The Grove of Wondrous Lotus Flowers: Text of the Month talk with Matthew Akester

We were delighted to host July’s Text of the Month presentation by Matthew Akester, who provided an insightful overview of the historical material found in the works of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, including the recently published extensive denrab (gdan rabs) entitled The Grove of Wondrous Lotus Flowers: A Brief Account of the Lineage Holders of the Secret Mantrayāna Schools, Old and New, in the Snowy Land of Tibet.

Matthew recently completed translating texts from the eleventh volume of the Khyentse Wangpo kabum (collected works) for the Khyentse Vision Project. In his presentation, he focused on Khyentse Wangpo’s role as a historian and explored the periods in Khyentse Wangpo’s life when he composed historical texts. Matthew also discussed the distinction between Khyentse Wangpo’s completed, “intended for audience” works, and the less polished accounts and notes preserved in the kabum.

Matthew’s extensive scholarship into Khyentse Wangpo’s life and times, along with his decades of research into Tibetan culture and history, have resulted in numerous influential publications, including Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s Guide to Central Tibet, and The Life of Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

Watch the recording of this talk here: