Difference between revisions of "Seventeen tantras explained"
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| − | In [[Tibetan Buddhism]], specifically in the literature and practice of [[Dzogchen]], the [[seventeen tantras]] of the [[esoteric instruction cycle]] are a collection of [[tantras]] belonging to the textual division known as the "[[esoteric instruction cycle]]" (also known variously as: [[Nyingtik]], [[Upadesha]] or [[Menngagde]]). | + | In [[Tibetan Buddhism]], specifically in the {{Wiki|literature}} and practice of [[Dzogchen]], the [[seventeen tantras]] of the [[esoteric instruction cycle]] are a collection of [[tantras]] belonging to the textual [[division]] known as the "[[esoteric instruction cycle]]" (also known variously as: [[Nyingtik]], [[Upadesha]] or [[Menngagde]]). |
| − | ==History and tradition== | + | ==History and [[tradition]]== |
| − | [[The seventeen tantras]], though not traditionally classified as a treasure, nonetheless share in the [[treasure tradition]]. They are associated with sacred literature first transmitted in the human realm by the quasi-historical [[Garab Dorje]] (Fl. 55 CE) and passed according to tradition along with other tantras through various lineages of transmission by way of important [[Dzogchen]] figures such as [[Mañjuśrīmitra]], [[Shri Singha]], [[Padmasambhava]], [[Jnanasutra]] and [[Vimalamitra]]. | + | [[The seventeen tantras]], though not [[traditionally]] classified as a [[treasure]], nonetheless share in the [[treasure tradition]]. They are associated with [[sacred]] {{Wiki|literature}} first transmitted in the [[human realm]] by the quasi-historical [[Garab Dorje]] (Fl. 55 CE) and passed according to [[tradition]] along with other [[tantras]] through various [[lineages]] of [[transmission]] by way of important [[Dzogchen]] figures such as [[Mañjuśrīmitra]], [[Shri Singha]], [[Padmasambhava]], [[Jnanasutra]] and [[Vimalamitra]]. |
| − | [[Kunsang]] (2006) holds that [[Shri Singha]] brought the [[Secret Mantra teachings]] from beneath the [[Vajra Throne]] [1] of [[Bodhgaya]] to the '[[Tree of Enlightenment in China]]',[2] where he concealed them in a pillar of the 'Auspicious Ten Thousand Gates Temple' ([3]).[4] | + | [[Kunsang]] (2006) holds that [[Shri Singha]] brought the [[Secret Mantra teachings]] from beneath the [[Vajra Throne]] [1] of [[Bodhgaya]] to the '[[Tree of Enlightenment in China]]',[2] where he concealed them in a pillar of the '[[Auspicious Ten Thousand Gates Temple]]' ([3]).[4] |
| − | Shri Singha conferred the Eighteen Dzogchen Tantras (Tibetan: rdzogs chen rgyud bco brgyad)[5] upon Padmasambhava.[6] | + | [[Shri Singha]] conferred the [[Eighteen Dzogchen Tantras]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[rdzogs chen rgyud bco brgyad]])[5] upon [[Padmasambhava]].[6] |
| − | The eighteen are The Penetrating Sound Tantra (Tibetan: sgra thal ‘gyur),[7] to which was appended the Seventeen Tantras of Innermost Luminosity (Tibetan: yang gsang 'od gsal gyi rgyud bcu bdun).[8] | + | The eighteen are The Penetrating [[Sound]] [[Tantra]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[sgra thal ‘gyur]]),[7] to which was appended the [[Seventeen Tantras of Innermost Luminosity]] ([[Tibetan]]: [[yang gsang 'od gsal gyi rgyud bcu bdun]]).[8] |
| − | It should be mentioned here that the Dharma Fellowship (2009) drawing on the work of Lalou (1890–1967) holds the 'Five Peaked Mountain' of "the Land of Cina" (where Cina isn't China but a term for the textile cashmere) the Five Peaked Mountain which Kunsang and others have attributed to Mount Wutai in China is instead a mountain near the Kinnaur Valley associated with the historical Suvarnadwipa (Sanskrit) nation also known as 'Zhang-zhung' in the Zhang-zhung language and the Tibetan language.[9] | + | It should be mentioned here that the [[Dharma Fellowship]] (2009) drawing on the work of [[Lalou]] (1890–1967) holds the '[[Five Peaked Mountain]]' of "the [[Land of Cina]]" (where [[Cina]] isn't [[China]] but a term for the textile {{Wiki|cashmere}}) the [[Five Peaked Mountain]] which [[Kunsang]] and others have attributed to [[Mount Wutai]] in [[China]] is instead a mountain near the {{Wiki|Kinnaur}} Valley associated with the historical [[Suvarnadwipa]] ([[Sanskrit]]) {{Wiki|nation}} also known as '[[Zhang-zhung]]' in the [[Zhang-zhung language]] and the [[Tibetan language]].[9] |
| − | The Seventeen Tantras are amongst the texts known as the 'Supreme Secret Cycle' the Fourth Cycle[10] and the most sacred tantras in the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition and the Dharma Fellowship (2009) provide a different historical location than Mount Wutai China for the location of concealment which is identified as near the Kinnaur Valley within the Kinnaur District: | + | The [[Seventeen Tantras]] are amongst the texts known as the '[[Supreme Secret Cycle]]' the Fourth Cycle[10] and the most [[sacred]] [[tantras]] in the [[Nyingma]] [[Dzogchen tradition]] and the [[Dharma Fellowship]] (2009) provide a different historical location than [[Mount Wutai]] [[China]] for the location of [[concealment]] which is identified as near the {{Wiki|Kinnaur}} Valley within the {{Wiki|Kinnaur}} District: |
| − | It is explained that Sri Simha divided the Pith Instruction into four sub-sections, and these are known as the Exoteric Cycle, the Esoteric Cycle, the Secret Cycle, and the Supreme Secret Cycle. | + | It is explained that [[Sri Simha]] divided the [[Pith Instruction]] into four sub-sections, and these are known as the [[Exoteric Cycle]], the [[Esoteric Cycle]], the [[Secret Cycle]], and the [[Supreme Secret Cycle]]. |
| − | Before his own death he deposited copies of the first three cycles in a rock cut crypt beneath the Bodhivriksha Temple of Sugnam (Sokyam) in the land of Cina. The texts of the Supreme Secret Cycle, however, he hid separately within the pillar of the "Gate of a Myriad Blessings".[11] | + | Before his [[own]] [[death]] he deposited copies of the first three cycles in a rock cut crypt beneath the [[Bodhivriksha Temple]] of [[Sugnam]] ([[Sokyam]]) in the land of [[Cina]]. The texts of the [[Supreme Secret Cycle]], however, he hid separately within the pillar of the "[[Gate of a Myriad Blessings]]".[11] |
| − | It is with Vimalamitra (fl. 8th century) that this collection of 'Seventeen Tantras, which are but a portion of Garab's revelation may have first been given their specific enumeration and nomenclature as it was Vimalamitra's disciple, Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo, who concealed the Seventeen Tantra subsequent to Vimalamitra's journey to China, particularly Mount Wutai, for later discovery by Neten Dangma Lhungyal in the Eleventh Century that they enter history in their current evocation, as Gyatso (1998: pp. 153–154) relates thus: | + | It is with [[Vimalamitra]] (fl. 8th century) that this collection of '[[Seventeen Tantras]], which are but a portion of [[Garab's]] [[revelation]] may have first been given their specific {{Wiki|enumeration}} and nomenclature as it was [[Vimalamitra's]] [[disciple]], [[Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo]], who concealed the Seventeen [[Tantra]] subsequent to [[Vimalamitra's]] journey to [[China]], particularly [[Mount Wutai]], for later discovery by [[Neten Dangma Lhungyal]] in the Eleventh Century that they enter history in their current {{Wiki|evocation}}, as Gyatso (1998: pp. 153–154) relates thus: |
| − | "By the eleventh century, both Bonpos and Buddhists were presenting texts they claimed to have unearthed from the place where those texts had been hidden in the past. | + | "By the eleventh century, both [[Bonpos]] and [[Buddhists]] were presenting texts they claimed to have unearthed from the place where those texts had been hidden in the {{Wiki|past}}. |
| − | Among the earliest Buddhist materials so characterized were the esoteric Nyingtig, or "Heart Sphere", teachings, including the seventeen Atiyoga tantras, which were associated with Vimalamitra, an Indian Great Perfection master invited to Tibet, according to some accounts, by Trisong Detsen in the eighth century. | + | Among the earliest [[Buddhist]] materials so characterized were the [[esoteric]] [[Nyingtig]], or "[[Heart]] [[Sphere]]", teachings, [[including]] the seventeen [[Atiyoga tantras]], which were associated with [[Vimalamitra]], an [[Indian]] [[Great Perfection]] [[master]] invited to [[Tibet]], according to some accounts, by [[Trisong Detsen]] in the eighth century. |
| − | Vimalamitra's Tibetan student, Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo, was said to have concealed these teachings after the master went to China. | + | [[Vimalamitra's]] [[Tibetan]] [[student]], [[Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo]], was said to have concealed these teachings after the [[master]] went to [[China]]. |
| − | The discoverer was Neten Dangma Lhungyal (eleventh century), who proceeded to transmit these teachings to Chetsun Senge Wangchuk, one of the first accomplished Tibetan Buddhist yogins, and to others. The Nyingtig materials were at the heart of the Great Perfection Buddhism and had considerable influence upon Jigme Lingpa, who labelled his own Treasure with the same term."[12] | + | The discoverer was [[Neten Dangma Lhungyal]] (eleventh century), who proceeded to transmit these teachings to [[Chetsun Senge Wangchuk]], one of the first accomplished [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[yogins]], and to others. The [[Nyingtig]] materials were at the [[heart]] of the [[Great Perfection]] [[Buddhism]] and had considerable influence upon [[Jigme Lingpa]], who labelled his [[own]] [[Treasure]] with the same term."[12] |
| − | The Vima Nyingtik itself consists of 'tantras' (rgyud), 'agamas' (lung), and 'upadeshas' (man ngag), and the tantras in this context are the Seventeen Tantras.[13] | + | The [[Vima Nyingtik]] itself consists of '[[tantras]]' (rgyud), '[[agamas]]' (lung), and '[[upadeshas]]' ([[man ngag]]), and the [[tantras]] in this context are the [[Seventeen Tantras]].[13] |
| − | ==Enumeration of the Seventeen Tantras== | + | ==Enumeration of the [[Seventeen Tantras]]== |
| − | Though they are most often referred to as the Seventeen Tantras, other designations are as Eighteen Tantras when the 'Ngagsung Tromay Tantra' ([14]) (otherwise known as the 'Ekajaṭĭ Khros Ma'i rGyud' and to do with the protective rites of Ekajati) is appended to the seventeen by Shri Singha;[15] and Nineteen Tantras with Padmakara's annexure of the 'Longsel Barwey Tantra' ([16]) (Tantra of the Lucid Expanse).[17] Samantabhadrī is associated with the Longsel Barwey and its full name is 'Tantra of Brahmā's Sun of the Luminous Expanse of Samantabhadrī' .[18] | + | Though they are most often referred to as the [[Seventeen Tantras]], other designations are as Eighteen [[Tantras]] when the '[[Ngagsung Tromay Tantra]]' ([14]) (otherwise known as the '[[Ekajaṭĭ Khros Ma'i rGyud]]' and to do with the [[protective rites]] of [[Ekajati]]) is appended to the seventeen by [[Shri Singha]];[15] and [[Nineteen Tantras]] with [[Padmakara's]] annexure of the '[[Longsel Barwey Tantra]]' ([16]) ([[Tantra]] of the Lucid Expanse).[17] [[Samantabhadrī]] is associated with the [[Longsel Barwey]] and its full [[name]] is '[[Tantra]] of [[Brahmā's]] {{Wiki|Sun}} of the Luminous Expanse of [[Samantabhadrī]]' .[18] |
| − | According to the seventeen-fold classification they are as follows: | + | According to the seventeen-fold {{Wiki|classification}} they are as follows: |
| − | 'Self-existing Perfection' Skt: kāyālokoddiṣṭābhisiñca mahā svayambhū tantra[19] . | + | '[[Self-existing Perfection]]' Skt: kāyālokoddiṣṭābhisiñca [[mahā]] [[svayambhū]] [[tantra]][19] . |
| − | 'Consequence of Sound' Skt: ratnākara śabda mahā prasaṅga tantra[20] . | + | 'Consequence of [[Sound]]' Skt: ratnākara [[śabda]] [[mahā]] [[prasaṅga]] [[tantra]][20] . |
| − | 'Self-arising Awareness' Skt: sarva tathāgata samādhi paribhāṣā jñāna samudāya sūtra mahāyāna guhyānuttara tantra sarva dharmākara sarva buddhā[21] . | + | '[[Self-arising]] [[Awareness]]' Skt: sarva [[tathāgata]] [[samādhi]] paribhāṣā [[jñāna]] samudāya [[sūtra]] [[mahāyāna]] guhyānuttara [[tantra]] sarva [[dharmākara]] sarva [[buddhā]][21] . |
| − | 'Self-liberated Awareness Skt: mahā vidyā svamukti sarva ghaṭṭita tantra[22] . | + | '[[Self-liberated]] [[Awareness]] Skt: [[mahā]] [[vidyā]] svamukti sarva ghaṭṭita [[tantra]][22] . |
| − | 'The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva' Skt: vajrasatva cittādarśa tantra[23] . | + | 'The [[Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva]]' Skt: [[vajrasatva]] cittādarśa [[tantra]][23] . |
| − | 'The Mirror of the Mind of Samantabhadra' Skt: samantabhadra cittādarśa tantra[24] . | + | 'The [[Mirror of the Mind of Samantabhadra]]' Skt: [[samantabhadra]] cittādarśa [[tantra]][24] . |
| − | 'Necklace of Precious Pearls' Skt: ratna muṣṭi mūlā tantra[25] . | + | '[[Necklace of Precious Pearls]]' Skt: [[ratna]] [[muṣṭi]] mūlā [[tantra]][25] . |
| − | 'Lion's Perfect Expressive Power' Skt: mahā siṃha parākrama pūrṇṇa tantra[26] . | + | '[[Lion's Perfect Expressive Power]]' Skt: [[mahā]] [[siṃha]] parākrama pūrṇṇa [[tantra]][26] . |
