, it also remains somewhat terse and dry - like the detailed encyclopedic reference it was meant to be (covering all forms of Tibetan Buddhism, with special emphasis on Nyingma and Kagyu varieties). Before reading this book I was a big fan of the Rime movement (Tibet's 19th century non-sectarian attempt to break out of the dominant conservative theocratic correctness), yet I now almost get the feeling it was a gimmick centered around Jamgon Kongtrul's (JK) compulsive intellectual/collecting habit. He comes across a bit like the more recent American scientist/author Isaac Azimov - consuming and compiling everything with his vast and voracious intellectual appetite... And so I think either Kongtrul the Great was unbelievably capable or obsessed to distraction. The obsessed option is easier for me to understand. I know this is heresy, but it's the impression I sometimes get.

The first 40 pages are a biography of JK. Then follows about 100 pages (1/3rd of the book) of abbreviated history of Buddhism in Tibet, that has lots and lots of lineage holder names. Then about 40 pages of condensed essential teachings of each of the main Tibetan lineages. The next two sections are what really interest me and make this book worthwhile, if not completely essential; 40 pages of Madhyamaka subtlety (showing the compatibility of the Rangtong, Shentong and Tantra varieties), then 50 pages on "The Traditions of the Nyingma and Sarma Tantras" (old and new schools) covering commonalities and distinctions, and the very interesting criticisms and rebuttals of the Nyingma Tantras and Dzogchen teachings (clearly showing their common ground with the newer traditions, a large part of the thrust of the Rime movement it seems). Especially fascinating is the detailed correlation of Dzogchen's Thogal visions with various visions of accomplishment in the Sarma tantras.

The overall impression I get is that the Tibetan's were very earnest scholars and practitioners, (with Jamgon Kontrul being like a Polar Star amid them). Over the past 1300 years there have been very many great teachings, great lamas, great lineages and that they intermarried so to speak quite a bit and developed all the support and intrigue (and dis-function, which this text does not directly address) that a large and close family would naturally develop. It is odd (and a bit silly) there has been so much drama and conflict between these traditions since they share so many more similarities than differences (obviously competition for worldly power and influence played a large part in this). Other texts cover these histories in more detail, and other texts cover these various teachings in more detail, but this one does a good job of condensing it all into a very readable and interesting form, plus giving a taste of the kinds of arguments and responses that defined Tibetan sectarian politics... Fascinating material for a select audience, but probably best as a synopsis and refresher than as a primary source.

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