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Research paper thumbnail of Review of The Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra: Chapters XI—XII (The Creation Stage), by Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa; annotated translation by Thomas Freeman Yarnall

Religions of South Asia, May 13, 2015

This article comprises a book review of Thomas F. Yarnall's annotated translation of Tsongkha... more This article comprises a book review of Thomas F. Yarnall's annotated translation of Tsongkhapa Losang Dragpa's treatise on the Stages of Mantra.

Research paper thumbnail of Georgios T. Halkias, Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature in Tibet. Pure Land Buddhist Studies Series; Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2013. xxx + 335 pp. $49.00. ISBN 978-0-82483-590-3 (hardback)

Religions of South Asia, Nov 27, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of The concept of Prāyaścitta in the Introductory Passages of the Ratnakaraṇḍikā

This work comprises the MA Thesis written at the University of Heidelberg (2015). It (a) analyzes... more This work comprises the MA Thesis written at the University of Heidelberg (2015). It (a) analyzes the systematic mechanics of the concept of penance (prāyaścitta) (b) on the basis of an edition of the introductory passages of a late 12th century Dharmanibandha text, the Ratnakaraṇḍikā. Concordantly, the work is structured in the following way:
• The introduction (§II) assesses the scope, rationale and limitations of this study (§II.a) and presents the conceptual (§II.c) and historical context (§II.c) to the Ratnakaraṇḍikā.
• The edition of the Ratnakaraṇḍikā renders ff. 1v.1–7v.11 of the R in transliterated and amended format (§III) together with its concomitant translation (§IV).
• The commentary (§V) analyses innovative and ‘orthodox’ elements in the systematic presentation of the concept of penance as rendered in the R and scholarly literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Why is it problematic to refer to the peasantry of pre-1959 Tibet as Serfs?

Mi-ser (lit. "yellow person") is an indigenous Tibetan term applied to several socioeconomic stra... more Mi-ser (lit. "yellow person") is an indigenous Tibetan term applied to several socioeconomic strata of the non-aristocratic lay population 1 . ), Dargyay (1978: 45-7), Miller (1961 1963) and Goldstein (1971-) have raised a lively and informative debate over Tibet's socio-political system that investigated the degree of "serfdom" in Tibet and the particular place the mi-ser occupied therein. Whilst we wish to express our heartfelt respect for the outstanding contributions of Prof. Goldstein in the areas of Central Asian history, anthropology and linguistics, we do feel the need to investigate more closely the notion that pre-1959 Tibet had been characterized by "pervasive serfdom" 2 . In doing so, we shall work with the definition of "serfdom" as provided by Prof. Goldstein 3 .

Book Reviews by Michael Zrenner

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review of Paolo Trovato's "Everything you always wanted to know about Lachmann's method" (ISSN: 1089-7747)

Textual Criticism of the Bible, 2020

My review of P. Trovato's study of recent refinements to the Common Error Method of Textual Criti... more My review of P. Trovato's study of recent refinements to the Common Error Method of Textual Criticism. A well-conceived, insightful, and very helpful book that also investigates relevant aspects of the Best-Text Method and the Eclectic Approach to textual criticism. Thoroughly commendable.

Research paper thumbnail of Extended Book Review of "Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature" by G. T. Halkias, Honolulu: UHP.

Halkias' work truly is a rich and well-rounded pioneer-study of a comparatively neglected field t... more Halkias' work truly is a rich and well-rounded pioneer-study of a comparatively neglected field that introduces the pure-land traditions of India and Tibet with considerable analytical versatility and compelling intelligence. A decade of sustained research on Pure-Land traditions inside and outside Indo-Tibetan cultural areas enables Halkias to draw on considerable historical and doctrinal details which allows him to fully contextualize and deepen findings explored in a number of noteworthy articles (Analysis It seems to the reviewer that Luminous Bliss is soon going to be a standard resource for university courses in Buddhist, Religious and Tibetan Studies. Firstly, since the study is based on a rich diversity of scholarly lenses-including historical, text-based, archaeological, religio-philosophical, art-historical and anthropological approaches-the intermediate student of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism is readily equipped with a wealth of well-integrated and fittingly structured examples of scholarly synthesis that will support his or her entry to advanced levels of scholarship. A definite strong point of this study is Halkias' successful attempt at presenting pure-land innovations both in contrast to, and on the basis of, Mahāyāna orthodoxy and orthopraxy, shedding a multiplicity of sectarian, popular and scholarly misperceptions in the process (see 2013: 19-20.).

