These works, transmitted from Arya Maitreya the fifth and future Buddha of this fortunate age to Arya Asanga some time in the third century, comprise one of the major foundations of Mahayana Buddhism, the unbroken transmission and practice of which continues today.

The focus of this text is the Prajnaparamita teachings. There are two main ways of approaching the meaning of the Prajnaparamita, the direct and indirect approach, with both approaches revealing the meaning of emptiness. Many students these days are familiar with the direct approach to understanding emptiness as shown in texts such as those by Nagarjuna. However, the indirect approach is perhaps less familiar and is what Maitreya is focussing on in this text. The indirect approach to emptiness reveals the hidden meaning of the Prajnaparamita sutras by examining the five paths and spiritual levels. Through this approach one understands how emptiness is realized, how this wisdom is developed and what is removed by this wisdom.

Maitreya received the full transmission and meaning of these teachings directly from the Buddha and is therefore able to convey the meaning clearly and directly for us. This was his main motivation for composing this particular work and also that by understanding the Prajnaparamita teachings beings would be able to accomplish Buddhahood.

Ornament of Clear Realization, Commentary on The Treatise of Maitreya, Thrangu Rinpoche, Zhisil Chokyi Ghatsal, Paperback, 416 Pages, 2005

Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Oryen Trinley Dorje. Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches entensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.

Contents:

Foreword.

1. An introduction to the Prajnaparamita.
2. Introductory verses of the text.
3. Bodhicitta.
4. Practice instructions.
5. The path of junction and Buddha-nature.
6. The objects of focus for the Bodhisattva.
7. The meditation practices and the practice of accumulation.
8. The Hinayana paths.
9. The Bodhisattva path of insight.
10. The Bodhisattva path of meditation or cultivation.
11. Knowledge of the foundation.
12. The application of realization of all aspects.
13. The path of junction.
14. The application when reaching the peak.
15. Gradual application of the stages of the Bodhisattva path.
16. The instantaneous practitioners.
17. The three Kayas.

Glossary of terms.

Glossary of Tibetan terms.

Notes.

Bibliography.