Book Reviews - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document contains a series of book reviews from the Jain Education International publication. The reviews cover a range of scholarly works on Indian philosophy, Tibetan studies, linguistics, and art history. Here's a summary of each review:

1. Phyllis Granoff, Philosophy and Argument in Late Vedānta. Sri Harsa's Khandanakhandakhādya

Focus: This review discusses Granoff's analysis of Sri Harsa's Khandanakhandakhādya, a notoriously difficult work in Indian philosophy known for its refutations of opponents' definitions.
Granoff's Work: The book is praised for its detailed examination of Sri Harsa's refutations of concepts like pramā (valid knowledge) and pratyakṣa (perception). Granoff highlights Sri Harsa's engagement with various schools, including the Naiyāyikas, Mimāmsakas, Jains, and Buddhists. Her work also delves into Sri Harsa's unique Vedānta doctrines, particularly his rejection of a third truth value and his assertion of the absolute identity of the visible world and knowledge.
Translation and Commentary: Granoff's translation of the introduction to the Khandanakhandakhādya is lauded for its faithfulness and clarity. Her commentary, based on a deep understanding of Sri Harsa's opponents, effectively explains his arguments.
Criticism: The reviewer notes that Granoff's discussion of Buddhist predecessors is brief and suggests she might have studied them through a Vedāntin lens. There are also minor critiques regarding her interpretation of specific Buddhist texts.
Overall Impression: The book is deemed an important and original contribution to the study of Vedānta and Indian philosophy.

2. H. W. Bailey, Dictionary of Khotan Saka

Focus: This review highlights the publication of Bailey's Dictionary of Khotan Saka as a significant event for Iranian studies.
Bailey's Contribution: Bailey is recognized for his lifelong devotion to the Khotanese language, with a vast publication record in the field. The dictionary is based on his extensive transcriptions of Khotanese texts.
Dictionary Structure: The reviewer notes that while titled a "dictionary," the work heavily emphasizes etymology, with many entries resembling etymological essays. The scale of Bailey's entries is contrasted with earlier proposals for a "working" dictionary, with Bailey's entries being significantly more detailed.
Etymology and Cognates: Bailey's extensive quotation of Iranian cognates is intended to "assure the Khotanese word and to situate it within the dialects."
Overall Impression: The dictionary is acknowledged as a monumental work, filling a crucial gap in Iranian studies, though its etymological focus is a prominent characteristic.

3. Louis Ligeti (ed.), Proceedings of the Csoma de Körös Memorial Symposium

Focus: This review covers the proceedings of a symposium honoring Alexander Csoma de Körös, featuring over forty articles by eminent Tibetologists.
Content: The collection includes studies on linguistic problems in Tibetan, such as prenasalized initials, the Tibetan role in Sino-Tibetan linguistics, and the function of aspiration. It also features articles on the "accusative" in Tibetan, lexical items from the Rgyud-bzi, and a paper on five Tibetan dictionaries.
Specific Articles: The review details works on taxation terms in Tibetan annals, names and titles in Tibetan letters, and a thorough analysis of a Tibetan manuscript related to the 'A-ža Principality. It also discusses research on Tibetan documents and various aspects of Tibetan history, including the Tangut state, feudal Tibet, the Fifth Dalai Lama, and Buddhist sects.
Critique of Ligeti's Contribution: The reviewer offers a detailed critique of Louis Ligeti's article on Mongolian inscriptions, suggesting that his knowledge of Tibetan is less sure than his knowledge of other languages and that his interpretations of certain Tibetan texts do not improve upon previous scholarship.
Overall Impression: The volume is a rich collection of articles on Tibetan studies, though the reviewer highlights areas for improvement in specific contributions.

4. Various Tibetan Studies Reviews (Pages 5-10)

This section appears to be a compilation of shorter reviews or brief mentions of several works related to Tibetan studies. The key areas covered are:

Das Spiel von der Himmelsfee 'Gro-ba bzan-mo: Described as a valuable study with limited appeal, focusing on human suffering and maternal love.
Practice and Theory of Tibetan Buddhism (translated by Geshe Lhundup Sopa & Jeffrey Hopkins): This review discusses translations of two Tibetan texts: a meditation manual by the fourth Panchen Lama and a systematic exposition of philosophical tenets by Kon-mchog 'jigs-med dban-po. The reviewer notes the accuracy of the translation but questions its accessibility to readers unfamiliar with Buddhist philosophy, stressing the importance of understanding the Sanskrit originals.

5. Herman Lommel, Kleine Schriften

Focus: This review discusses the collected works of Herman Lommel, with a focus on his Vedic studies.
Lommel's Method: Lommel is noted for his use of mythological and ethnological parallels and later Vedic literature to explain Vedic hymns. He defended this method, believing it could reveal historical events even with legendary embellishments.
Critique: The reviewer acknowledges Lommel's awareness of colleagues' reservations about his methods and suggests that Lommel may have been overly influenced by these parallels at times.
Wider Context: Lommel's attempts to study Avestan and Vedic concepts in a broader context, influenced by scholars like Walter Otto and Leo Frobenius, are mentioned.
Overall Impression: The volume contains valuable contributions, though the reviewer notes a tendency for Lommel to be more inspired when writing for a larger audience, leading to a more lyrical prose style.

6. Harry Falk, Quellen des Pañcatantra

Focus: This review analyzes Falk's study on the sources of the Pancatantra, focusing on his detailed tracing of fables within the Mahābhārata and Jātakas.
Falk's Thesis: Falk views the Pancatantra as primarily a dharmaśāstra and a nitiśāstra (treatise on polity/ethics), interpreting its ethical content as "defensive niti" aimed at supporting dharma.
"Umkehrungstheorie": The reviewer finds Falk's "Umkehrungstheorie" (theory of reversal) convincing, suggesting that the author of the Pancatantra uses niti to defend dharma.
Source Tracing: The review details Falk's findings in tracing fables, particularly in the first three tantras of the Pancatantra, and identifies parallels in the Mahābhārata and Jātakas.
Critique of Falk's Source Analysis: The reviewer offers alternative interpretations for some of Falk's source identifications, suggesting blended fables and different approaches to tracing origins.
Overall Impression: Falk's work is considered a significant contribution, especially for its innovative "Umkehrungstheorie" and meticulous source analysis, although the reviewer also offers valuable counterpoints and additional insights.

7. G. A. Zograf, Morfologičeskij stroj novyx indo-arijskix yazykov

Focus: This review discusses a comprehensive linguistic study of New Indo-Aryan languages, focusing on morphology.
Methodology: Zograf employs a contrastive analysis, moving from individual languages to "grammemes" and "allograms," with a focus on morphology as a starting point.
Challenges and Nuances: The reviewer acknowledges Zograf's awareness of the complexities of the material, including the need to account for change, uneven documentation, functional differences in formally identical units, and non-morphological aspects.
Comparison with Grierson: Zograf's synchronic perspective on the NIA language area, viewing it as a gradual decrease in synthetic forms and increase in analytic/agglutinative forms from west to east, is compared and contrasted with Grierson's model.
Specific Linguistic Points: The review touches upon Zograf's analysis of noun morphology (personal reference, direct objects), the use of honorific pronouns, and verb stem relationships.
Overall Impression: The study is praised as a wide-ranging and informative work that deserves attention from those interested in the interrelationships of NIA languages.

8. Alex Wayman, Yoga of the Guhyasa mājatantra

Focus: This review critically examines Wayman's extensive study of the Guhyasa mājatantra and its commentarial literature.
Praise for Wayman's Effort: The reviewer admires Wayman's courage and learning in tackling the complex field of Buddhist tantras and making extensive use of Tibetan commentaries, particularly Tsongkhapa's works.
Critique of Methodology: The main criticism revolves around Wayman's perceived reliance on later commentaries to interpret earlier tantric texts, suggesting this can lead to interpretations not fully supported by the basic text. The reviewer advocates for understanding basic texts first before consulting commentaries.
Specific Translation Issues: The reviewer points out several instances where Wayman's translation of verses from the Guhyasa mājatantra and related texts is questioned, offering alternative readings and interpretations based on textual evidence and scholarly consensus.
Critique of Esotericism and Evaluation: The reviewer disagrees with Wayman's suggestion that understanding tantras requires moving beyond "distancy or bewilderment" to a position of being "genuinely for or against it." The reviewer emphasizes the historian of religions' need for epochē (suspension of judgment) and objectivity.
Overall Impression: While acknowledging Wayman's vast knowledge, the reviewer believes that a more philological approach and a careful handling of the historical development of texts are necessary for a clearer understanding of Buddhist tantric literature.

9. J. W. de Jong (editor), Nāgārjuna: Mülamadhyamaka kārikäh

Focus: This review discusses de Jong's new edition of Nagarjuna's Mūlamadhyamaka kārikās (MMK), noting its improvements over previous editions.
Comparison with LVP: The review contrasts de Jong's edition with Louis de La Vallée Poussin's standard edition, highlighting the advantage of de Jong's use of a newly discovered Nepalese manuscript that fills significant lacunae in earlier manuscripts.
Editorial Improvements: De Jong's edition offers improved readings, corroborations of emendations, and fills gaps from the older edition. The reviewer notes specific examples of textual corrections.
Textual Variants: The review discusses instances where de Jong's readings, based on the newly discovered manuscript, differ from LVP's conjectures, particularly when LVP relied solely on Tibetan translations.
Overall Impression: This new edition of the MMK is deemed convenient and invaluable, superseding previous editions and serving as a crucial resource for all future work on Nagarjuna's treatise.

10. Helmut Eimer, Skizzen des Erlösungsweges in buddhistischen Begriffsreihen

Focus: This review evaluates Eimer's work on Buddhist concepts related to the path to liberation, presenting various lists of technical terms.
Content: Eimer relates numerous lists of terms from the Pali canon and Mahāyāna traditions, including the eightfold path, the 37 bodhipakkhiya dhamma, stages of enlightenment, and the pāramitās.
Critique of Structure and Nuance: The reviewer finds the work somewhat schematic and suggests that the idea of antecedent terms conditioning subsequent ones might need nuance. Some parallelisms, particularly between the eightfold path and the śīla-samādhi-prajñā triad, are seen as forced.
Value as a Source Collection: Despite the criticisms, the reviewer highly values the work as a source collection, commending its comprehensive and well-organized references to the Pali canon.
Overall Impression: The book is useful for its compilation of sources, though some of its analytical connections are questioned.

11. Raniero Gnoli (ed.), The Gilgit Manuscript of the Sanghabhedavastu & The Gilgit Manuscript of the Sayanasanavastu and the Adhikaraṇavastu

Focus: This review discusses the publication of parts of the Mūlasarvāstivādin Vinaya from the Gilgit manuscript.
Previous Edition: The review references Nalinaksha Dutt's earlier edition, noting its lacunae, particularly in the latter parts of the Vinaya, including the extensive Samghabheda-vastu.
New Discovery: The discovery of a "Rawalpindi manuscript" is highlighted, which fills the significant gaps in Dutt's edition and is the basis for Gnoli and Venkatacharya's publication.
Editorial Practices: The editors' approach to damaged or missing passages, including the use of parallel texts and Tibetan versions, is detailed. They also republish the end of the Samghabheda-vastu, which was previously edited by Dutt.
Content of the Samghabheda-vastu: The reviewer explains that this final section includes a lengthy biography of the Buddha preceding the account of the schism.
Overall Impression: The volumes are praised for providing a reliable and readable text for a significant portion of early Buddhist school literature.

12. José Van den Broeck, La Saveur de l'Immortel (A-p'i-t'an Kan Lu Wei Lun) (Chinese version of Ghosaka's Amṛtarasa)

Focus: This review examines Van den Broeck's translation and annotation of the Chinese version of Ghosaka's Amṛtarasa, an Abhidharma text.
Introduction: The reviewer praises the clarity and comprehensiveness of Van den Broeck's introduction, which addresses historical issues concerning the Chinese translation's date and the original Indian author.
Dating and Attribution: The introduction discusses the difficulties in dating the Chinese translation and determining the original author, noting inconsistencies and possible revisions.
Textual Relationships: The reviewer highlights that the Amṛtarasa is an adaptation of Dharmaśrī's Abhidharmasara, but the historical context of Dharmaśrī remains uncertain, making the relationships within this Abhidharma literature complex.
Translation Quality: Van den Broeck's translation is commended for its probity and care, especially given the text's developmental stage and translation challenges. However, a minor correction to the title's translation is suggested.
Overall Impression: The book is considered an excellent introduction to an evolving Abhidharma tradition, showcasing Van den Broeck's mastery of Chinese, Abhidharma logic, and critical flair.

