In Praise of Dharmadhatu: Nagarjuna and Rangjung Dorje on Buddha Nature

This publication is an Intermediate Level Nitartha book. Description Nagarjuna is famous in the West for his works not only on Madhyamaka but his poetic collection of praises, headed by In Praise of Dharmadhatu. This book explores the scope, contents, and significance of Nagarjuna's scriptural legacy in India and Tibet, focusing primarily on the title work. The translation of Nagarjuna's hymn to Buddha nature—here called dharmadhatu—shows how buddha nature is temporarily obscured by adventitious stains in ordinary sentient beings gradually uncovered through the path of bodhisattvas and finally revealed in full bloom as buddhahood. These themes are explored at a deeper level through a Buddhist history of mind's luminous nature and a translation of the text's earliest and most extensive commentary by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339), supplemented by relevant excerpts from all other available commentaries. The book also provides an overview of the Third Karmapa's basic outlook, based on seven of his major texts. He is widely renowned as one of the major proponents of the shentong (other-empty) view. However, as this book demonstrates, this often problematic and misunderstood label needs to be replaced by a more nuanced approach which acknowledges the Karmapa's very finely tuned synthesis of the two great traditions of Indian mahayana Buddhism, Madhyamaka and Yogacara. These two, his distinct positions on Buddha nature, and the transformation of consciousness into enlightened wisdom also serve as the fundamental view for the entire vajrayana as it is understood and practiced in the Kagyu tradition to the present day. Review "Karl Brunnhölzl has done an excellent job of researching and translating this text and providing further material for reflection on the text's key topics. This book will serve as a great resource for those who wish to explore the teachings on buddha nature."—Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, author of Mind Beyond Death and Wild Awakening "In Praise of Dharmadhatu is a wonderful book that bridges the apparent divide between the key Mahayana teachings of emptiness and buddha nature using the words of Nagarjuna and the profound explanations of Rangjung Dorje, the Third Karmapa. Nagarjuna's text and Rangjung Dorje's commentary are beautifully translated and annotated by Karl Brunnhölzl, who also provides extensive background material on Nagarjuna and his writings, the Third Karmapa and his writings, and the main topics covered in the texts. Brunnhölzl's presentation is both scholarly and experiential, with flashes of humor that leaven the mix."—Andy Karr, author Contemplating Reality "Dr. Brunnhölzl's In Praise of the Dharmadhatu is an important work. His translations of Nagarjuna's text and Karmapa Rangjung Dorje's commentary are both clear and elegant, and his introduction is masterful. Joining the understandings of buddha nature and emptiness, it is a fitting complement to his Center of the Sunlit Sky. Scholars will encounter Nagarjuna's broader range of exposition. Students of vajrayana Buddhism will gain a greater appreciation of the view in which they practice. Highly recommended."—Scott Wellenbach, codirector of the Nitartha Institute About the Author Nagarjuna, the South Indian Buddhist master who lived six hundred years after the Buddha, is undoubtedly the most important, influential, and widely studied Mahayana Buddhist philosopher. From the Back Cover This book is primarily about buddha nature--called dharmadhatu here--the potential in all living beings to awaken to their mind's primordial true nature, thus freeing themselves and others from suffering. The great Buddhist master Nagarjuna shows how buddha nature exists in all beings, is temporarily obscured, and can be revealed in its full bloom. The emphasis is on the actual experience of mind's vivid wakefulness. The themes of this text are brought to a deeper level by the inclusion of a translation of its earliest, most extensive commentary by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339). His distinct positions on buddha nature and the transformation of consciousness into enlightened wisdom also serve as the fundamental view for the entire vajrayana as understood and practiced in the Kagyu tradition to the present day. Nagarjuna, the South Indian Buddhist Master who lived six hundred years after the Buddha, is undoubtedly the most important, influential, and widely studied Mahayana Buddhist philosopher. The Third Karmapa (1284-1339) was a renowned Buddhist master, teacher, and writer. About the Author Karl Brunnhölzl, MD, PhD, was originally trained as a physician. He received his systematic training in Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Marpa Institute for Translators, founded by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, as well as the Nitartha Institute, founded by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. Since 1989 he has been a translator and interpreter from Tibetan and English. Karlis is a senior teacher and translator in the Nalandabodhi community of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, as well as at the Nitartha Institute. He lives in Munich and is the author and translator of numerous texts, including A Lullaby to Awaken the Heart: The Aspiration Prayer of Samantabhadra and Its Tibetan Commentaries and Luminous Melodies: Essential Dohas of Indian Mahamudra.