Marc-Henri Deroche | Kyoto University (original) (raw)
Papers by Marc-Henri Deroche
Asian Philosophy, 2021
This paper discusses the Buddhist threefold model of wisdom which, on the basis of ethics, progre... more This paper discusses the Buddhist threefold model of wisdom which, on the basis of ethics, progresses from ‘study,’ to ‘reflection,’ to ‘cultivation,’ and argues that mindfulness plays a critical role at each of these steps, forming the common thread joining them together. Beyond opposing statically the mnemonic, conceptual, and attentional dimensions of mindfulness, this threefold paradigm of ‘mindful wisdom’ can serve to articulate them dynamically within the context of the path. The model is first examined with special consideration of Mahāyāna sources and its relation to the epistemic foundations of tradition, reason, and direct experience. Then, in reference to living Tibetan and Himalayan traditions, each step of wisdom is shown to rely upon a distinct aspect of mindfulness or presence: keeping in mind the teachings present, forming adequate re-present-ations, and cultivating a presence of mind. Ultimately, the paper inquires into the emergence of self-knowledge and the integration of personality.
Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 2015
Iyanaga, N., Deroche, M.-H. "De la notion d'universalisme et de son usage dans les études bouddhi... more Iyanaga, N., Deroche, M.-H. "De la notion d'universalisme et de son usage dans les études bouddhiques. Éléments de synthèse des travaux réalisés au colloque franco-japonais de Kyōto." Tokyo: Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 日仏東洋学会の広報誌『通信』, 37/38, 2015, pp. 59-67.
Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 2015
Introduction 1 L'école des Anciens (rnying ma pa) du bouddhisme tibétain se rattache à la figure ... more Introduction 1 L'école des Anciens (rnying ma pa) du bouddhisme tibétain se rattache à la figure mihistorique, mi-légendaire de Padmasambhava, le « Précieux Guru » (Gu ru Rin po che). Les origines de l'ordre remonte ainsi au VIIIe siècle, lorsque le Tibet impérial, alors à l'apogée de sa puissance, choisit d'adopter le bouddhisme, une religion dont la vocation universelle le faisait pleinement participer à la culture internationale de l'époque, favorisant ses échanges avec les civilisations de ses grands voisins, l'Inde et la Chine. Mes recherches tibétologiques m'ont amené à me concentrer sur une figure de cet ancien ordre bouddhique, pour y découvrir le maillon oublié d'une filiation essentielle dans l'histoire religieuse tibétaine, lors d'une période charnière précédant l'instauration du régime des Dalai Lamas (1642). Il s'agit de Prajñāraśmi alias 'Phreng po gter ston Shes rab 'od zer (1518-1584), une figure jusqu'ici quasiment inconnue de la communauté scientifique, mais à l'héritage pourtant exceptionnel.
A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rimé Masters of Tibet, Holly Gayley and Joshua Schapiro (eds). Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2017
Réseau Asie & Pacifique (GIS, CNRS), 2017
Réseau Asie & Pacifique (GIS, CNRS), 2017
The Treasury of Lives: Biographies of Himalayan Religious Masters, 2011
Bulletin of Tibetology, 2013
The present paper 1 deals with the history of the rNying ma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the schoo... more The present paper 1 deals with the history of the rNying ma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school of "the Ancients." Its origin is traced back to the zenith of the Tibetan imperium in the 8th century, with the mkhan slob chos gsum, the trio of the abbot (mkhan po) Śāntarakṣita, the master (slob dpon) Padmasambhava and the emperor and dharmarāja (chos rgyal) Khri srong lde'u btsan. I will focus on one of its major monasteries: dPal ri theg chen gling, built in 1571 in the 'Phyong rgyas valley (central Tibet), the necropolis of the Tibetan emperors. dPal ri monastery used to be considered as a "mothermonastery" (ma dgon), i.e. one of the main monastic institution of the 5 Id., 813-819. 6 Ibid., 819-829. 7 Most ancient sources have generally theg chen gling ("Place of the Great Vehicle") instead of here, theg mchog gling ("Place of the Supreme Vehicle"). We will generally follow ancient sources. 8 Ibid., 829-835. 9 Ibid., [835][836][837][838][839][840][841][842][842][843][844][845] On the foundation of rDzogs chen monastery by Padma rig 'dzin (1625-1697) see
Revue d’Études Tibétaines, 2011
ince the time of the Tibetan emperor Khri srong lde'u bstan (reign 755-ca. 800), the Mādhyamika p... more ince the time of the Tibetan emperor Khri srong lde'u bstan (reign 755-ca. 800), the Mādhyamika position, originally taught by Nāgārjuna, has represented the supreme philosophical view (dṛṣṭi, lta ba) of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the keystone of Tibetan Buddhist doxographies (siddhānta, grub mtha') that classify Indian Buddhist philosophical schools. One of the Mādhyamika School's primary doctrines, the doctrine of the two truths (satyadvaya, bden gnyis)-relative truth (saṃvṛitisatya, kun rdzob kyi bden pa) and absolute truth (paramārthasatya, don dam gyi bden pa)-represents the quintessence of the "middle path" (madhyamā pratipad, dbu ma'i lam) that avoids all extremes. Inspired by the Buddha's teaching of a middle path that avoids both hedonism and asceticism, the Mādhyamika School articulates a metaphysical middle path that avoids both eternalism and nihilism.
Contemporary Visions in Tibetan Studies. Proceedings of the First International Seminar of Young Tibetologists, Brandon Doston et al. (eds). Chicago: Serindia Publications, 2009
of Spiritual Instructions: the classification of the "eight great conveyances that are lineages o... more of Spiritual Instructions: the classification of the "eight great conveyances that are lineages of attainment" (sgrub brgyud shing rta chen po brgyad). 10 They are the main Vajrayāna lineages of meditation and yoga that were propagated from India to Tibet: the rNying ma pa, bKa' gdams pa, Shangs pa bKa' brgyud, Lam 'bras, Marpa bKa' brgyud, Zhi byed, sByor drug and rDo rje gsum gyi bsnyen sgrub. Both mKhyen brste and Kong sprul received the transmissions of these eight lineages 11 and intended to pass them on, totally or partly, to their disciples according to their specific conditions.
Revue d'Etudes Tibetaines, 2015
he view of rDzogs chen, or Atiyoga, the ultimate vehicle of both rNying ma pa and Bon po, describ... more he view of rDzogs chen, or Atiyoga, the ultimate vehicle of both rNying ma pa and Bon po, describes the Absolute, the Primordial Base (gdod ma'i gzhi), as endowed with "Three Gnoses" (ye shes gsum ldan): the Essence which is empty (ngo bo stong pa), the Nature which is clear (rang bzhin gsal ba) and the Compassion which is unobstructed or all-pervading (thugs rje ma 'gags pa / kun khyab). Within the three series of rDzogs chen (Sems sde, Klong sde, Man ngag sde), it is especially in the third one, the "Series of Secret Instructions" (Man ngag sde), that these topics have been fully developed. 2
Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, 2018
The Tibetan expression phyogs/ris med (“impartial”) and its variations have come to describe a Ti... more The Tibetan expression phyogs/ris med (“impartial”) and its variations have come to describe a Tibetan Buddhist revival in 19th century Khams with E. Gene Smith’s translation as “non- sectarian.” In an effort to avoid both naïve idealism and naïve realism, this paper argues that so-called non-sectarianism in Tibet, as a ethical attitude and social response to the limitations inherent to the institutionalization of Buddhist traditions, draws its inspiration from a more fundamental and inner Buddhist value: impartiality. While this represents a core element of the teachings of the historical Buddha, it is not only descriptive of the state of the sage but also prescriptive for the aspirants to freedom and wisdom. In this way, such a prescription is actually deeply rooted in the exercises of contemplation, with major psychological and epistemological implications. This fact is illustrated here by showing how the terms phyogs/ris med play actually an important role in the phenomenological descriptions and injunctions of Tibetan contemplative lineages and literature, with special reference to the Great Perfection (rDzogs chen). If a distinctive feature of the general history of Buddhism has been the periodic revivals of the ideal of contemplative life and impartiality, in Tibet, the Great Perfection, emphasizing direct perception and instantaneous realization of an all-encompassing state, represented a major resource for the eclectic luminaries of 19th century Khams, empowering their vast activity of revitalization of Tibetan traditions.
