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Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows (Lives of the Masters) Paperback – November 12, 2019

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

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The new standard work and definitive biography of Tsongkhapa, one of the principle founders of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism--the school of the Dalai Lamas.

In this groundbreaking addition to the Lives of the Masters series, Thupten Jinpa, a scholar-practitioner and long-time translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama, offers the most comprehensive portrait available of Jé Tsongkhapa (1357–1419), one of the greatest Buddhist teachers in history. A devout monastic, Tsongkhapa took on the difficult task of locating and studying all of the Indian Buddhist classics available in Tibet in his day. He went on to synthesize this knowledge into a holistic approach to the path of awakening. In an achievement of incredible magnitude, he integrated the pivotal yet disparate Mahayana teachings on emptiness while retaining the important role of critical reason and avoiding the extreme of negating the reality of the everyday world.

Included in this volume is a discussion of Tsongkhapa’s early life and training; his emergence as a precociously intelligent Buddhist mind; the composition of his
Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Great Exposition of Tantra, and many other important works; and his founding of the Lhasa Prayer Festival and Ganden Monastery. This is a necessary resource for anyone interested in Tsongkhapa’s transformative effect on the understanding and practice of Buddhism in Tibet in his time and his continued influence today.
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Editorial Reviews

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“Geshe Dr. Thupten Jinpa deserves the highest praise for this wonderful, groundbreaking biography of one of the greatest polymath geniuses of Tibet, the spiritual science master and social innovator Tsong Khapa Losang Drakpa (1357–1419). Jinpa’s scholarship in original sources is thorough and critical, yet not begrudging; his insight into the character and genius of this remarkable individual is penetrating; and his appreciation of the complex surrounding web of historical factors, personal relationships, and enduring institutions is revelatory. He transports us imaginatively into the unique and globally relevant world of Renaissance Tibet and grants us a vivid vision of the roots of the archetypically Buddhist civilization Tibet eventually attained. No one interested in understanding Buddhism, Tibet, and a previously little-known exemplary genius of the global renaissance of the fifteenth century should miss this pioneering work.”—Robert A. F. Thurman, Jey Tsong Khapa Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhology, Columbia University
 
“In a most lively, yet highly informative and eye-opening manner, Thupten Jinpa offers us a definitive biography of one of the giants of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows will be cherished as a classic in the world of biographies of great Tibetan masters.”—Matthieu Ricard, author of Enlightened Vagabond: The Life and Teachings of Patrul Rinpoche
 
“After the Buddha, no historical figure is more frequently represented in Tibetan art than Tsongkhapa. Yet, despite his fame, for centuries he has remained a two-dimensional figure on a Tibetan thangka. Until now. Drawing on a wealth of previously unstudied materials, many dating from Tsongkhapa’s own lifetime, Thupten Jinpa transforms Tsongkhapa from a static icon into a complex and fascinating human being, his genius only heightened by his humanity.”—Donald Lopez, Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, University of Michigan
 
“This extraordinary biography of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Geluk school of Tibetan Buddhism, is a treasure house of history, as well as Tibetan thought and culture. Thupten Jinpa has made the life of this great master transparent to the contemporary reader and has brought into high relief Tsongkhapa’s great teachings that have shown through the Geluk school for so many centuries.”—Joan Halifax, author of
Being with Dying and Standing at the Edge
 
“Tsongkhapa’s extraordinary life made readable and inspiring. In these pages some of the most important roots of Tibetan Buddhism come alive, inviting our own wonder, learning, and appreciation.”—Jack Kornfield, author of
The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology
 
“As a practitioner who has been deeply touched and influenced by Tsongkhapa’s teachings, it is uplifting and comforting to read a reliable biography, not a hagiography, that portrays this remarkable teacher as a human being like us—someone who questions accepted views and seeks the truth, someone who changes their ideas and actions when presented with good reasons. Tsongkhapa was a true nonsectarian who learned from all great masters, no matter their affiliation. He was a genuine practitioner who succeeded in a challenge many of us face today: how to balance study, reflection, meditation practice, teaching, and activities that directly benefit others. He had a brilliant intellect but was humble, kind, and respectful. His open-mindedness and compassion are models for our behavior. Thupten Jinpa’s respect and reverence for Tsongkhapa shine throughout the book, especially in his brilliant translations of portions of Tsongkhapa’s texts and poetry.”—Thubten Chodron, author of
Guided Buddhist Meditations and How to Free Your Mind
 
“Thupten Jinpa draws on his rigorous Tibetan scholarly training as well as his Cambridge education to offer an unprecedently human depiction of one of the greatest figures in Tibetan Buddhist literature. In a considerable departure from Tibetan tradition, Jinpa gives us a Tsongkhapa who is not an immutable icon but rather a person who developed through effort as well as favorable life circumstances. The story unfolds by intertwining Tsongkhapa’s remarkable literary innovations with the political ups and downs that colored his life. Jinpa rightly describes his unique presentation as midway between Carlyle’s “great man” theory and Spencer’s sense of
Zeitgeist. He succeeds brilliantly in creating a truly modern biography, without diluting the rich flavor that comes from a cultural lens glowing with classic rigor and devotional regard. Everyone curious about Tibetan culture will delight in it. Scholars will make good use of the extensive notation, bibliography, and appendix.”—Anne Carolyn Klein, translator of Strand of Jewels: My Teacher’s Essential Guidance on Dzogchen by Khetsun Sangpo Rinpoche

“The ever erudite Jinpa has an unparalleled ability to simultaneously wield a plethora of primary sources, provide exposition on Tsongkhapa’s most difficult ideas, and remain attuned to the expectations of contemporary scholarship. This volume is both a well synthesized account of Tsongkhapa and, with its useful appendices and extensive bibliography, a valuable new resource for academics.”—
Buddhadharma

About the Author

THUPTEN JINPA is a former monk and holds a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where he also worked as a research fellow. Among other books, he is the author of Self, Reality and Reason in Tibetan Philosophy: Tsongkhapa's Quest for the Middle Way. Jinpa has been the principal English translator to H. H. the Dalai Lama for more than twenty-five years and has translated and edited numerous books by the Dalai Lama. Jinpa is an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Religious Studies at McGill University, Montreal, and Chairman of the Mind and Life Institute, which is dedicated to promoting dialogues and collaborations between the sciences and contemplative knowledge, especially Buddhism.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shambhala (November 12, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 552 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1611806461
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1611806465
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.61 x 1.34 x 8.47 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 143 ratings

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4.9 out of 5 stars
143 global ratings

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Customers praise the book for its erudite scholarship and profound teachings. They find the content insightful and accessible, describing it as an absolute treasure. Readers appreciate the clear writing style and pacing, finding the book approachable and well-written.

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10 customers mention "Scholarly content"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's scholarly content. They find it insightful and approachable, exploring Je Tsongkhapa's philosophical inquiry and intellectual learning. The book provides an accessible overview of a body of thought that helps readers appreciate the master, tradition, disciples, and their own humble path.

"...of Tsongkhapa’s wanderings throughout southern Tibet to delivering profound teachings in his elucidation of the main points of Tsongkhapa’s more..." Read more

"...Jinpa’s “Tsongkhapa: Buddha in the Land of Snows” deftly combines his unparalleled education, his erudite scholarship and his passion for sharing..." Read more

"...Put simply, Tsongkhapa teaches you how to study, think, and put that knowledge into action." Read more

"...in the story Tsongkhapa is said to have made major intellectual advances during visionary encounters with his meditation deity, Manjushri...." Read more

4 customers mention "Content"4 positive0 negative

Customers like the book's content and readability. They say it's good, a treasure, and written by great masters.

"...I have received invaluable dharma instruction from both of these great masters." Read more

"...of Lama Tsongkhapa’s passing and parinirvana in 2019, this book is an absolute treasure...." Read more

"...high hopes for this book which were completely surpassed both in the content and readability. Thupten Jinpa was ideally suited to write this...." Read more

"This is absolutely a masterpiece! Revelation of Je Tsongkhapa as a brilliant scholar and a true practioner...." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's pacing good. They appreciate the author's clear writing style and heartfelt approach. The book is described as an inspiring presentation of Tsongkhapa.

