The Buddha's Single Intention: Drigung Kyobpa Jikten Sumgön's Vajra Statements of the Early Kagyü Tradition (Studies in Indian and Tibetan Buddhism)

The definitive presentation of one of the most unique and compelling works of classical Tibetan literature.

This book presents an influential and extraordinary teaching of the Kagyü tradition of Tibetan Buddhism known as the Single Intention by the master Drigung Jikten Sumgön (1143–1217), along with its chief commentaries, principally the Light of the Sun by Rikzin Chökyi Drakpa (1595–1659).

Early in the history of the Kagyü school, the teachings of Jikten Sumgön were condensed into 150 core formulations of philosophical wisdom called vajra statements. These pithy, revelatory statements comprise the Single Intention (dgongs gcig), which presents the thought of the Buddha and the nature of the “ineffable” (brjod du med pa) in concise and direct expression. Ineffable mahamudra is the essence of all vajra statements and the stuff that holds them all together.

At the same time, the Single Intention also weaves the thread of mahamudra through the entire fabric of Buddhism. It presents mahamudra as pervading disciplined conduct, meditative concentration, and discriminative knowledge; ground, path, and result; view, practice, and conduct; and the “three vows” of pratimoksa, of the bodhisattvas, and of mantra. Jikten Sumgön teaches how the fundamental values and insights revealed by the Buddha are woven into reality and therefore accessible to all.

Jan-Ulrich Sobisch is a meticulous scholar who manages to convey the unity of the Buddha’s message, both in its particulars and in its scope. His deep and authoritative skill makes this the definitive presentation of one of the most unique and compelling works of classical Tibetan literature.