The Grove of Wondrous Lotus Flowers
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 is Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo’s main work on the history of the Dharma and is conceived as a comprehensive summary of the lineal succession of each of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Although styled as a denrab (a history of monastic succession), it is perhaps the only one of its kind, as works in this genre are typically dedicated to recording the history and abbatial or lineal succession of one particular monastery or institution. As such, it exemplifies the Rimé outlook of cherishing all schools and traditions as equally valid paths to liberation. However, it is an early work, written around the time that Khyentse Wangpo returned to Derge from his studies and travels in central Tibet (1851), when he was thirty-two. No date is given, but internal evidence suggests that it was composed before 1853.1 In one instance—the list of the Ganden throne holders—names have been added by an unknown hand, updating the list to the early 1880s.
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’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.
Tutorial on The Grove of Wondrous Lotus Flowers
Join us for a special tutorial on 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, our July Text of the Month—a comprehensive two-hundred-page work by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo on the history of Tibetan Buddhism, translated by Matthew Akester.
Building on the recent livestream presentation with Matthew Akester, editor of this text Alex Gardner and KVP in-house translator Jamie Creek will share their experience working on this text. This session will also explore sacred places associated with Khyentse Wangpo and include insights from Jamie’s recent trip to Dzongsar in Tibet. The special guest of this event is Ven. François Jampal Senge, who recently travelled to that area and has many stories to share.