noble noose of methods, the Lotus Garland synopsis, A

By Cathy Cantwell

Book Description

This scholarly exploration unveils one of the most significant spiritual treasures recovered from the ancient Dunhuang cave library: a comprehensive tantric commentary that opens an extraordinary window into early Tibetan Buddhist practice. Drawing from an 85-folio manuscript adorned with unique marginal annotations found nowhere else, this work reconstructs a vital piece of Nyingma tradition that has been fragmented across centuries.

At the heart of this investigation lies a meticulous restoration of both commentary and root text, revealing profound tantric teachings that would later influence renowned masters like Rongzom and Longchenpa. The manuscript presents an unparalleled early portrayal of Padmasambhava alongside fundamental Nyingma doctrinal views, supported by citations from numerous other tantric sources.

Through careful analysis of twenty-one different manuscript witnesses spanning from Dunhuang to various canonical collections, the author demonstrates how scribal errors and accidental losses have obscured nearly a third of the original commentary's content over time. This detective work in textual reconstruction reveals not only the historical relationships between different versions but also recovers ancient readings that predate even the Dunhuang manuscript itself.

For students of Tibetan Buddhism and tantric practice, this volume offers both rigorous scholarship and spiritual insight, making accessible teachings that have remained hidden or distorted for centuries. The work bridges academic methodology with devotional tradition, providing practitioners with authentic access to early Nyingma wisdom.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)

📄 Length: 375 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Tripiṭaka
✓ Explore Rñiṅ ma rgyud ʼbum
✓ Explore Manuscripts
✓ Explore Dunhuang manuscripts
✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
✓ Explore British Library
✓ Explore Rñiṅ-ma-pa (Sect)
✓ Explore Doctrines

Topics Covered

Tripiṭaka Rñiṅ ma rgyud ʼbum Manuscripts Dunhuang manuscripts Tantric Buddhism British Library Rñiṅ-ma-pa (Sect) Doctrines Rituals Tibetan Manuscripts China, antiquities