Books by Marc-Henri Deroche
Revue d’Études Tibétaines, 2011
Thesis Chapters by Marc-Henri Deroche
Thèse de doctorat, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Paris, 2011
THÈSE pour obtenir le grade de DOCTEUR DE L'ÉCOLE PRATIQUE DES HAUTES ÉTUDES Discipline : Études ... more THÈSE pour obtenir le grade de DOCTEUR DE L'ÉCOLE PRATIQUE DES HAUTES ÉTUDES Discipline : Études de l'Extrême-Orient présentée et soutenue publiquement le 3 octobre 2011 à Paris par Marc-Henri DEROCHE PRAJÑĀRAŚMI ('PHRENG PO GTER STON SHES RAB 'OD ZER, TIBET, 1518-1584) VIE, OEUVRE, ET CONTRIBUTIONS À LA TRADITION ANCIENNE (RNYING MA) ET AU MOUVEMENT NON-PARTISAN (RIS MED) Directeur de thèse :
Asian Philosophy, 2021
This paper discusses the Buddhist threefold model of wisdom which, on the basis of ethics, progre... more This paper discusses the Buddhist threefold model of wisdom which, on the basis of ethics, progresses from ‘study,’ to ‘reflection,’ to ‘cultivation,’ and argues that mindfulness plays a critical role at each of these steps, forming the common thread joining them together. Beyond opposing statically the mnemonic, conceptual, and attentional dimensions of mindfulness, this threefold paradigm of ‘mindful wisdom’ can serve to articulate them dynamically within the context of the path. The model is first examined with special consideration of Mahāyāna sources and its relation to the epistemic foundations of tradition, reason, and direct experience. Then, in reference to living Tibetan and Himalayan traditions, each step of wisdom is shown to rely upon a distinct aspect of mindfulness or presence: keeping in mind the teachings present, forming adequate re-present-ations, and cultivating a presence of mind. Ultimately, the paper inquires into the emergence of self-knowledge and the integration of personality.
Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 2015
Iyanaga, N., Deroche, M.-H. "De la notion d'universalisme et de son usage dans les études bouddhi... more Iyanaga, N., Deroche, M.-H. "De la notion d'universalisme et de son usage dans les études bouddhiques. Éléments de synthèse des travaux réalisés au colloque franco-japonais de Kyōto." Tokyo: Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 日仏東洋学会の広報誌『通信』, 37/38, 2015, pp. 59-67.
Bulletin de la Société franco-japonaise des études orientales, 2015
Introduction 1 L'école des Anciens (rnying ma pa) du bouddhisme tibétain se rattache à la figure ... more Introduction 1 L'école des Anciens (rnying ma pa) du bouddhisme tibétain se rattache à la figure mihistorique, mi-légendaire de Padmasambhava, le « Précieux Guru » (Gu ru Rin po che). Les origines de l'ordre remonte ainsi au VIIIe siècle, lorsque le Tibet impérial, alors à l'apogée de sa puissance, choisit d'adopter le bouddhisme, une religion dont la vocation universelle le faisait pleinement participer à la culture internationale de l'époque, favorisant ses échanges avec les civilisations de ses grands voisins, l'Inde et la Chine. Mes recherches tibétologiques m'ont amené à me concentrer sur une figure de cet ancien ordre bouddhique, pour y découvrir le maillon oublié d'une filiation essentielle dans l'histoire religieuse tibétaine, lors d'une période charnière précédant l'instauration du régime des Dalai Lamas (1642). Il s'agit de Prajñāraśmi alias 'Phreng po gter ston Shes rab 'od zer (1518-1584), une figure jusqu'ici quasiment inconnue de la communauté scientifique, mais à l'héritage pourtant exceptionnel.
A Gathering of Brilliant Moons: Practice Advice from the Rimé Masters of Tibet, Holly Gayley and Joshua Schapiro (eds). Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2017
Réseau Asie & Pacifique (GIS, CNRS), 2017
Réseau Asie & Pacifique (GIS, CNRS), 2017
The Treasury of Lives: Biographies of Himalayan Religious Masters, 2011
Bulletin of Tibetology, 2013
The present paper 1 deals with the history of the rNying ma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the schoo... more The present paper 1 deals with the history of the rNying ma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school of "the Ancients." Its origin is traced back to the zenith of the Tibetan imperium in the 8th century, with the mkhan slob chos gsum, the trio of the abbot (mkhan po) Śāntarakṣita, the master (slob dpon) Padmasambhava and the emperor and dharmarāja (chos rgyal) Khri srong lde'u btsan. I will focus on one of its major monasteries: dPal ri theg chen gling, built in 1571 in the 'Phyong rgyas valley (central Tibet), the necropolis of the Tibetan emperors. dPal ri monastery used to be considered as a "mothermonastery" (ma dgon), i.e. one of the main monastic institution of the 5 Id., 813-819. 6 Ibid., 819-829. 7 Most ancient sources have generally theg chen gling ("Place of the Great Vehicle") instead of here, theg mchog gling ("Place of the Supreme Vehicle"). We will generally follow ancient sources. 8 Ibid., 829-835. 9 Ibid., [835][836][837][838][839][840][841][842][842][843][844][845] On the foundation of rDzogs chen monastery by Padma rig 'dzin (1625-1697) see
Revue d’Études Tibétaines, 2011
ince the time of the Tibetan emperor Khri srong lde'u bstan (reign 755-ca. 800), the Mādhyamika p... more ince the time of the Tibetan emperor Khri srong lde'u bstan (reign 755-ca. 800), the Mādhyamika position, originally taught by Nāgārjuna, has represented the supreme philosophical view (dṛṣṭi, lta ba) of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the keystone of Tibetan Buddhist doxographies (siddhānta, grub mtha') that classify Indian Buddhist philosophical schools. One of the Mādhyamika School's primary doctrines, the doctrine of the two truths (satyadvaya, bden gnyis)-relative truth (saṃvṛitisatya, kun rdzob kyi bden pa) and absolute truth (paramārthasatya, don dam gyi bden pa)-represents the quintessence of the "middle path" (madhyamā pratipad, dbu ma'i lam) that avoids all extremes. Inspired by the Buddha's teaching of a middle path that avoids both hedonism and asceticism, the Mādhyamika School articulates a metaphysical middle path that avoids both eternalism and nihilism.
