|
Nitartha international publications has published Kenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche´s Presentation of Lorik and
Takrik: The Essence of the Ocean of Traditions of Logic, a seminal text on Indo-Tibetan logic and the science of mind. Below is an excerpt from the English translation of the introduction by Thrangu Rinpoche.
The Lorik and Takrik text itself is in Tibetan. A version in Tibetan of the title page, table of contents and Kenchen Thrangu Rinpoche's introduction is available.
An Excerpt from Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, Lorik and Takrik (bLo rTags)
Introduction by Kenchen Trangu Rinpoche
The Bhagavat Buddha, the perfect teacher, turned the dharma wheel of the vast sutras and the profound tantras of Secret Mantra, which cannot be properly practiced simply through blind
faith or by following the scriptures. It is said in the sutras:
Bhikshus and scholars
Should accept my words after having
examined them thoroughly,
Just as gold is melted, cut, and polished;
They should not be followed [simply] out
of respect.
The provisional meaning, definitive meaning, basis of intention, purpose, and so forth should be thoroughly examined.
 Moreover, without relying on or being influenced by anyone else, one should give rise to a precise certainty about the relative way
things appear and the profound ultimate way they exist. Such certainty is the foundation for the excellent path, which accords with [the wisdom of] the victorious ones, [and in it] the science of reasoning
is of critical importance. This arises from studying and reflecting on what are renowned in the noble [land of India] and Tibet as the Sun and Moon: the Compendium of Valid Cognition (Pramanasamuchchaya,
Tsad ma mdo kun las btus pa) by the glorious Dignaga and the Seven Treatises on Valid Cognition (Tsad ma sde bdun) by Dharmakirti. Thus, these shastras are very important.
As a means for coming to a complete understanding of the intention of these [two treatises], numerous Indian panditas and great Tibetan scholars composed new [commentaries on the
texts]. The most wonderful among these is The Ocean of Reasonings (Rigs gzhung rgya mtsho) by Chödrak Gyamtso, the seventh in the succession of Gyalwang Karmapas. The History of the Dharma: A Feast for Scholars
(Chos 'byung mkhas pa'i dga ston) relates a story about the composition of this text that can only be seen by the wisdom of great noble beings, and which is
beyond the sphere of what ordinary minds can experience. Moreover, this single commentary elucidates the meaning of [both] the Seven Treatises and the Compendium. Such a truly
wonderful [commentary] had never previously appeared in India or Tibet, so it is important for everyone to study and reflect upon it, to teach it and listen to it.
As a gateway for beginners into this especially noble shastra, Khenchen Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche of Shri Karma Nalanda Institute composed this new summary, which condenses the meaning of the treatise [
The Ocean of Reasonings]. It is easy to understand, and easy to study, and is, thus, of very great benefit. I am sincerely grateful and appreciative that the supreme tulku
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is now printing this. I ask that, in the future, those who study do not leave their understanding [on the shelf] with their texts, that they complete their studies, and
cultivate a precise certainty in their mind-streams.
Through not knowing the reasons,
having blind faith,
Not realizing the true nature, and exerting
oneself in blind meditation,
The leisures and opportunities [of this
precious human life] are wasted, and
all one's efforts are futile.
Therefore, it is important to generate certainty
based on perfect reasoning.
While giving a seminar on mahamudra in Canada, in the northern part of the world, I, the one named Thrangu Tulku, remembered the excellent qualities of these texts and wrote this. Mikyo Dorje's Madhyamakavatara
commentary |
