Tibetan Text Of Madhyamaka Hrdaya Vrtti Tarkajvala

This document is the Tibetan translation of the Madhyamaka-hṛdaya-vṛttti-tarkajvālā (DBU-MAḤI SNIN-POḤI ḤGREL-PA RTOG-GE ḤBAR-BA), edited by Hajime Nakamura. It provides the Tibetan text corresponding to Professor Gokhale's translation and uses abbreviations for different editions (Peking, Snar-than, Sde-dge).

The excerpt provided delves into philosophical discussions, primarily engaging with the views of the "Rig byed kyi mthar smra ba" (those who speak of the end of the Veda) and critiquing their concept of an eternal self (bdag rig) and liberation.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and arguments presented in the provided pages:

Core Argument Against the Veda-based "Eternal Self":

• The text argues that the Veda-based philosophers believe in an eternal, unchanging self that is distinct from conditioned phenomena (rig byed kyi mthar Ita ba).
• They posit that this self, if unchanging and not subject to birth or death, would be difficult to liberate or attain salvation.
• The text counters this by stating that if the self is truly eternal, it cannot be conditioned (hdus byas) and thus cannot be liberated (thar pa). Conversely, if it is conditioned, it is impermanent.

The Concept of the "Great Man" (Skyes bu):

• A significant portion of the text explores the concept of a "Great Man" (skyes bu), which seems to represent an enlightened or perfected being.
• This "Great Man" is often described through metaphors related to light, the sun, and various colors and qualities.
• The "Great Man" is presented as transcending the cycle of existence (samsara) and achieving a state of liberation, free from birth and death.

Metaphorical Descriptions and Their Interpretations:

• Sun and Light: The "Great Man" is likened to the sun's light, which has various colors and pervades everything. This symbolizes omnipresence and the dispelling of ignorance (mun pa).
• Embodiment and Pervasiveness: The text describes the "Great Man" as having a form that encompasses all directions, the sky, limbs, and so on, indicating a universal presence and essence.
• Gold and Great Shiva (Dban phyug chen po): The "Great Man" is also associated with gold and "Great Shiva," representing a divine or ultimate reality. The text suggests that realizing this "Great Man" leads to the attainment of deathlessness.
• The Weaver's Thread (Dar gyi srin buhi skud pa): The creative power of the "Great Man" is compared to a weaver's thread that continuously produces without becoming depleted, symbolizing the unending origination of phenomena without exhaustion.

Critique of Dualistic Thinking:

• The text challenges the idea of a distinct, independent self. It argues that phenomena are not inherently separate from the ultimate reality.
• It refutes the notion that the "Great Man" is merely an external entity or that its qualities are limited.

The Nature of Liberation and Suffering:

• The text emphasizes that true liberation (mchog tu shi ba) comes from transcending both sin (sdig pa) and merit (bsod nams), suggesting that these are still within the realm of duality and conditioning.
• It distinguishes between the conditioned self, which experiences suffering and joy, and the ultimate nature that is beyond these.

Key Philosophical Concepts Discussed:

• Emptiness (Stoǹ pa nyid): While not explicitly named in the translated excerpt, the underlying critique of an eternal self and the focus on impermanence and conditioned existence aligns with Madhyamaka philosophy, which emphasizes emptiness.
• Impermanence (Anityatā): The text repeatedly highlights the impermanent nature of conditioned phenomena.
• Non-duality (Advaya): The interconnectedness and ultimate unity of all things is a recurring theme.
• The Nature of Reality: The text probes the fundamental nature of existence, distinguishing between conditioned reality and ultimate reality.

Structure and Argumentation:

The text appears to be structured as a commentary that engages with specific verses (indicated by numbers). It quotes arguments from the "Rig byed kyi mthar smra ba" and then provides counter-arguments and elaborations, often using analogies and metaphors.

In summary, this excerpt from the Madhyamaka-hṛdaya-vṛttti-tarkajvālā is a critical examination of the Veda-based philosophical understanding of the self and liberation. It introduces the concept of a universal, enlightened "Great Man" as the ultimate reality, achieved through transcending dualistic concepts of sin and merit, and emphasizes the interconnectedness and impermanence of all phenomena.