| − | 'Shining Relics of Enlightened Body' Skt: śrī gagana śarīra jvala mahā tantra[27] . | + | '[[Shining Relics of Enlightened Body]]' Skt: [[śrī]] gagana [[śarīra]] jvala [[mahā]] [[tantra]][27] . |
| − | 'Kissing of the Sun and Moon' Skt: mahā sūrya candra ghana guhya tantra[28] . | + | 'Kissing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Moon]]' Skt: [[mahā]] [[sūrya]] [[candra]] ghana [[guhya]] [[tantra]][28] . |
| − | 'Blazing Lamp' Skt: svarṇṇa puṣpa kānti ratnāloka jvala tantra[29] [30] | + | '[[Blazing Lamp]]' Skt: svarṇṇa puṣpa kānti ratnāloka jvala [[tantra]][29] [30] |
| − | 'Direct Introduction' Skt: darśanopadeśa ratnācita kṣetra dhātu śāsana tantra[31] . | + | 'Direct Introduction' Skt: darśanopadeśa ratnācita [[kṣetra]] [[dhātu]] [[śāsana]] [[tantra]][31] . |
| − | 'Great Auspicious Beauty' Skt: mahā svaccha suvarṇāpramāṇa śrī tantra[32] . | + | '[[Great Auspicious Beauty]]' Skt: [[mahā]] svaccha suvarṇāpramāṇa [[śrī]] [[tantra]][32] . |
| − | 'Six Spaces of Samantabhadra' Skt: samantabhadrāvartta ṣaṣṭha tantra[33] . | + | 'Six Spaces of [[Samantabhadra]]' Skt: samantabhadrāvartta ṣaṣṭha [[tantra]][33] . |
| − | 'Without Letters' Skt: anakṣara mahā tantra nāma ratna dhvaja rāja saṃtati dr̥ṣṭi gagana sama mahā tantra[34] . | + | 'Without Letters' Skt: anakṣara [[mahā]] [[tantra]] [[nāma]] [[ratna]] [[dhvaja]] [[rāja]] saṃtati dr̥ṣṭi gagana [[sama]] [[mahā]] [[tantra]][34] . |
| − | 'Inlaid with Jewels' Skt: sarva bhrānti pr̥ kara ratna dhūrta mata tantra nāma[35] [36] | + | 'Inlaid with [[Jewels]]' Skt: sarva bhrānti pr̥ [[kara]] [[ratna]] dhūrta mata [[tantra]] [[nāma]][35] [36] |
| − | 'A Mound of Jewels' Skt: ratna kūṭa mahā guṇoddeśa tantra rāja[37] . | + | 'A Mound of [[Jewels]]' Skt: [[ratna]] [[kūṭa]] [[mahā]] guṇoddeśa [[tantra]] [[rāja]][37] . |
Text sources, versions and variations | Text sources, versions and variations | ||
| − | These Seventeen Tantras are to be found in the Canon of the Ancient School, the 'Nyingma Gyubum', volumes 9 and 10, folio numbers 143-159 of the edition edited by 'Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche' commonly known as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (Thimpu, Bhutan, 1973), reproduced from the manuscript preserved at 'Tingkye Gonpa Jang' Monastery in Tibet.[38] | + | These [[Seventeen Tantras]] are to be found in the [[Canon of the Ancient School]], the '[[Nyingma Gyubum]]', volumes 9 and 10, folio numbers 143-159 of the edition edited by '[[Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche]]' commonly known as [[Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche]] ([[Thimpu]], [[Bhutan]], 1973), reproduced from the {{Wiki|manuscript}} preserved at '[[Tingkye Gonpa Jang]]' [[Monastery]] [[in Tibet]].[38] |
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| − | The Consequence of Sound is translated by Christopher Wilkinson in The Jewel Maker: The Great Tantra on the Consequence of Sound (CreateSpace, 2017). | + | The Consequence of [[Sound]] is translated by Christopher Wilkinson in The [[Jewel]] Maker: The [[Great Tantra]] on the Consequence of [[Sound]] (CreateSpace, 2017). |
| − | Self-Arising Wisdom-Awareness is translated by Malcolm Smith in The Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra (vol 2): A Translation of the Rigpa Rang Shar (vol 1) and A Translation of the Rigpa Rangdrol (vol 2) (Wisdom Publications, 2018). Chapters 39 and 40 translated by H. V. Guenther in Wholeness Lost and Wholeness Regained (SUNY Press, 1994). | + | Self-Arising [[Wisdom-Awareness]] is translated by Malcolm Smith in The Self-Arisen [[Vidya]] [[Tantra]] (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated [[Vidya]] [[Tantra]] (vol 2): A Translation of the [[Rigpa]] [[Rang Shar]] (vol 1) and A Translation of the [[Rigpa]] Rangdrol (vol 2) ([[Wisdom Publications]], 2018). Chapters 39 and 40 translated by [[H. V. Guenther]] in [[Wholeness]] Lost and [[Wholeness]] Regained (SUNY Press, 1994). |
| − | Self-Liberated Wisdom-Awareness is translated by Smith in The Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra (vol 2). | + | Self-Liberated [[Wisdom-Awareness]] is translated by Smith in The Self-Arisen [[Vidya]] [[Tantra]] (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated [[Vidya]] [[Tantra]] (vol 2). |
| − | The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva is translated by Wilkinson in The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva (CreateSpace, 2017). | + | The [[Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva]] is translated by Wilkinson in The [[Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva]] (CreateSpace, 2017). |
| − | The Mirror of the Heart-Mind of Samantabhadra is translated by Wilkinson in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon: Three Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016). | + | The [[Mirror]] of the [[Heart-Mind]] of [[Samantabhadra]] is translated by Wilkinson in The Secret Kissing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Moon]]: Three [[Upadesha]] [[Tantras]] of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2016). |
| − | The Necklace of Precious Pearls is translated by Wilkinson in The Pearl Necklace Tantra: Upadesha Instructions of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016). | + | The [[Necklace of Precious Pearls]] is translated by Wilkinson in The {{Wiki|Pearl}} Necklace [[Tantra]]: [[Upadesha]] Instructions of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2016). |
| − | The Lion's Perfect Expressive Power is translated by Wilkinson in The Lion Stops Hunting: An Upadeśa Tantra of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016). Excerpts from the fourth chapter are translated by Janet Gyatso in Buddhist Scriptures (Ed. Donald Lopez, published by Penguin Classics, 2004) | + | The [[Lion's Perfect Expressive Power]] is translated by Wilkinson in The [[Lion]] Stops [[Hunting]]: An [[Upadeśa]] [[Tantra]] of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2016). Excerpts from [[the fourth]] [[chapter]] are translated by [[Janet Gyatso]] in [[Buddhist Scriptures]] (Ed. [[Donald Lopez]], published by Penguin Classics, 2004) |
| − | The Shining Relics of Enlightened Body is translated by Wilkinson in A Mound of Jewels: Three Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2017). | + | The [[Shining Relics of Enlightened Body]] is translated by Wilkinson in A Mound of [[Jewels]]: Three [[Upadesha]] [[Tantras]] of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2017). |
