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Religious Studies Review, March 2008
Thar Lam
Back Cover copy
In pithy verses, Distinguishing the Middle from Extremes employs the principle of the three natures to explain the way things seem to be as well as the way they actually are. Unraveling the subtle processes that condition our thinking and experience, Maitreya's teaching reveals a powerful path of compassionate vision and spiritual transformation.
Distinguishing the Middle from Extremes is here presented alongside commentaries by two outstanding masters of Tibet's nonsectarian Rimé movement, Khenpo Shenga and Ju Mipham.
"In his Five Teachings the protector Maitreya, the Regent who has mastered the ten grounds, reveals fully and flawlessly the view, meditation, conduct, and fruition that is accomplished through the Great Vehicle. With utmost profundity his teachings reach far and wide; they are a treasury of scripture, reasoning, and oral instruction."--Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
"This is the most readable translation I have ever seen of Maitreya's profound text Distinguishing the Middle from Extremes, together with two of the most incisive commentaries from Tibet. The translation is so lucid and precise, even one sentence can pull the reader toward deep experience of meaning. Invaluable for scholars and meditators, this is a work to be celebrated."--John Makransky, Assoc. Professor of Buddhism, Boston College
"This timely volume is a much welcomed addition to our body of Yogacara literature in translation. This profound text--one of the five Yogacara treatises associated with the legendary Indian master Maitreya--is both an analysis of the extreme views to which we are all too prone and a succinct summary of the Middle Path that takes us 'beyond extremes.' The translation of the root verses is accompanied by two recent Tibetan commentaries. The first carefully elucidates the often cryptic verses themselves, while the second fully elaborates their sense and application. Together, the text and its commentaries provide a comprehensive and accessible outline of the Yogacara view of reality. It is essential for any serious student of Yogacara."--William S. Waldron, Assoc. Professor of Religion, Middlebury College
Maitreya and Asanga (fl. 4th century C.E.) are the progenitors of the Approach of Vast Activity, one of two great currents of Mahayana view and practice. Their works have achieved the status of unique spiritual classics. Throughout the centuries, they have continued to guide and inspire some of Buddhism's most brilliant minds.
Khenpo Shenga (1871-1927) contributed tremendously to the non-sectarian Rimé movement in Tibet. His commentaries on the classic Indian Buddhist treatises have become the core curriculum in numerous monastic colleges throughout Tibet and South Asia.
Ju Mipham (1846-1912) displayed a universal genius as he wrote on all aspects of Buddhist theory and practice, as well as on the traditional sciences. He has emerged as one of the most influential figures to come out of the Tibetan tradition in recent centuries.
The Dharmachakra Translation Committee draws its inspiration from the vision, commitment, and magnificent achievements of past Buddhist translators. Directed by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche, the Committee is dedicated to making Buddhist classics available to modern readers in their native languages.
