A Feast of the Nectar of the Supreme Vehicle
Translated by Padmakara Translation Group
A monumental work and Indian Buddhist classic, the Ornament of the Mahāyāna Sūtras (Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra) is a precious resource for students wishing to study in-depth the philosophy and path of Mahāyāna Buddhism. This full translation and commentary outlines the importance of Mahāyāna, the centrality of bodhicitta or the mind of awakening, the path of becoming a bodhisattva, and how one can save beings from suffering through skillful means.
This definitive composition of Mahāyāna teachings was imparted in the fourth century by Maitreya to the famous adept Asanga, one of the most prolific writers of Buddhist treatises in history. Asanga’s work, which is among the famous Five Treatises of Maitreya, has been studied, commented upon, and taught by Buddhists throughout Asia ever since it was composed.
In the early twentieth century, one of Tibet’s greatest scholars and saints, Jamgön Mipham, wrote A Feast of the Nectar of the Supreme Vehicle, which is a detailed explanation of every verse. This commentary has since been used as the primary blueprint for Tibetan Buddhists to illuminate the depth and brilliance of Maitreya’s pith teachings. The Padmakara Translation Group has provided yet another accessible and eloquent translation, ensuring that English-speaking students of Mahāyāna will be able to study this foundational Buddhist text for generations to come.
"I am so happy this precious commentary is now becoming more widely available. Who else but the peerless Mipham Rinpoche can guide us so clearly and flawlessly through Maitreyanātha’s profound Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra?" —Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche
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The Padmakara Translation Group unceasingly delights my mind with its wonderful, unfathomable treasures of the Dharma’s classical texts. This translation of the Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra with Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary is a beacon of light in the darkness of our unconscious world of ignorance. Lord Maitreya’s brilliant feat of collecting all the essential points of the Mahāyāna sūtras into one poetic, resonant text leaves us without any need to search further for wisdom and inspiration.
This shining text covers all that is necessary to know of the paths and stages of the bodhisattva’s way of life. When we study this work, our lives are not doomed in samsāra, for we are shown how the essence of samsāra is enlightenment itself. I greatly appreciate the publication of this text and say thank you for the benefit of Dharma and beings.
"This remarkable gem, the Mahāyānasūtrālamkāra, contains the complete teachings and guidance for the entire journey to awakening, from the beginning all the way to buddhahood itself. This beautiful commentary by the renowned Jamgön Mipham Rinpoche will allow a student to place the vast aspiration and profound meaning of the Mahāyāna at the center of their practice. I trust that any serious student of the path will find these teachings to be as inspiring and helpful as I myself have." —Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche