Jamgon Mipham (1846–1914)

A monumental work and Indian Buddhist classic, the Ornament of the Mahāyāna Sūtras (Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra) is a precious resource for students wishing to study in-depth the philosophy and path of Mahāyāna Buddhism. This full translation and commentary outlines the importance of Mahāyāna, the centrality of bodhicitta or the mind of awakening, the path of becoming a bodhisattva, and how one can save beings from suffering through skillful means.

This definitive composition of Mahāyāna teachings was imparted in the fourth century by Maitreya to the famous adept Asanga, one of the most prolific writers of Buddhist treatises in history. Asanga’s work, which is among the famous Five Treatises of Maitreya, has been studied, commented upon, and taught by Buddhists throughout Asia ever since it was composed.

In the early twentieth century, one of Tibet’s greatest scholars and saints, Jamgön Mipham, wrote A Feast of the Nectar of the Supreme Vehicle, which is a detailed explanation of every verse. This commentary has since been used as the primary blueprint for Tibetan Buddhists to illuminate the depth and brilliance of Maitreya’s pith teachings. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided yet another accessible and eloquent translation, ensuring that English-speaking students of Mahāyāna will be able to study this foundational Buddhist text for generations to come.… (more)

My one book on a deserted island. Never has a scripture been so well rendered and supported, from the topical chart to the Tibetan-English-Sanskrit glossary. The Dharmachakra team didn't rush into this work - it had already been pioneered by others.

The Madhyantavibhaga is perhaps the most practical of Maitreya's five works. It is very profound and needs to be read with a fine tooth comb. Fortuitously, the publication includes two crucial commentaries by renowned Tibetan masters. This is compulsory reading for anyone serious about understanding the means of yogacara in the Mahayana path. We are very blessed to have these writing. You can mark the day you open its first page as the beginning of your ascension.… (more)