The Buddha's Single Intention: Drigung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön's Vajra Statements of the Early Kagyü Tradition

The definitive presentation of one of the most unique and compelling works of classical Tibetan literature. This book presents an influential and extraordinary teaching of the Kagy tradition of Tibetan Buddhism known as the Single Intention by the master Drigung Jikten Sumg n (1143-1217), along with its chief commentaries, principally the Light of the Sun by Rikzin Ch kyi Drakpa (1595-1659). Early in the history of the Kagy school, the teachings of Jikten Sumg n were condensed into 150 core formulations called vajra statements. These pithy, revelatory statements comprise the Single Intention (Dgongs gcig), which presents the thought of the Buddha and the nature of the ineffable (brjod du med pa) in concise and direct expression. The Single Intention weaves the thread of ineffable mahamudra through the entire fabric of Buddhism. It presents mahamudra as pervading disciplined conduct, meditative concentration, and discriminative knowledge; ground, path, and result; view, practice, and conduct; and the "three vows" of pratimoksa, of the bodhisattvas, and of mantra. Jikten Sumg n teaches how the fundamental values and insights revealed by the Buddha are woven into reality and therefore accessible to all. Jan-Ulrich Sobisch manages to convey the unity of the Buddha's message both in its particulars and in its scope. His deep and authoritative skill makes this the definitive presentation of one of the most unique and compelling works of classical Tibetan literature.