Why read Tsongkhapa?

Book cover of Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows

Book description

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,…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Tsongkhapa as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Patrick Ussher

Author

This, the biography of a 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist master, might seem out of place for a list that is about modern-day adaptations of ancient philosophies. However, I wanted to include it as a reminder that while philosophical reform can be all well and good, sometimes the masters of yesteryear are those from whom we still have the most to learn.

I find this book magical: its lucid descriptions of the rich intellectual and spiritual tradition of 14th-century Tibetan culture, its monastic curriculum and debates, and the evident commitment to enlightenment among its many protagonists, all of these things have much…

From Patrick's list on The best books about modern-day adaptations of Buddhism and Stoicism.

Lorne Ladner

Author

Thubten Jinpa is the foremost English language translator for the Dalai Lama, a prolific author and translator, and someone highly involved in scientific research on compassion and positive emotions. Here, he shares in detail for the first time a biography of Tsongkhapa who is one of the great geniuses of our shared, human heritage. Anyone interested in Buddhist philosophy or practice will benefit from an understanding of Tsongkhapa's life and work. And anyone interested in Asian history will find his life illuminating.

From Lorne's list on The best biographies within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.