| − | The Kissing of the Sun and Moon is translated in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon. | + | The Kissing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Moon]] is translated in The Secret Kissing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Moon]]. |
| − | The Blazing Lamp is translated by Christopher Hatchell in Naked Seeing: The Great Perfection, the Wheel of Time, and Visionary Buddhism in Renaissance Tibet (Oxford University Press, 2014), and translated in A Mound of Jewels. | + | The [[Blazing Lamp]] is translated by Christopher Hatchell in Naked [[Seeing]]: The [[Great Perfection]], the [[Wheel of Time]], and [[Visionary]] [[Buddhism]] in {{Wiki|Renaissance}} [[Tibet]] ([[Oxford University Press]], 2014), and translated in A Mound of [[Jewels]]. |
| − | The Direct Introduction is translated in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon. | + | The Direct Introduction is translated in The Secret Kissing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and [[Moon]]. |
| − | Great Auspicious Beauty is translated by Wilkinson in A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2018). | + | [[Great Auspicious Beauty]] is translated by Wilkinson in A {{Wiki|Subtle}} Arrangement of Gemstones: Two [[Upadesha]] [[Tantras]] of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2018). |
| − | The Six Spaces of Samantabhadra is translated by Wilkinson in The Six Spaces of the All Good: An Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2017). | + | The Six Spaces of [[Samantabhadra]] is translated by Wilkinson in The Six Spaces of the All Good: An [[Upadesha]] [[Tantra]] of the [[Great Perfection]] (CreateSpace, 2017). |
| − | Without Letters is translated by Wilkinson in Eight Early Tantras of the Great Perfection: An Elixir of Ambrosia (CreateSpace, 2016). | + | Without Letters is translated by Wilkinson in Eight Early [[Tantras]] of the [[Great Perfection]]: An Elixir of [[Ambrosia]] (CreateSpace, 2016). |
| − | Inlaid with Jewels is translated in A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones. | + | Inlaid with [[Jewels]] is translated in A {{Wiki|Subtle}} Arrangement of Gemstones. |
| − | A Mound of Jewels is translated in A Mound of Jewels. | + | A Mound of [[Jewels]] is translated in A Mound of [[Jewels]]. |
| − | The Seventeen Tantras are quoted extensively throughout Longchenpa's (1308 - 1364?) 'The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding' translated by Richard Barron and Padma Translation Committee (1998).[39] This work is one of Longchenpa's Seven Treasuries and the Tibetan text in poor reproduction of the pecha has been graciously made available online by Keith Dowman and Gene Smith.[40] The Seventeen Tantras are also extensively discussed in Longchenpa's Precious Treasury of Philosophical Systems, also translated by Richard Barron, as well as in Vimalamitra's Great Commentary, translated in Buddhahood in This Life, by Smith. | + | The [[Seventeen Tantras]] are quoted extensively throughout [[Longchenpa's]] (1308 - 1364?) 'The [[Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding]]' translated by [[Richard Barron]] and [[Padma Translation Committee]] (1998).[39] This work is one of [[Longchenpa's]] [[Seven Treasuries]] and the [[Tibetan text]] in poor reproduction of the [[pecha]] has been graciously made available online by [[Keith Dowman]] and [[Gene Smith]].[40] The [[Seventeen Tantras]] are also extensively discussed in [[Longchenpa's]] [[Precious Treasury of Philosophical Systems]], also translated by [[Richard Barron]], as well as in [[Vimalamitra's]] [[Great Commentary]], translated in [[Buddhahood]] in This [[Life]], by Smith. |
| − | Additionally, an explanatory tantra (Skt: vyākhyātantra) of the Seventeen Tantras named Total Illumination of the Bindu (Tib: thig le kun gsal) has been published in a translation by Keith Dowman in the book "Everything Is Light" (Dzogchen Now, 2017). | + | Additionally, an [[explanatory tantra]] (Skt: [[vyākhyātantra]]) of the [[Seventeen Tantras]] named Total [[Illumination]] of the [[Bindu]] (Tib: [[thig le]] kun [[gsal]]) has been published in a translation by [[Keith Dowman]] in the [[book]] "Everything Is Light" ([[Dzogchen]] Now, 2017). |
| − | Traditional and external scholarship | + | [[Traditional]] and external {{Wiki|scholarship}} |
| − | 'Tegchö Dzö' "Treasury of the Sublime Vehicle'" is one of the Seven Treasuries, a collection of seven works, some with auto-commentaries, by the Tibetan Buddhist philosopher and exegete Longchenpa. The Tegchog Dzö is a commentary on the Seventeen Tantras. | + | '[[Tegchö Dzö]]' "[[Treasury of the Sublime Vehicle]]'" is one of the [[Seven Treasuries]], a collection of seven works, some with auto-commentaries, by the [[Tibetan Buddhist]] [[philosopher]] and [[exegete]] [[Longchenpa]]. The Tegchog Dzö is a commentary on the [[Seventeen Tantras]]. |
| − | Cuevas (2003: p. 62) comments on the traditional perspective of the Nyingma tradition in the attribution of the Seventeen Tantras to the revelation of Garap Dorje and says: | + | Cuevas (2003: p. 62) comments on the [[traditional]] {{Wiki|perspective}} of the [[Nyingma tradition]] in the attribution of the [[Seventeen Tantras]] to the [[revelation]] of [[Garap Dorje]] and says: |
| − | "The seventeen interrelated Dzokchen Nyingthik scriptures are accepted by tradition as divine revelation received by the ... mystic Garap Dorje. The Seventeen Tantras nevertheless betrays signs of being compiled over a long period of time by multiple hands. The precise identity of these unknown redactors is a riddle that I hope may soon be solved. Whatever the case, we must accept that the collection in the form it is known to us today consists of several layers of history reflecting diverse influences."[41] | + | "The seventeen {{Wiki|interrelated}} [[Dzokchen]] [[Nyingthik]] [[scriptures]] are accepted by [[tradition]] as [[divine]] [[revelation]] received by the ... [[mystic]] [[Garap Dorje]]. The [[Seventeen Tantras]] nevertheless betrays [[signs]] of being compiled over a long period of time by multiple hands. The precise [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]] of these unknown redactors is a riddle that I {{Wiki|hope}} may soon be solved. Whatever the case, we must accept that the collection in the [[form]] it is known to us today consists of several layers of history {{Wiki|reflecting}} diverse [[influences]]."[41] |
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| − | Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.445 | + | [[Kunsang]], Erik [[Pema]] (translator)(2006). [[Wellsprings of the Great Perfection]]. [[Hong Kong]]: [[Rangjung Yeshe Publications]]. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) p.445 |
| − | Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.444 | + | [[Kunsang]], Erik [[Pema]] (translator)(2006). [[Wellsprings of the Great Perfection]]. [[Hong Kong]]: [[Rangjung Yeshe Publications]]. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) p.444 |
| − | Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.427 | + | [[Kunsang]], Erik [[Pema]] (translator)(2006). [[Wellsprings of the Great Perfection]]. [[Hong Kong]]: [[Rangjung Yeshe Publications]]. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) p.427 |
| − | Vimalamitra's Great History of the Heart Essence, translated in Erik Pema Kunsang (translator) : Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Hong Kong, 2006. pp. 136-137 | + | [[Vimalamitra's]] Great History of the [[Heart Essence]], translated in {{Wiki|Erik Pema Kunsang}} ([[translator]]) : [[Wellsprings of the Great Perfection]]. [[Rangjung Yeshe Publications]], [[Hong Kong]], 2006. pp. 136-137 |
| − | Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Eighteen_Dzogchen_Tantras (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Eighteen_Dzogchen_Tantras (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Erik Pema Kunsang (translator) : Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Hong Kong, 2006. p. 158 | + | {{Wiki|Erik Pema Kunsang}} ([[translator]]) : [[Wellsprings of the Great Perfection]]. [[Rangjung Yeshe Publications]], [[Hong Kong]], 2006. p. 158 |
| − | Dra Talgyur Root Tantra Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Dra_Talgyur_Root_Tantra (December 13, 2007) | + | [[Dra Talgyur]] [[Root Tantra]] Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Dra_Talgyur_Root_Tantra (December 13, 2007) |
| − | Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Dharma Fellowship (2009). Biographies: Sri Simha, the Lion of Dzogchen. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | [[Dharma Fellowship]] (2009). {{Wiki|Biographies}}: [[Sri Simha]], the [[Lion of Dzogchen]]. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Variations of the name of the fourth section include the Secret Heart Essence (gsang ba snying thig), the Most Secret Unexcelled Nyingtig (yang gsang bla na med pa snying tig), the Innermost Unexcelled Cycle of Nyingtig (yang gsang bla na med pa'i snying thig skor), the Most Secret and Unexcelled Great Perfection (yang gsang bla na med pa rdzogs pa chen po), the Most Secret Heart Essence (yang gsang snying thig), and the Most Secret Unsurpassable Cycle (yang gsang bla na med pa'i sde). | + | Variations of the [[name]] of [[the fourth]] section include the [[Secret Heart Essence]] ([[gsang ba snying thig]]), the [[Most Secret Unexcelled Nyingtig]] ([[yang gsang bla na med pa snying tig]]), the [[Innermost Unexcelled Cycle of Nyingtig]] ([[yang gsang bla na med pa'i snying thig skor]]), the [[Most Secret and Unexcelled Great Perfection]] ([[yang gsang bla na med pa rdzogs pa chen po]]), the [[Most Secret Heart Essence]] ([[yang gsang snying thig]]), and the [[Most Secret Unsurpassable Cycle]] ([[yang gsang bla na med pa'i sde]]). |
| − | Dharma Fellowship (2009). Biographies: Sri Simha, the Lion of Dzogchen. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | [[Dharma Fellowship]] (2009). {{Wiki|Biographies}}: [[Sri Simha]], the [[Lion of Dzogchen]]. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Gyatso, Janet (1998). Apparitions of the Self: The Secret Autobiographies of a Tibetan Visionary; a Translation and Study of Jigme Lingpa's 'Dancing Moon in the Water' and 'Ḍākki's Grand Secret-Talk'. Princeton, New Jersey, USA: Princeton University Press. (cloth: alk. paper). Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=qMUh9ir0Yi0C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=Neten+Dangma+Lhungyal&source=bl&ots=cVQwlGMXDU&sig=XS7xiLDAUAyr7U0p2xjO- | + | Gyatso, Janet (1998). Apparitions of the [[Self]]: The Secret Autobiographies of a [[Tibetan]] [[Visionary]]; a Translation and Study of [[Jigme Lingpa's]] '[[Dancing]] [[Moon]] in the [[Water]]' and 'Ḍākki's Grand Secret-Talk'. [[Princeton]], {{Wiki|New Jersey}}, {{Wiki|USA}}: [[Princeton University Press]]. (cloth: alk. paper). Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=qMUh9ir0Yi0C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=Neten+Dangma+Lhungyal&source=bl&ots=cVQwlGMXDU&sig=XS7xiLDAUAyr7U0p2xjO- |
| − | oYiOlY&hl=en&ei=JFDBS8fhBdCGkAWS7uzBBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Neten%20Dangma%20Lhungyal&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010), pp.153-154 | + | oYiOlY&hl=en&ei=JFDBS8fhBdCGkAWS7uzBBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Neten%20Dangma%20Lhungyal&f=false (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010), pp.153-154 |
| − | Rigpa Shedra (August, 2009). 'Vima Nyingtik'. Source: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Vima_Nyingtik (accessed: Saturday October 17, 2009) | + | [[Rigpa Shedra]] (August, 2009). '[[Vima Nyingtik]]'. Source: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Vima_Nyingtik (accessed: [[Saturday]] October 17, 2009) |
| − | Aro Encyclopaedia (2010). 'Ngak Srungma Ekajati'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | [[Aro]] Encyclopaedia (2010). '[[Ngak]] [[Srungma]] [[Ekajati]]'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Thondup, Tulku & Harold Talbott (Editor)(1996). Masters of Meditation and Miracles: Lives of the Great Buddhist Masters of India and Tibet. Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Shambhala, South Asia Editions. (alk. paper);, p.362 | + | [[Thondup]], [[Tulku]] & [[Harold Talbott]] (Editor)(1996). [[Masters of Meditation and Miracles]]: [[Lives]] of the Great [[Buddhist Masters of India]] and [[Tibet]]. [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], {{Wiki|USA}}: [[Shambhala]], {{Wiki|South Asia}} Editions. (alk. paper);, p.362 |
| − | Aro Encyclopaedia (2010). 'Ngak Srungma Ekajati'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | [[Aro]] Encyclopaedia (2010). '[[Ngak]] [[Srungma]] [[Ekajati]]'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
| − | Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/klong_gsal_'bar_ma (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) | + | Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/klong_gsal_'bar_ma (accessed: [[Sunday]] April 11, 2010) |
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0094 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0094 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