13. D. S. Ruegg, The Life of Bu Ston Rin Po Che

Focus: This review re-evaluates Ruegg's study of the Tibetan Buddhist master Bu ston Rin po che.
Bu ston's Significance: The review summarizes Bu ston's life and contributions, including his role as a "master of the Kālacakra," a translator, editor, and influential figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Doctrinal Position: The reviewer discusses the challenges in pinpointing Bu ston's precise doctrinal affiliation, noting his resemblance to the Yogācāra-Mādhyamika-Svātantrika school but also his emphasis on the trikāya doctrine, similar to Klon chen pa.
Personal Tone and Anecdotes: The review highlights the personal and relatable tone of the biography, sharing poignant quotes from Bu ston and his student, Sgra tshad pa, which offer insights into their lives and the challenges of monastic leadership.
Critique of Translation and Scholarship: While acknowledging some perceived dubious readings in Ruegg's translation (as noted by other scholars), the reviewer expresses gratitude for the completion of the work. They also note the value of a technical glossary, though question its potential impact given scholarly disagreements.
Overall Impression: Ruegg's study is considered a highly important work, providing valuable insights into Bu ston's life and influence, and the reviewer encourages further scholarly engagement with Bu ston's translations.

14. Étienne Lamotte (tr.), The Teaching of Vimalakirti & Robert A. F. Thurman (tr.), The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti

Focus: This review compares two English translations of the Vimalakīrtinirdesa Sutra: the English version of Lamotte's French translation and Thurman's new translation.
Growing Interest: The simultaneous publication of these translations reflects a rising interest in this important Mahāyāna scripture.
Lamotte's Work: Lamotte's French translation, based on the Tibetan version with consultation of Chinese versions, is praised for its detailed introduction, scholarly notes, and appendices. The English translation makes this work accessible to a wider audience.
Thurman's Work: Thurman's translation prioritizes philosophical aspects over philological ones and is noted for its readability. The reviewer suggests Thurman could have benefited from consulting Nagao's Japanese translation.
Comparative Analysis: The review examines specific passages to compare the translations' fidelity to the Tibetan text, pointing out instances where Lamotte or Thurman deviate or misinterpret.
Need for Philological Commentary: The reviewer concludes that while all three translations are valuable, a more detailed philological commentary is needed to clarify the interpretive challenges of the Vimalakīrtinirdesa.

15. Ariane Macdonald & Yoshiro Imaeda, Choix de documents tibétains conservés à la Bibliothèque Nationale

Focus: This review discusses the first volume of reproductions of Tibetan manuscripts from the Bibliothèque Nationale, supplemented by items from the India Office and British Museum.
Content: The volume contains reproductions of nearly sixty manuscripts, with a second volume planned. The collection highlights the importance of Tibetan manuscripts from Dunhuang for understanding early Tibetan civilization.
Selection Criteria: The manuscripts were chosen for their value in illuminating unknown or little-known aspects of Tibetan civilization, with a priority given to non-Buddhist texts, though exceptionally important Buddhist documents were also included.
Editorial Work: The editors' meticulous work in analyzing and arranging manuscripts, sometimes correcting earlier cataloguing, is noted.
Significance of Dunhuang Manuscripts: The reviewer emphasizes the importance of studying these manuscripts in their original form, acknowledging the excellent quality of the reproductions.
Overall Impression: The volume is a significant contribution to Tibetan studies, making valuable primary source material accessible to scholars.

16. Essais sur l'art du Tibet

Focus: This review covers a collection of essays on Tibetan art, emphasizing the link between artwork and its textual or oral traditions.
Contents: The volume includes an historical and geographical overview of Tibet, a study of Chinese editions of the Tibetan Kanjur and Tanjur, an analysis of the makara motif in ritual objects, and a study of Tibetan costumes from the 7th to 11th centuries.
Specific Articles: The review highlights John Lowry's preliminary study of a 15th-century sketchbook and Ariane Macdonald's essay on a portrait of the Fifth Dalai Lama, which is considered the volume's "pièce de résistance." H. E. Richardson's description of the Jokhang ("Cathedral of Lhasa") is also noted.
Importance of Textual Study: The reviewer underscores the importance of studying Tibetan texts for a deeper understanding of Tibetan art.
Overall Impression: The essays demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary approaches in Tibetan art history.

17. K. Hayashima, J. Takasaki, Z. Yamaguchi, & Y. Ejima (eds.), Tibetan Tripitaka, Sde dge edition, Bstan hgyur. Dbu ma

Focus: This review discusses the photomechanical reprint of the Derge Tanjur's Madhyamaka section, published by the University of Tokyo.
Content and Organization: The reprint of the Derge Tanjur's Madhyamaka section is described in detail, including its organization, pagination, and marginal references.
Bibliographical Notes: The added detailed table of contents and bibliographical notes are highlighted as extremely valuable for scholars, particularly in the West, providing access to Japanese scholarship.
Accuracy of Bibliographical Information: While generally praising the exhaustiveness of the bibliographical information, the reviewer points out a few minor inaccuracies and omissions.
Significance of Derge Edition: The reprint's accessibility to the Derge Tanjur, a highly regarded but rare edition, is emphasized as a significant contribution to Buddhist studies.
Overall Impression: This reprint is deemed extremely useful and a valuable resource for scholars, especially due to its comprehensive bibliographical apparatus.

18. Tsong-ka-pa, Tantra in Tibet. The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra

Focus: This review evaluates Jeffrey Hopkins's translation of the first chapter of Tsong-ka-pa's Snags-rim chen-mo, a significant work on Tantrism.
Praise for Translation: Hopkins's translation of the first chapter is considered by far superior to his earlier translation of the Ratnāvali, with only a few rare errors.
Critique of Knowledge of Indian Buddhism: The reviewer notes that Hopkins's knowledge of Buddhism appears to be based primarily on Tibetan texts and oral explanations. This leads to a lack of reference to non-Tibetan scholarship and some misinterpretations of Sanskrit terms (e.g., dal-ba as 'leisure' instead of 'favorable circumstances').
Explanatory Notes: The reviewer suggests that more detailed explanatory notes are needed for the Western reader to fully comprehend such a technical work.
Importance of Historical Perspective: The reviewer stresses the importance of incorporating a historical perspective and acknowledging the work of non-Tibetan scholars, as Tibetan scholars may lack this context and rely on Tibetan translations of Indian sources.
Overall Impression: The translation is good overall, but a lack of comprehensive explanatory notes and insufficient engagement with non-Tibetan scholarship limit its accessibility and completeness for the Western reader.

19. Manfred Taube, Tibetische Handschriften und Blockdrucke, 1-4

Focus: This review describes Taube's catalog of Tibetan manuscripts and blockprints held in various German collections.
Scope and Detail: The catalogue describes 3000 items, with detailed descriptions that go beyond previous catalogues like the Tohoku collection. Taube meticulously notes page size, line count, miniatures, titles, authors, scribes, and includes colophons.
Collection Highlights: The importance of the Deutsche Staatsbibliothek's collection, particularly the Haenisch collection, is noted. The review also mentions collections in Halle and Herrnhut, with a minor omission regarding the Altenburg collection.
Categorization and Appendices: Taube's systematic categorization of texts, especially the large section on Esoteric Buddhism, and the detailed appendices (concordances, lists of persons) are praised.
Need for Place of Printing Information: The reviewer suggests that a list of printing locations would have been beneficial.
Overall Impression: Taube's catalogue is considered exemplary and of great use for studying Tibetan literature, highlighting the vast and largely unexplored nature of this field. The reviewer expresses gratitude for Taube's laborious and thorough work.