The Collected Works of Master Tsongkhapa

Author: Tsongkhapa
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-01-01
Features: Tsongkhapa is the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism (commonly known as the "Yellow Hat sect") and is revered in Tibetan Buddhism as an emanation of the Wisdom Bodhisattva Manjushri. Throughout his life, Tsongkhapa studied extensively under renowned masters and became highly learned. His teachings adopted a rigorous and thorough approach, integrating the doctrines and views of various Tibetan Buddhist schools while retaining the original practices of early Buddhism, such as begging for food, using a seat, and wearing specific clothing. He advocated the fusion of the Prajnaparamita Madhyamaka and the esoteric Vajrayana, earnestly correcting the flaws of the old schools while strictly upholding the precepts. He wore a yellow hat to distinguish himself from other old schools, becoming a reformer of Tibetan Buddhism in the 14th and 15th centuries and thus establishing the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Tsongkhapa believed that the Buddha's teachings encompass only two aspects: "teaching" (dharma) and "realization" (proof). All teachings are contained within the Three Baskets of scriptures (Vinaya, Sutra, and Abhidharma), while all realizations are embodied in the Three Trainings (precepts, meditation, and wisdom). Therefore, the Three Baskets cannot be neglected, and the Three Trainings must be practiced fully. Tsongkhapa emphasized that the practice of both exoteric and esoteric teachings must follow a gradual progression and strictly adhere to the precepts.
Tsongkhapa authored numerous works, with his complete collection comprising approximately 160 volumes. His major works include the Lamrim Chenmo, which outlines the profound view and extensive practice of the exoteric teachings; the Dorje Lamrim Chenmo, which summarizes the empowerment and devotional practices of the esoteric teachings; the Shentong Lekshey, which expounds the profound Madhyamaka view; and the Lamrim Lekshey, which clarifies the subtle points of both Sutra and Tantra. Additionally, he wrote works such as the Bhikshu Pratimoksha and the Bodhisattva Precepts, which summarize the precepts of both the Theravada and Mahayana schools.
This book is the first to compile and publish various translations of Tsongkhapa's works by Master Fazun. It serves as an important classic for understanding and studying the thoughts and teachings of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in Chinese.