Tharpa Publications

Tharpa Publications (Sanskrit for "liberation"; pronounced "Tar-pa") is the publishing arm of the New Kadampa Tradition, a Buddhist new religious movement. Since 1988, it has solely published the work of its founder, Kelsang Gyatso. ^[1] Tharpa Publications is a non-profit corporation founded in 1985 at the Manjushri Institute, with bases in Ulverston, UK and New York City. ^{[2] [3] [4]}

The New Kadampa Tradition exclusively uses the texts authored by Geshe Gyatso and published by Tharpa. ^[1] These include Buddhist meditation books such as The New Meditation Handbook , books on the Buddhist way of life such as Universal Compassion , books on Buddhist philosophy and psychology such as Heart of Wisdom , and books on Buddhist Tantra. ^[5] The press has affiliates in Brazil, ^[6] the USA, ^[7] Spain, ^[8] Mexico, ^[9] France, ^[10] Canada, ^[11] Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa.^{[ citation needed ]}

Kelsang Gyatso

Main article: Kelsang Gyatso

To date, Tharpa has published 22 of his books, covering the entire range of Buddha Shakyamuni's Sutra and Tantra teachings in English. ^{[12] [13]} Kelsang Gyatso's books aim to make Buddhist texts accessible for Western audiences, and include titles such as How to Solve Our Human Problems, Universal Compassion and Mahamudra Tantra. ^{[14] [15] [16]}

Stephen Batchelor says that Kelsang Gyatso's books are written with "considerable clarity." ^[15] David Braizer says that Kelsang writes "excellent" books that are "an important contribution to Western understanding of Buddhism and its traditions". ^[17]

D. Cozort says that Guide to Dakini Land and Essence of Vajrayana are "the most detailed and revealing commentary on specific tantric practices yet to be published in a Western language", but generally criticizes Gyatso's emphasis on "only one voice and one point of view" in New Kadampa Tradition training materials. ^[18] In his book review of Guide to Dakini Land, Richard Guard praised the book's editing and conciseness, and said: "Geshe Kelsang has truly brought a blessing into our lives." ^[19]

Australian scholar John Powers said Ocean of Nectar: Wisdom and Compassion in Mahàyàna Buddhism was "sectarian and uncritical work" at odds with Buddhist scholarship and Tibetology, but he noted that it was a comprehensive presentation of traditional Gelug commentaries on Chandrakirti. ^[20] Writing in The Guardian , Vishpani Blomfield said, "These books offer succinct formulations of Buddhist doctrines that are enlivened by everyday examples but make few concessions to the perspectives of science or modern scholarship." ^[12]

New Kadampa Tradition

Tharpa Publications is part of the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union, a Buddhist new religious movement. It was established in 1985 by Kelsang Gyatso. ^[21] Its headquarters are at Conishead Priory, Ulverston, UK. ^[22]

The teachings in Tharpa's books are based on the Gelugpa lineage of Pabongkhapa Déchen Nyingpo and Trijang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso. For example, Joyful Path of Good Fortune is a modern equivalent of Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, written by Je Phabongkhapa and edited by Trijang Rinpoche. ^[23]

Tharpa Publications' classic textbooks are used as the basis of the New Kadampa Tradition's Foundation Program and Teacher Training Program, intended for dedicated students. ^[24]

Finances

When it was first founded, Tharpa Publications lost money, until the late 1990s. ^[25] Kelsang Gyatso says that, since that time, he has donated all royalties from Tharpa's books to New Kadampa Tradition's non-profit organizations, including the Manjushri Institute ^[26] and its International Temples' Fund. ^[27]

Publications

The following titles were written by Kelsang Gyatso, and are presented in their original publication order:

