with commentary by Gyel-tsap and Geshe Sonam Rinchen
translated by Ruth Sonam
Paperback, 394 pages
Garchen Rinpoche is considered by some as an emanation of Aryadeva.
Gyel-tsap Dar-ma-rin-chen states that Aryadeva's
Four Hundred Stanzas
was written to explain how, according to Nagarjuna, the practice of the
stages of yogic deeds enables those with Mahayana motivation to attain
Buddhahood. Both Nagarjuna and Aryadeva urge those who want to
understand reality to induce direct experience of ultimate truth
through philosophic inquiry and reasoning. Aryadeva's text is more than
a commentary on Nagarjuna's
Treatise on the Middle Way, because it also explains the extensive paths associated with conventional truths. The
Four Hundred Stanzas
is one of the fundamental works of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, and
Gyel-tsap's commentary is arguably the most complete and important of
the Tibetan commentaries on it.
Mahayana practitioners must eliminate not only obstructions to
liberation but also obstructions to the perfect knowledge of all
phenomena. This requires a powerful understanding of selflessness
coupled with a vast accumulation of merit or positive energy resulting
from the kind of love, compassion, and altruistic intention cultivated
by bodhisattvas. The first half of the text focuses on the development
of merit by showing how to correct distorted ideas about conventional
reality and how to overcome disturbing emotions. The second half
explains the nature of ultimate reality, that all phenomena are empty
of intrinsic existence.
Gyel-tsap's commentary on Aryadeva's text takes the form of a lively
dialogue that uses the words of Aryadeva to answer hypothetical and
actual assertions, questions, and objections. Geshe Sonam Rinchen has
provided additional commentary to the sections on conventional reality,
elucidating their relevance for contemporary life.