"...Through Dr. Jinpa’s clear writing style, one can feel his heartfelt dedication to establishing Tsongkhapa as a crucial figure in the firmament of..." Read more

"...all the religious jargons aren’t as intimidating and is very approachable to lay audience like me...." Read more

"...I gave the book five stars because the author succeeded admirably in writing the book he set out to write...." Read more

"...this book which were completely surpassed both in the content and readability. Thupten Jinpa was ideally suited to write this...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2019
    Tsongkhapa, a Buddha in the Land of Snows is Buddhist scholar Thupten Jinpa’s contribution to Shambhala Publications’ remarkable series, The Lives of the Masters, which seeks to memorialize the contributions of some of the most important thinkers in Buddhist philosophy. Tsongkhapa, who lived from 1357-1419, is considered one of the greatest Buddhist philosophers and teachers that ever lived.

    Tsongkhapa was revered by his students for his capacity to analyze many different texts on the same subject, and his ability to present a comprehensive and methodical critique of each text in an accessible way. When sitting with complex concepts, he would follow his mentor Manjushri’s exhortation that to understand Manjushri’s transmissions, he must “supplicate to the gurus and meditation deities and engage in sadhana practice, strive in the dual practice of accumulating merit and purifying negative karma, and reflect deeply on the meaning of the great treatises.” Further, Manjushri instructed, “Do not be easily satisfied, but continue with your inquiry with sustained critical reflection.”

    By following these instructions, Tsongkhapa produced some of the most important texts in Buddhist philosophy. As I was reflecting on these instructions, I was struck by the parallels in Tsongkhapa’s and Jinpa’s methodologies for elucidating the dharma. The lucidity of Tsonkhapa’s thinking is reflected in the clarity of Jinpa’s approach to laying out Tsongkhapa’s life and work for us.

    Jinpa, in his own ineffable way, has accomplished many things with this remarkable biography. He has illustrated the history of Tibet and the development of Buddhist thought in a completely new way, bringing Tsongkhapa to life as a man striving to devote himself as thoroughly as he can to the dharma, and meticulously evoking the evolution of Tsongkhapa’s thought and understanding of the dharma over the course of his lifetime. Throughout the book, Jinpa repeatedly demonstrates the effect of Tsongkhapa’s efforts on the course of Buddhist thought not only during his lifetime, but also over the course of the history of Buddhist thought and practice since his death.

    Jinpa’s writing effortlessly moves from recounting engaging stories of Tsongkhapa’s wanderings throughout southern Tibet to delivering profound teachings in his elucidation of the main points of Tsongkhapa’s more challenging texts, capturing the depth of his vision that shines through his many textual contributions to Buddhist thought. Jinpa also covers the breadth of Tsongkhapa’s accomplishments, including the establishment of the Great Prayer Festival and Ganden Monastery. At first, I thought Jinpa was simply recounting Tsongkhapa’s life, but I soon realized that I was beginning to understand Tsongkhapa’s writings and the historical context of his teachings in a completely new way.

    After reading the book, I feel I have a stronger understanding of Tsongkhapa, and a deeper appreciation of Tibetan history and the evolution of Buddhist philosophy. Within this context, Jinpa has also managed to present detailed elements of Tsongkhapa’s teachings in a way that makes me feel that by reading his book, I have received invaluable dharma instruction from both of these great masters.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2019
    This long-awaited work by Thupten Jinpa, PhD is truly wonderful. Deliberately released to coincide with worldwide celebrations of the 600th anniversary of Lama Tsongkhapa’s passing and parinirvana in 2019, this book is an absolute treasure. In seeking to present the life and legacy of Tsongkhapa in the form of a modern biography, Dr. Jinpa crafts a groundbreaking book that draws upon his deep connection to Tibetan Buddhism and extensive scholarship in order to share Tsongkhapa's life, philosophy, and major contributions to Buddhist thought and practice.

    In a talk about Tsongkhapa given in mid-2019 in San Francisco, Dr. Jinpa remarked to the audience, "You don't have to be a believer to be inspired by what (Tsongkhapa's) accomplishments are." This is precisely what Dr. Jinpa set out to achieve with this book. Jinpa wants to counteract the notion that the achievements of Tsongkhapa should only be appreciated by devout, practicing Tibetan Buddhists in the form of canonical hagiographies. In the same way that G.K. Chesterton's books on St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Francis of Assisi share the life and contributions of their subjects in a manner that transcends a Catholic (or even Christian) audience, Jinpa sets out to share the life and legacy of Tsongkhapa to an audience of non-Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists alike. In doing so, Jinpa manages to present the “human” side of this master while conveying his life trajectory and presenting a concise exposition of his philosophy. Reading at times like a travelogue that details Lama Tsongkhapa’s unrelenting efforts to learn, teach and practice, the book manages to read like the classic life story of a major historical figure.

