Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale

Journal | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Journal issue | 52 | 2016
Research Article | sLob dpon gyis bśad pa: Explanation by the Master

sLob dpon gyis bśad pa: Explanation by the Master

The Teachings on Meditation of an Unknown Byaṅ-cub-klu-dbaṅ (IOL Tib J 709, 34a1-36a3)

Abstract

In the Dunhuang manuscript IOL Tib J 709, which is a collection of writings concerning meditation, we come across a short text attributed to a Tibetan master called Byaṅ-cub-klu-dbaṅ (allegedly eighth-ninth centuries CE). In his work, Byaṅ-cub-klu-dbaṅ exposes a method of meditation that seems to be strongly indebted to Indian Mahāyāna scriptural sources. Besides, also a Chinese Chan influence is here detectable. Therefore, the method of meditation taught by Byaṅ-cub-klu-dbaṅ seems to represent a commingling of different elements from different contexts. After a general introduction to the manuscript IOL Tib J 709, this study focuses on Byaṅ-cub-klu-dbaṅ’s text, discussing and analysing the following topics: its author and date, the Indian Mahāyāna possible sources, Chinese Chan elements, the meditational path described. An annotated translation of the text, along with its transliteration and the reproduction of the fac-simile of the corresponding portion of the manuscript, concludes the study.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Nov. 17, 2015 | Accepted: Jan. 20, 2016 | Published June 30, 2016 | Language: en

Keywords Dunhuang manuscriptMeditationTibetan Buddhism


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