Introduction to Emptiness: As Taught in Tsong-kha-pa's Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path

by Guy Newland

Readers are hard-pressed to find books that can help them understand the central concept in Mahayana Buddhism—the idea that ultimate reality is emptiness. In clear language, Introduction to Emptiness explains that emptiness is not a mystical sort of nothingness, but a specific truth that can and must be understood through calm and careful reflection. Newland's contemporary examples and vivid anecdotes will be helpful to students trying to understand one of the great classic texts of the Tibetan tradition, Tsong-kha-pa's Great Treatise.

Genres: Buddhism, Philosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

126 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2008

Reviews

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by my teacher at my local Buddhist Center, Langri Tangpa of Brisbane. And just as Eddie said, it is a very clear and precise exploration of Emptiness, very useful for the muddled beginner in Buddhism. Normally, I burn through books in a day or two, but with this one, I've chosen to carefully consider and reflect upon each page. It is very supportive for those endeavouring to understand emptiness because it doesn't only show the one argument of emptiness, but occasionally refers to other arguments about emptiness and rebuttals about these view points. I definitely recommend this!

[Tyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well condensed in an easily understandable way, even for Western audiences. However, Newland seems to infuse his own Western perspective at times by excessively emphasizing the active, practical component of Buddhist practice which is not similarly emphasized in traditional Tibetan Buddhist texts.

[Mindy McAdams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an easy book, and certainly not a beginner's book, but very clearly written. Author Guy Newland is a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Central Michigan University and a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism. The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment is a vast text, published in four volumes. This much briefer text focuses on the challenging, fundamental concept of emptiness, which is important in all Buddhist traditions. It is firmly based on The Great Treatise, from which quotations are occasionally included. Mainly, though, this book functions as a patient teacher guiding us through the correct interpretations of emptiness -- with frequent references to incorrect interpretations. The reader is also shown the relationships among wisdom, analysis, meditation, insight, and emptiness. All in all, a very helpful and valuable book.

Revised edition copyright 2009 by Guy Newland. Kindle ebook.

[r0b · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

"...our uniqueness arises from our distinctive, ever-shifting, and infinite array of connections with other beings. We are unique and important, but we do not own our uniqueness. We have no intrinsic core...without the open sky of emptiness, the rest of the world could not shine into and through us, and we could never be what we are-living beings making choices that matter."
P. 95

[Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have preferred Guy Newland to write his own 'Introduction to Emptiness' rather than his careful explanation of portions of Tsong Khapa's Lam Rim. It is not that I am tired of Buddhist 'scripture' it is rather that I am looking for new, freshly created 21st century (in this case american) Buddhist thought. I'm looking for Newland's struggles on forging Newland's path.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer for studying emptiness. It is based on volume 3 of the Lam Rim Chenmo and while Tsongkhapa's original text is challenging, Newland breaks it out clearly and concisely using easy to understand examples. The appendix of key points from each chapter and list of recommended readings would be particular helpful to students Highly recommended!

[Tom Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin!

[Lucas Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digestible and impactful

[Petter Nordal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book for three very different reasons.

1. It gives a very clear exposition of formal traditions of logic in the buddhist tradition, including the overlapping discourses of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese buddhist thinkers. I am especially impressed with Tsonkapa's insistence that a formal logical process which is completely seperate from both opposing arguments and lived, empirical experience is inherently flawed no matter how sound the steps of the reasoning. In continental and anglo-american philosphy, arguments too often end up fought in a purely fictitious world where the arguemtns are accepted as legitimate merely because of their form.

2. I came to understand the practice of insight meditation and the disjunction between different mahayana traditions very clearly.

3. I was able to bractice the meditations, which makes me understand myself and the world better and also makes me happy to be alive.

[Joseph Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emptiness ("Dependence Arising") is the linchpin of Mahayana (and Tibetan) thought and practice. Lovingly translated. Somewhat tough going but the books is short (126 pages) and well worth the effort.

[Fernando Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a must have to anyone who wants to understand the concept of emptiness in Mahayana Buddhism. It's an accessible book to the beginning student and is written in a fresh and straightforward way. I personally, benefited much from reading this book.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very, very clear introduction to a very difficult but fascinating topic: Lama Tsongkapa's presentation of emptiness in his "Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path." I would recommend this to anyone interested in getting a deeper understanding of emptiness and dependent arising.

[bad · Rating 5 out of 5]

good overview of tibetan middle-way buddhism as expounded by tsongkapa.

[Blaine Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to a difficult non-concept.

[Harry Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complex (in a good way) explanation of the concept of emptiness. My only objection is that it tends to hue a Buddhist "party line", especially toward the end of the book.

[Stephen C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this more readable than some other books on the same subject. I very much enjoyed the appendix: The Quintessential Points Chapter by Chapter. And the glossary is very thorough.

[me · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very traditional Tibetan buddhism within. Not my cup of tea. Others might like though.