• Meaningful to Behold: The Bodhisattva's Way of Life, Tharpa Publications (5th. ed., 2008) ISBN   978-1-906665-11-1
• Clear Light of Bliss: Tantric Meditation Manual, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1992) ISBN   978-0-948006-21-0
• Heart of Wisdom: An Explanation of the Heart Sutra, Tharpa Publications (4th. ed., 2001) ISBN   978-0-948006-77-7
• Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times, Tharpa Publications (4th. ed., 2002) ISBN   978-0-948006-72-2
• The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful, Tharpa Publications (2003) ISBN   978-0-9817277-1-4
• Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN   978-0-948006-46-3
• Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1996) ISBN   978-0-948006-39-5
• The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN   978-0-948006-50-0
• Heart Jewel: The Essential Practices of Kadampa Buddhism, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1997) ISBN   978-0-948006-56-2
• Great Treasury of Merit: How to Rely Upon a Spiritual Guide, Tharpa Publications (1992) ISBN   978-0-948006-22-7
• Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 2001, US ed. 2008) ISBN   978-0-9789067-7-1
• Understanding the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1997) ISBN   978-0-948006-78-4
• Tantric Grounds and Paths: How to Enter, Progress on, and Complete the Vajrayana Path, Tharpa Publications (1994) ISBN   978-0-948006-33-3
• Ocean of Nectar: The True Nature of All Things, Tharpa Publications (1995) ISBN   978-0-948006-23-4
• Essence of Vajrayana: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, Tharpa Publications (1997) ISBN   978-0-948006-48-7
• Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully: The Profound Practice of Transference of Consciousness, Tharpa Publications (1999) ISBN   978-0-948006-63-0
• Eight Steps to Happiness: The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness, Tharpa Publications (2000) ISBN   978-0-9817277-8-3
• Transform Your Life: A Blissful Journey, Tharpa Publications (2001, US ed. 2007) ISBN   978-0-9789067-4-0
• How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths, Tharpa Publications (2005, US ed., 2007) ISBN   978-0-9789067-1-9
• Mahamudra Tantra: The Supreme Heart Jewel Nectar, Tharpa Publications (2005) ISBN   978-0-948006-93-7
• Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: How to Enjoy a Life of Great Meaning and Altruism, a translation of Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara with Neil Elliott, Tharpa Publications (2002) ISBN   978-0-948006-88-3

Tharpa Publications was originally a general Buddhist publishing house, ^[28] also releasing the following works by other authors:

• The Eternal Legacy: An Introduction to the Canonical Literature of Buddhism, Tharpa Publications (1985) by Sangharakshita, ISBN   0-948006-02-1. ^[29]
• A Survey of Buddhism: Its Doctrines and Methods through the Ages, Tharpa Publications (1987) by Sangharakshita, ISBN   0-948006-01-3 . ^[30]
• Treasury of Dharma: A Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Course, Tharpa Publications (1988) by Geshe Rabten, ISBN   0-948006-04-8. ^[31]

In addition to publishing books, Tharpa also supplies audio books, ^[32] Buddhist art, ^[33] and sadhanas for prayer and meditation. ^[34]

The 'half-drop' repeat patterns used in some NKT-IKBU artwork as well as sadhana covers, such as the peony-style flower and emblem of Manjushri (a sword and book upon a lotus) were designed by Robert Beer. ^[35]