Contemporary Visions in Tibetan Studies. Proceedings of the First International Seminar of Young Tibetologists, Brandon Doston et al. (eds). Chicago: Serindia Publications, 2009
of Spiritual Instructions: the classification of the "eight great conveyances that are lineages o... more of Spiritual Instructions: the classification of the "eight great conveyances that are lineages of attainment" (sgrub brgyud shing rta chen po brgyad). 10 They are the main Vajrayāna lineages of meditation and yoga that were propagated from India to Tibet: the rNying ma pa, bKa' gdams pa, Shangs pa bKa' brgyud, Lam 'bras, Marpa bKa' brgyud, Zhi byed, sByor drug and rDo rje gsum gyi bsnyen sgrub. Both mKhyen brste and Kong sprul received the transmissions of these eight lineages 11 and intended to pass them on, totally or partly, to their disciples according to their specific conditions.
Revue d'Etudes Tibetaines, 2015
he view of rDzogs chen, or Atiyoga, the ultimate vehicle of both rNying ma pa and Bon po, describ... more he view of rDzogs chen, or Atiyoga, the ultimate vehicle of both rNying ma pa and Bon po, describes the Absolute, the Primordial Base (gdod ma'i gzhi), as endowed with "Three Gnoses" (ye shes gsum ldan): the Essence which is empty (ngo bo stong pa), the Nature which is clear (rang bzhin gsal ba) and the Compassion which is unobstructed or all-pervading (thugs rje ma 'gags pa / kun khyab). Within the three series of rDzogs chen (Sems sde, Klong sde, Man ngag sde), it is especially in the third one, the "Series of Secret Instructions" (Man ngag sde), that these topics have been fully developed. 2
Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, 2018
The Tibetan expression phyogs/ris med (“impartial”) and its variations have come to describe a Ti... more The Tibetan expression phyogs/ris med (“impartial”) and its variations have come to describe a Tibetan Buddhist revival in 19th century Khams with E. Gene Smith’s translation as “non- sectarian.” In an effort to avoid both naïve idealism and naïve realism, this paper argues that so-called non-sectarianism in Tibet, as a ethical attitude and social response to the limitations inherent to the institutionalization of Buddhist traditions, draws its inspiration from a more fundamental and inner Buddhist value: impartiality. While this represents a core element of the teachings of the historical Buddha, it is not only descriptive of the state of the sage but also prescriptive for the aspirants to freedom and wisdom. In this way, such a prescription is actually deeply rooted in the exercises of contemplation, with major psychological and epistemological implications. This fact is illustrated here by showing how the terms phyogs/ris med play actually an important role in the phenomenological descriptions and injunctions of Tibetan contemplative lineages and literature, with special reference to the Great Perfection (rDzogs chen). If a distinctive feature of the general history of Buddhism has been the periodic revivals of the ideal of contemplative life and impartiality, in Tibet, the Great Perfection, emphasizing direct perception and instantaneous realization of an all-encompassing state, represented a major resource for the eclectic luminaries of 19th century Khams, empowering their vast activity of revitalization of Tibetan traditions.
Thèse de doctorat, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Paris, 2011
THÈSE pour obtenir le grade de DOCTEUR DE L'ÉCOLE PRATIQUE DES HAUTES ÉTUDES Discipline : Études ... more THÈSE pour obtenir le grade de DOCTEUR DE L'ÉCOLE PRATIQUE DES HAUTES ÉTUDES Discipline : Études de l'Extrême-Orient présentée et soutenue publiquement le 3 octobre 2011 à Paris par Marc-Henri DEROCHE PRAJÑĀRAŚMI ('PHRENG PO GTER STON SHES RAB 'OD ZER, TIBET, 1518-1584) VIE, OEUVRE, ET CONTRIBUTIONS À LA TRADITION ANCIENNE (RNYING MA) ET AU MOUVEMENT NON-PARTISAN (RIS MED) Directeur de thèse :