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Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00103 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00103 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00104 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00104 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
| − | Hatchell, Christopher (2009). Naked Seeing: The Great Perfection, the Wheel of Time, and visionary philosophy in renaissance Tibet. University of Virginia, p. 373 | + | Hatchell, Christopher (2009). Naked [[Seeing]]: The [[Great Perfection]], the [[Wheel of Time]], and [[visionary]] [[philosophy]] in {{Wiki|renaissance}} [[Tibet]]. {{Wiki|University of Virginia}}, p. 373 |
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00105 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00105 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00106 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00106 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
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Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00108 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00108 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00109 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00109 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
| − | Wilkinson, Christopher (2018). "A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection". CreateSpace, p. 2 | + | Wilkinson, Christopher (2018). "A {{Wiki|Subtle}} Arrangement of Gemstones: Two [[Upadesha]] [[Tantras]] of the [[Great Perfection]]". CreateSpace, p. 2 |
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00110 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00110 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) | ||
| − | Guarisco, Elio (trans.); McLeod, Ingrid (trans., editor); Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye, Kon-Sprul Blo-Gros-Mtha-Yas (compiler) (2005). The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Six, Part Four: Systems of Buddhist Tantra. Ithaca, New York, USA: Snow Lion Publications., p.520 | + | Guarisco, Elio (trans.); McLeod, Ingrid (trans., editor); [[Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye]], Kon-Sprul Blo-Gros-Mtha-Yas (compiler) (2005). The [[Treasury of Knowledge]]: [[Book]] Six, Part Four: Systems of [[Buddhist Tantra]]. [[Ithaca]], [[New York]], {{Wiki|USA}}: [[Snow Lion Publications]]., p.520 |
| − | Barron, Richard (trans), Longchen Rabjam (author): Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding. Padma Publishing (1998) | + | Barron, Richard (trans), [[Longchen Rabjam]] (author): [[Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding]]. [[Padma Publishing]] (1998) |
| − | Source: http://www.keithdowman.net/dzogchen/gnas_lugs_mdzod.htm (accessed: Sunday October 11, 2009) | + | Source: http://www.keithdowman.net/dzogchen/gnas_lugs_mdzod.htm (accessed: [[Sunday]] October 11, 2009) |
| − | Cuevas, Bryan J. (2003). The Hidden History of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Oxford University Press. .Source: https://books.google.com/books? | + | Cuevas, Bryan J. (2003). The [[Hidden History of the Tibetan Book of the Dead]]. [[Oxford University Press]]. .Source: https://books.google.com/books? |
Latest revision as of 15:03, 8 February 2020
In Tibetan Buddhism, specifically in the literature and practice of Dzogchen, the seventeen tantras of the esoteric instruction cycle are a collection of tantras belonging to the textual division known as the "esoteric instruction cycle" (also known variously as: Nyingtik, Upadesha or Menngagde).
History and tradition
The seventeen tantras, though not traditionally classified as a treasure, nonetheless share in the treasure tradition. They are associated with sacred literature first transmitted in the human realm by the quasi-historical Garab Dorje (Fl. 55 CE) and passed according to tradition along with other tantras through various lineages of transmission by way of important Dzogchen figures such as Mañjuśrīmitra, Shri Singha, Padmasambhava, Jnanasutra and Vimalamitra.
Kunsang (2006) holds that Shri Singha brought the Secret Mantra teachings from beneath the Vajra Throne [1] of Bodhgaya to the 'Tree of Enlightenment in China',[2] where he concealed them in a pillar of the 'Auspicious Ten Thousand Gates Temple' ([3]).[4]
Shri Singha conferred the Eighteen Dzogchen Tantras (Tibetan: rdzogs chen rgyud bco brgyad)[5] upon Padmasambhava.[6]
The eighteen are The Penetrating Sound Tantra (Tibetan: sgra thal ‘gyur),[7] to which was appended the Seventeen Tantras of Innermost Luminosity (Tibetan: yang gsang 'od gsal gyi rgyud bcu bdun).[8]
It should be mentioned here that the Dharma Fellowship (2009) drawing on the work of Lalou (1890–1967) holds the 'Five Peaked Mountain' of "the Land of Cina" (where Cina isn't China but a term for the textile cashmere) the Five Peaked Mountain which Kunsang and others have attributed to Mount Wutai in China is instead a mountain near the Kinnaur Valley associated with the historical Suvarnadwipa (Sanskrit) nation also known as 'Zhang-zhung' in the Zhang-zhung language and the Tibetan language.[9]
The Seventeen Tantras are amongst the texts known as the 'Supreme Secret Cycle' the Fourth Cycle[10] and the most sacred tantras in the Nyingma Dzogchen tradition and the Dharma Fellowship (2009) provide a different historical location than Mount Wutai China for the location of concealment which is identified as near the Kinnaur Valley within the Kinnaur District:
It is explained that Sri Simha divided the Pith Instruction into four sub-sections, and these are known as the Exoteric Cycle, the Esoteric Cycle, the Secret Cycle, and the Supreme Secret Cycle.
Before his own death he deposited copies of the first three cycles in a rock cut crypt beneath the Bodhivriksha Temple of Sugnam (Sokyam) in the land of Cina. The texts of the Supreme Secret Cycle, however, he hid separately within the pillar of the "Gate of a Myriad Blessings".[11]
It is with Vimalamitra (fl. 8th century) that this collection of 'Seventeen Tantras, which are but a portion of Garab's revelation may have first been given their specific enumeration and nomenclature as it was Vimalamitra's disciple, Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo, who concealed the Seventeen Tantra subsequent to Vimalamitra's journey to China, particularly Mount Wutai, for later discovery by Neten Dangma Lhungyal in the Eleventh Century that they enter history in their current evocation, as Gyatso (1998: pp. 153–154) relates thus:
"By the eleventh century, both Bonpos and Buddhists were presenting texts they claimed to have unearthed from the place where those texts had been hidden in the past.