    Like myself, I know many people practicing Tibetan Buddhists were eagerly anticipating the book's release and they will not be disappointed. Jinpa’s presentation illuminates Tsongkhapa spiritual journey in a way that will be deeply inspiring to dedicated Tibetan Buddhist students and practitioners.

    Like his other published works, Dr. Jinpa’s “Tsongkhapa: Buddha in the Land of Snows” deftly combines his unparalleled education, his erudite scholarship and his passion for sharing the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism. A former monk who holds a PhD from Cambridge, Jinpa is the principal English translator for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This unique background makes him perfectly poised to write such a groundbreaking yet authoritative work.

    Dr. Jinpa’s book is a treasure for anybody wanting to access the revolutionary philosophical contribution Tsongkhapa has given the world. Through Dr. Jinpa’s clear writing style, one can feel his heartfelt dedication to establishing Tsongkhapa as a crucial figure in the firmament of world philosophical heritage. For those who want to delve deeper into the thought of Tsongkhapa, I highly recommend Dr. Jinpa’s book “Self, Reality and Reason in Tibetan Philosophy: Tsongkhapa’s Quest for the Middle Way.”

    Congratulations to Thupten Jinpa on the release of this long-awaited book on Je Tsongkhapa. I firmly believe that the book will connect many with the wisdom legacy of Lama Tsongkhapa.
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Martin Aube
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice read
    Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2020
    A must read for tibetain buddhism
  • Dharmasteve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a well researched book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2022
    Understanding Tsongkhapa, and then reading Chandrakirti and Nagarjuna may bring you realizations that will help you.....and the others you interrelate with.
  • Lichtenfels
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr schön
    Reviewed in Germany on September 14, 2021
    Thupten Jinpa, der Übersetzer des Dalai Lama und Professor für religiöse Studien beschreibt Leben und Werk von Tsongkhapa. Tsongkhapa hat um das Jahr 1400 herum auf der Basis der zu diesem Zeitpunkt bekannten Traditionen des tibetischen Buddhismus eine große Synthese geschaffen. Diese prägte in Form der Gelukschule die folgenden Jahrhunderte. Tsongkhapa zeichnet eine hohe philosophische Folgerichtigkeit aus, er sucht Widersprüche bisheriger buddhistischer Systeme auszugleichen. Gleichzeitig ist er in hohem Maße spirituell. Im europäischen Vergleich ist sein Textwerk so konzise, geordnet und rational wie etwa das Werk von Thomas von Aquin in der katholischen Theologie. Das vorliegende Buch ist leider nichts für Anfänger. Eine solide Basis im Wissen um den tibetischen Buddhismus sollte man mitbringen, denn sonst wird vieles nicht zu verstehen sein. Das tibetische Zentrum in Hamburg bietet hierzu ein gutes dreijährige Grundstudium (gut berufsbegleitend als Fernstudium machbar). Im Anschluss daran gelesen empfinde ich das Buch als hohen Gewinn. Der Anfänger sollte wohl zunächst einfach einmal zwei, drei einfache Bücher des Dalai Lama lesen, dann dessen Harvard-Vorlesungen zum tibetischen Buddhismus ("Einführung in den Buddhismus") und dann "Der mittlere Stufenweg" von Tsongkhapa (komplex). Auch empfehle ich, aufgrund seiner Schönheit, das Buch von Gampopa : "Der kostbare Schmuck der Befreiung", denn darin ist die ganze Farbenpracht und Liebe der tibetischen Spiritualität gut vermittelt.
  • Lodhen
    5.0 out of 5 stars All About This book is...
    Reviewed in India on February 7, 2020
    Best book to know about great scholar Tsong Khapa
  • Matsoukis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
    Reviewed in Germany on March 10, 2022
    My friend enjoyed this book and said it was good and helpful.