References

1. Waterhouse 1997 , pp. 182–5
   Bluck 2006 , pp. 136–137
2. "The London Book Fair 2008 – Tharpa Publications". 2008-01-25. Archived from the original on 2008-01-25. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
3. "Contact Us". www.tharpa.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
4. About Ulverston – South Lakeland Cumbria UK, retrieved 2009-05-30.
5. Waterhouse, Helen (1997). Buddhism in Bath: Adaptation and Authority. University of Leeds, Department of Theology and Religious Studies. pp. 142–143.
6. "Livros de Budismo e Meditação - Editora Tharpa Brasil". tharpa.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
7. "Tharpa US - Home Page". tharpa.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
8. Tharpa Espana
9. Tharpa Mexico
10. Tharpa France
11. "Éditeurs de livres sur le bouddhisme et la méditation - Éditions Tharpa".
12. Blomfield 2022.
13. "Publishers of Books on Buddhism & Meditation - Tharpa Publications UK". tharpa.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
14. Kelsang Gyatso by Biography Research Guide, retrieved 2009-03-22.
15. Batchelor, Stephen (1994). The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhism and Western Culture. Berkeley, Calif: Parallax Press. p. 203.
16. How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths, reviewed by Publishers Weekly, retrieved 2009-08-27.
17. Brazier, David (2002). The New Buddhism. New York: Palgrave. p. 77.
18. Cozort 2003 , pp. 235, 240–1
19. Guard, Richard. "Book review Guide to Dakini Land: A Commentary to the Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Vajrayogini". Tibetan Journal (Autumn 1991), pp. 81, 83.
20. Powers 1996.
21. Kay, D. N. (2004). Tibetan and Zen Buddhism in Britain: Transplantation, development and adaptation. RoutledgeCurzon critical studies in Buddhism. London: RoutledgeCurzon. p. 75.
22. "Tharpa International home page". tharpa.com. Retrieved 2021-01-22.
23. Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment, page xi, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN   978-0-948006-46-3
24. Buddhism in the Modern World: Adaptations of an Ancient Tradition by Steven Heine page 232, Oxford University Press, USA (January 1, 2003) ISBN   0195146980
25. Waterhouse, Helen (1997). Buddhism in Bath: Adaptation and Authority. University of Leeds, Department of Theology and Religious Studies. p. 173, n. 16.
26. Smear: Geshe Kelsang has millions of pounds that have come from his disciples by New Kadampa Truth, retrieved 2009-03-22.
27. Smear: NKT students worship Geshe Kelsang by New Kadampa Truth, retrieved 2009-03-22.
28. Waterhouse, Helen (1997). Buddhism in Bath: Adaptation and Authority. University of Leeds, Department of Theology and Religious Studies. p. 143.
29. The Eternal Legacy at ISBNdb.com, retrieved 2009-03-31.
30. A Survey of Buddhism at ISBNdb.com, retrieved 2009-03-31.
31. Treasury of Dharma at ISBNdb.com, retrieved 2009-03-31.
32. Buddhist audio books at Tharpa Publications, retrieved 2009-03-22.
33. Buddhist art at Tharpa Publications, retrieved 2009-03-22.
34. Prayer Booklets at Tharpa Publications, retrieved 2009-03-22.
35. Beer, Robert. The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Boston: Shambala, 1999. p. 368.

Sources

General

• Blomfield, Vishvapani (2022-10-14). "Kelsang Gyatso obituary". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2025-10-02.
• Bluck, Robert (2006). British Buddhism: Teachings, practice and development (PDF). Routledge critical studies in Buddhism. London: Routledge Curzon. ISBN   1134158173. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014.
• Buddhist Publisher Reaps Profits of Enlightenment by Alison Eadie (1993-04-18), The Independent, retrieved 2009-12-20.
• Cozort, Daniel (2003). "The Making of the Western Lama". In Prebish, Charles S.; Heine, Steven (eds.). Buddhism in the modern world: Adaptations of an ancient tradition . Oxford University Press. pp.  221–248. ISBN   0198033575.
• Powers, John (1996). "Review: Wisdom and Compassion in Mahāyāna Buddhism" (PDF). Journal of Buddhist Ethics. 3. ISSN   1076-9005.
• Waterhouse, Helen (1997). Authority and adaptation: a case study in British Buddhism (PDF) (Ph.D.). Bath Spa University.

Book reviews

• Guide to Dakini Land: A Commentary to the Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Vajrayogini, reviewed by Richard Guard. Tibetan Journal (Autumn 1991), pp. 80–83.
• How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths, reviewed by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, retrieved 2009-08-27.
• How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths, reviewed by Publishers Weekly, retrieved 2009-08-27.
• Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life, reviewed by Foreword Magazine's Pam Kingsbury, retrieved 2018-10-30.
• The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful, reviewed by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, retrieved 2009-08-27.
• The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful, reviewed by Foreword Magazine's Duncan Sprattmoran, retrieved 2018-10-30.
• Ocean of Nectar: Wisdom and Compassion in Mahayana Buddhism, reviewed by John Powers, retrieved 2009-05-22.
• Understanding the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind, reviewed by Scott Bishop, retrieved 2009-12-20.

External links

• Official site