Among the earliest Buddhist materials so characterized were the esoteric Nyingtig, or "Heart Sphere", teachings, including the seventeen Atiyoga tantras, which were associated with Vimalamitra, an Indian Great Perfection master invited to Tibet, according to some accounts, by Trisong Detsen in the eighth century.
Vimalamitra's Tibetan student, Nyangban Tingzin Zangpo, was said to have concealed these teachings after the master went to China.
The discoverer was Neten Dangma Lhungyal (eleventh century), who proceeded to transmit these teachings to Chetsun Senge Wangchuk, one of the first accomplished Tibetan Buddhist yogins, and to others. The Nyingtig materials were at the heart of the Great Perfection Buddhism and had considerable influence upon Jigme Lingpa, who labelled his own Treasure with the same term."[12]
The Vima Nyingtik itself consists of 'tantras' (rgyud), 'agamas' (lung), and 'upadeshas' (man ngag), and the tantras in this context are the Seventeen Tantras.[13]
Enumeration of the Seventeen Tantras
Though they are most often referred to as the Seventeen Tantras, other designations are as Eighteen Tantras when the 'Ngagsung Tromay Tantra' ([14]) (otherwise known as the 'Ekajaṭĭ Khros Ma'i rGyud' and to do with the protective rites of Ekajati) is appended to the seventeen by Shri Singha;[15] and Nineteen Tantras with Padmakara's annexure of the 'Longsel Barwey Tantra' ([16]) (Tantra of the Lucid Expanse).[17] Samantabhadrī is associated with the Longsel Barwey and its full name is 'Tantra of Brahmā's Sun of the Luminous Expanse of Samantabhadrī' .[18]
According to the seventeen-fold classification they are as follows:
'Self-existing Perfection' Skt: kāyālokoddiṣṭābhisiñca mahā svayambhū tantra[19] . 'Consequence of Sound' Skt: ratnākara śabda mahā prasaṅga tantra[20] . 'Self-arising Awareness' Skt: sarva tathāgata samādhi paribhāṣā jñāna samudāya sūtra mahāyāna guhyānuttara tantra sarva dharmākara sarva buddhā[21] . 'Self-liberated Awareness Skt: mahā vidyā svamukti sarva ghaṭṭita tantra[22] . 'The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva' Skt: vajrasatva cittādarśa tantra[23] . 'The Mirror of the Mind of Samantabhadra' Skt: samantabhadra cittādarśa tantra[24] . 'Necklace of Precious Pearls' Skt: ratna muṣṭi mūlā tantra[25] . 'Lion's Perfect Expressive Power' Skt: mahā siṃha parākrama pūrṇṇa tantra[26] . 'Shining Relics of Enlightened Body' Skt: śrī gagana śarīra jvala mahā tantra[27] . 'Kissing of the Sun and Moon' Skt: mahā sūrya candra ghana guhya tantra[28] . 'Blazing Lamp' Skt: svarṇṇa puṣpa kānti ratnāloka jvala tantra[29] [30] 'Direct Introduction' Skt: darśanopadeśa ratnācita kṣetra dhātu śāsana tantra[31] . 'Great Auspicious Beauty' Skt: mahā svaccha suvarṇāpramāṇa śrī tantra[32] . 'Six Spaces of Samantabhadra' Skt: samantabhadrāvartta ṣaṣṭha tantra[33] . 'Without Letters' Skt: anakṣara mahā tantra nāma ratna dhvaja rāja saṃtati dr̥ṣṭi gagana sama mahā tantra[34] . 'Inlaid with Jewels' Skt: sarva bhrānti pr̥ kara ratna dhūrta mata tantra nāma[35] [36] 'A Mound of Jewels' Skt: ratna kūṭa mahā guṇoddeśa tantra rāja[37] . Text sources, versions and variations These Seventeen Tantras are to be found in the Canon of the Ancient School, the 'Nyingma Gyubum', volumes 9 and 10, folio numbers 143-159 of the edition edited by 'Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche' commonly known as Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (Thimpu, Bhutan, 1973), reproduced from the manuscript preserved at 'Tingkye Gonpa Jang' Monastery in Tibet.[38]
English Translations
The Consequence of Sound is translated by Christopher Wilkinson in The Jewel Maker: The Great Tantra on the Consequence of Sound (CreateSpace, 2017).
Self-Arising Wisdom-Awareness is translated by Malcolm Smith in The Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra (vol 2): A Translation of the Rigpa Rang Shar (vol 1) and A Translation of the Rigpa Rangdrol (vol 2) (Wisdom Publications, 2018). Chapters 39 and 40 translated by H. V. Guenther in Wholeness Lost and Wholeness Regained (SUNY Press, 1994).
Self-Liberated Wisdom-Awareness is translated by Smith in The Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra (vol 1) and The Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra (vol 2).
The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva is translated by Wilkinson in The Mirror of the Heart of Vajrasattva (CreateSpace, 2017).
The Mirror of the Heart-Mind of Samantabhadra is translated by Wilkinson in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon: Three Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016).
The Necklace of Precious Pearls is translated by Wilkinson in The Pearl Necklace Tantra: Upadesha Instructions of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016).
The Lion's Perfect Expressive Power is translated by Wilkinson in The Lion Stops Hunting: An Upadeśa Tantra of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2016). Excerpts from the fourth chapter are translated by Janet Gyatso in Buddhist Scriptures (Ed. Donald Lopez, published by Penguin Classics, 2004)
The Shining Relics of Enlightened Body is translated by Wilkinson in A Mound of Jewels: Three Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2017).
The Kissing of the Sun and Moon is translated in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon.
The Blazing Lamp is translated by Christopher Hatchell in Naked Seeing: The Great Perfection, the Wheel of Time, and Visionary Buddhism in Renaissance Tibet (Oxford University Press, 2014), and translated in A Mound of Jewels.
The Direct Introduction is translated in The Secret Kissing of the Sun and Moon.
Great Auspicious Beauty is translated by Wilkinson in A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2018).
The Six Spaces of Samantabhadra is translated by Wilkinson in The Six Spaces of the All Good: An Upadesha Tantra of the Great Perfection (CreateSpace, 2017).
Without Letters is translated by Wilkinson in Eight Early Tantras of the Great Perfection: An Elixir of Ambrosia (CreateSpace, 2016).
Inlaid with Jewels is translated in A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones.
