Timeless Rapture: Inspired Verse from the Shangpa Masters

JAMGON KONGTRUL
Jamgon Kongtrul’s life (1813–1899) and work embraced the
entire range of Tibetan nontheistic spirituality, Bön and Buddhist.
To characterize him as an exclusively Shangpa lama, Kagyu lama, or
Nyingma lama is to diminish him. His enlightening influence was felt in
all traditions of Tibetan meditation and religious practice. He had a
tremendous impact on the Shangpa lineage, but it would be wise to keep
in mind the words of his close disciple Tashi Chöpel, who accurately
resumes his teacher’s wide-ranging life:
This noble master strove to study every subject. He began with an
education in reading and writing within the context of study of
the common arts and sciences, and he continued to pursue a higher
education [within Buddhism]. There was nothing he did not learn:
from the Three Collections of Buddha’s teaching to the extraordinary
Vajra Way, his studies included even the most minor empowerments,
transmissions, meditation instructions, styles of
explanation, and practical procedures of the four classes of tantra.
The complete record of his education extends to two volumes. An
examination of it gives the impression that he spent his entire life
studying.
The extent of his bestowal of empowerments, reading transmissions,
and instructions from the Canon and Treasures of the
Later and Original Schools gives the impression that he spent his
entire life teaching.
[This master] was unlike those who finish their study and reflection
with a rough understanding [of the subjects]. They then wish
to write and compose, and call the few words they write with a
competitive spirit and desire for fame My Collected Works. Unlike
them, this master’s work furthered the continuity of the Buddha’s
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