In Tibetan religious literature, Jamgon Kongtruls Treasury of Knowledge in ten books stands out as a unique encyclopedic masterpiece embodying the entire range of Buddhist teachings as it was preserved in Tibet.

Fundamentals of Buddhist Study and Practice comprises book seven and book eight, parts one and two of the Treasury of Knowledge. Book seven provides a detailed exposition of contemplation, which consists of reflecting repeatedly on the points one has already understood in order to deepen ones appreciation of them. It includes a lucid discussion of various interpretations of the meaning of emptiness. Once one has gained certainty about the teachings through hearing and contemplation, the logical next step is that of integrating them into one's experience through the process known as meditation. This is the main focus of book eight. Part one of book eight presents the practice of meditation as a twofold process comprising elements of calm abiding and a deeper awareness of the nature of reality. Part two of book eight treats the stages of meditation as these are described the sutra tradition that includes the three paths of the sravaka, the pratyekabuddha, and the bodhisattva.

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye (1813-1900), the author of The Treasury of Knowledge, helped to spearhead an ecumenical revival of the Buddhist teachings in Tibet and worked tirelessly to promote a tolerant and open exchange between the different schools of the Tibetan tradition. In addition to writing The Treasury of Knowledge, he was responsible for compiling several enormous collections of texts from all the Buddhist lineages extant in Tibet. In the wake of the destruction of Tibet in more recent times, these collections have proved invaluable in helping to preserve the lineages of these teachings.

Richard Barron (Chkyi Nyima) has been a student of Buddhism for nearly forty years and has studied with masters in all of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He has completed a traditional three-year retreat. Fundamentals of Buddhist Study and Practice is his third book under the auspices of the Tsadra Foundation. He lives in California.

Contents: The Treasury of Knowledge, Book Seven and Book Eight, Parts One and Two: Foundations of Buddhist Study and Practice by: Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye
Foreword by the Venerable Ringu Tulku	vii
Translator's Introduction	1
BOOK SEVEN: The Higher Training in Sublime Intelligence	29
The Source Verses	31
The Higher Training in Sublime Intelligence	53
Part 1. Keys to Understanding	55
Part 2. Understanding Truth and Meaning	79
Part 3. Authentic View	123
Part 4. Foundations of Spiritual Practice	175
BOOK EIGHT, Parts One and Two: The Higher Training in Meditative Absorption	205
The Source Verses	207
The Higher Training in Meditative Absorption	219
Part 1. Foundations of Meditative Absorption	221
Part 2. Meditation in the Cause-Based Dialectical Approach	259
Appendix: OUtline of Book Seven and Book Eight, Parts One and Two	291
Glossary	297
Abbreviations	311
Notes	313
Bibliography of Works Cited by the Author	403
Reference Bibliography	413
Index	423