A Mound of Jewels is translated in A Mound of Jewels.
The Seventeen Tantras are quoted extensively throughout Longchenpa's (1308 - 1364?) 'The Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding' translated by Richard Barron and Padma Translation Committee (1998).[39] This work is one of Longchenpa's Seven Treasuries and the Tibetan text in poor reproduction of the pecha has been graciously made available online by Keith Dowman and Gene Smith.[40] The Seventeen Tantras are also extensively discussed in Longchenpa's Precious Treasury of Philosophical Systems, also translated by Richard Barron, as well as in Vimalamitra's Great Commentary, translated in Buddhahood in This Life, by Smith.
Additionally, an explanatory tantra (Skt: vyākhyātantra) of the Seventeen Tantras named Total Illumination of the Bindu (Tib: thig le kun gsal) has been published in a translation by Keith Dowman in the book "Everything Is Light" (Dzogchen Now, 2017).
Traditional and external scholarship
'Tegchö Dzö' "Treasury of the Sublime Vehicle'" is one of the Seven Treasuries, a collection of seven works, some with auto-commentaries, by the Tibetan Buddhist philosopher and exegete Longchenpa. The Tegchog Dzö is a commentary on the Seventeen Tantras.
Cuevas (2003: p. 62) comments on the traditional perspective of the Nyingma tradition in the attribution of the Seventeen Tantras to the revelation of Garap Dorje and says:
"The seventeen interrelated Dzokchen Nyingthik scriptures are accepted by tradition as divine revelation received by the ... mystic Garap Dorje. The Seventeen Tantras nevertheless betrays signs of being compiled over a long period of time by multiple hands. The precise identity of these unknown redactors is a riddle that I hope may soon be solved. Whatever the case, we must accept that the collection in the form it is known to us today consists of several layers of history reflecting diverse influences."[41]
References
Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.445
Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.444
Kunsang, Erik Pema (translator)(2006). Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Hong Kong: Rangjung Yeshe Publications. Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=_yo1BGZXODEC&pg=PA444&lpg=PA444&dq=%22rgya+nag+po'i+byang+chub+shing%22&source=bl&ots=gB6_DULQpm&sig=D4w07xjfzLTl1wruae7U8UnaXBU&hl=en&ei=pGzBS7DAIpSXkQW_1dTsBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBIQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22rgya%20nag%20po'i%20byang%20chub%20shing%22&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) p.427 Vimalamitra's Great History of the Heart Essence, translated in Erik Pema Kunsang (translator) : Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Hong Kong, 2006. pp. 136-137
Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Eighteen_Dzogchen_Tantras (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Erik Pema Kunsang (translator) : Wellsprings of the Great Perfection. Rangjung Yeshe Publications, Hong Kong, 2006. p. 158 Dra Talgyur Root Tantra Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/Dra_Talgyur_Root_Tantra (December 13, 2007)
Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Dharma Fellowship (2009). Biographies: Sri Simha, the Lion of Dzogchen. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Variations of the name of the fourth section include the Secret Heart Essence (gsang ba snying thig), the Most Secret Unexcelled Nyingtig (yang gsang bla na med pa snying tig), the Innermost Unexcelled Cycle of Nyingtig (yang gsang bla na med pa'i snying thig skor), the Most Secret and Unexcelled Great Perfection (yang gsang bla na med pa rdzogs pa chen po), the Most Secret Heart Essence (yang gsang snying thig), and the Most Secret Unsurpassable Cycle (yang gsang bla na med pa'i sde). Dharma Fellowship (2009). Biographies: Sri Simha, the Lion of Dzogchen. Source: http://www.dharmafellowship.org/biographies/historicalsaints/sri-simha.htm (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Gyatso, Janet (1998). Apparitions of the Self: The Secret Autobiographies of a Tibetan Visionary; a Translation and Study of Jigme Lingpa's 'Dancing Moon in the Water' and 'Ḍākki's Grand Secret-Talk'. Princeton, New Jersey, USA: Princeton University Press. (cloth: alk. paper). Source: https://books.google.com/books?id=qMUh9ir0Yi0C&pg=PA153&lpg=PA153&dq=Neten+Dangma+Lhungyal&source=bl&ots=cVQwlGMXDU&sig=XS7xiLDAUAyr7U0p2xjO- oYiOlY&hl=en&ei=JFDBS8fhBdCGkAWS7uzBBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Neten%20Dangma%20Lhungyal&f=false (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010), pp.153-154
Rigpa Shedra (August, 2009). 'Vima Nyingtik'. Source: http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Vima_Nyingtik (accessed: Saturday October 17, 2009) Aro Encyclopaedia (2010). 'Ngak Srungma Ekajati'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) Thondup, Tulku & Harold Talbott (Editor)(1996). Masters of Meditation and Miracles: Lives of the Great Buddhist Masters of India and Tibet. Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Shambhala, South Asia Editions. (alk. paper);, p.362
Aro Encyclopaedia (2010). 'Ngak Srungma Ekajati'. Source: http://aroencyclopaedia.org/shared/text/e/ekajati_th_02_01_eng.php (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010) Source: Web site: Archived copy. 2007-12-12. yes. https://web.archive.org/web/20080118064104/http://www.yoniversum.nl/dakini/tantras17.html. 2008-01-18. (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Source: http://rywiki.tsadra.org/index.php/klong_gsal_'bar_ma (accessed: Sunday April 11, 2010)
Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0094 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0095 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0096 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0097 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0098 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00107 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00100 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00101 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00102 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00103 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00104 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Hatchell, Christopher (2009). Naked Seeing: The Great Perfection, the Wheel of Time, and visionary philosophy in renaissance Tibet. University of Virginia, p. 373 Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00105 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00106 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/0099 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00108 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00109 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018) Wilkinson, Christopher (2018). "A Subtle Arrangement of Gemstones: Two Upadesha Tantras of the Great Perfection". CreateSpace, p. 2 Source:http://www.thlib.org/encyclopedias/literary/canons/ngb/catalog.php#cat=ng/00110 (accessed: Monday March 6, 2018)
Guarisco, Elio (trans.); McLeod, Ingrid (trans., editor); Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye, Kon-Sprul Blo-Gros-Mtha-Yas (compiler) (2005). The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Six, Part Four: Systems of Buddhist Tantra. Ithaca, New York, USA: Snow Lion Publications., p.520 Barron, Richard (trans), Longchen Rabjam (author): Precious Treasury of the Way of Abiding. Padma Publishing (1998) Source: http://www.keithdowman.net/dzogchen/gnas_lugs_mdzod.htm (accessed: Sunday October 11, 2009) Cuevas, Bryan J. (2003). The Hidden History of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Oxford University Press. .Source: https://books.google.com/books?