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review - T Yarnall: Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra

This edition comprises an annotated translation of the "Creation Stage practices" of "Unexcelled ... more This edition comprises an annotated translation of the "Creation Stage practices" of "Unexcelled Yoga Tantra" as expounded in chapters eleven and twelve in Tsongkhapa Losang Dragpa's (1357-1419 highly influential Vajrayāna Treatise on the Stages of Mantra, or sngags rim chen mo. It is the first of two volumes, with a forthcoming publication to feature an annotated translation of the "Completion Stage practices" as presented in chapters thirteen and fourteen of the original treatise. A parallel, related, publication is to complete the set with the critically edited Tibetan source text, replete with all traceable textual parallels and quotes from Tibetan (and Sanskrit) canonical sources. Little needs to be said about the scope and significance of the Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra, or Sngags rim chen mo-the monumental treatise on all major aspects of Vajrayāna practice rivalled in scope and depth, perhaps, only by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye's (1833-1899 CE) intricate treatment of the subject. The treatise comprises "a highly original analysis and critique of [many a century of] competing interpretations of the nature of Tantra" (p. 3). This work was soon established as one of the main pillars of Gelug orthodoxy in all matters pertaining to Vajrayāna practice and formed the backbone of the curriculum at the tantric colleges.

Conference Presentations by Michael Zrenner

Research paper thumbnail of PhD defense

This is the slideshow backing presentation for the occasion of my oral exam of the PhD defense, J... more This is the slideshow backing presentation for the occasion of my oral exam of the PhD defense, July 4th, 2023.

Research paper thumbnail of Vijñapti, Avijñapti, and Avijñaptirūpa

Books by Michael Zrenner

Research paper thumbnail of Vijñapti, Avijñapti, and Avijñaptirūpa in the Sphuṭārthābhidharmakośavyākhyā. A text-based Analysis of Yaśomitra's Interpretation of Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakośa(bhāṣya) IV.1–4. A Critical Edition with Annotated Translation Prepared from Sanskrit and Tibetan Sources

Dissertation in Buddhist Studies submitted at Hamburg (Sanskrit/Tibetan), 2022

The research findings for this study can be grouped under the following three Categories: 1. Fir... more The research findings for this study can be grouped under the following three Categories:

1. First of all, this study includes a thoroughly annotated translation of the opening sections of the fourth chapter of Yaśomitra’s Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4, an early sixth century commentary on of Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakośabhāṣya, wherein Vasubandhu offers a basic exposition of Buddhist causality that has remained a pivotal resource in the traditional dissemination of Buddhist thought on that topical cluster. To date, said section in the Abhidharmakośavyākhyā had only been available in the original Sanskrit, its Tibetan and Chinese Translations, and, more recently, as a modern translation in the Japanese medium. Burnouf (1876, p. 399), amongst other scholars, had already by the mid-to-late nineteenth century understood Yaśomitra’s commentary to be a philosophically significant and historically impactful work, an early Buddhist commentary that is not only deeply embedded in the academic tradition of Nālandā-University, but that is also the only fully extant Sanskrit commentary to the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya known to date. The extract chosen for translation centers on an exposition of early Buddhist causal models that contextualizes and elucidates early conceptions of the relation-ship between cause and effect; Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4 has hereby been rendered accessible, for the first time, to the wider academic community, therein allowing for further philosophical, historical, and linguistic analysis by contemporary scholarls.

2. Secondly, this study assesses the philosophical debate between the Sarvāstivāda-school on the one hand, andn the Yogācāras on the other. The former posit that any phenomenon can be broken down into a clearly defined, limited number of ‘basic building blocks’ (dharmā) that in turn, by dint of their causal efficacy, need to be based on a positively established ontology (Dhammajoti 2015b, p. 74); the latter expend effort to refute any inherent link beteween causal efficacy and any such reified, positively established, ontological status. The extract contained in this study has been chosen with a focus on the exposition of the Sarvāstivādin concepts of vijñapti, avijñapti, and avijñaptirūpa—avijñapti in particular being considered by the Sarvāstivādins as indispensable and immutable ‘sustaining link’ between cause and effect. The counterarguments fielded by the Yogācāra-school, are likewise rendered, together with an assessment of the degree and scope of their cogency.

3. The translation of Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4 contained in this study is based on a philological study and text-critical edition both of the Sanskrit original and its Tibetan translation. A fully positive apparatus records all variant readings of the seven Sanskrit manuscripts and three Sanskrit Editions, taking into consideration scholarly observations made by Funabashi, Sako, and others. Likewise, the principal transmission lines of the Tibetan commentarial canon (Bstan ’gyur)—inter alia Cone, Derge, Narthang and Peking—have been critically collated and certain readings amended, taking into account novel insights provided in secondary literature.

URN: urn:nbn:de:gbv:18-ediss-112160
URL: https://ediss.sub.uni-hamburg.de/handle/ediss/10483

Research paper thumbnail of Review of The Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra: Chapters XI—XII (The Creation Stage), by Tsongkhapa Losang Drakpa; annotated translation by Thomas Freeman Yarnall

Religions of South Asia, May 13, 2015

This article comprises a book review of Thomas F. Yarnall's annotated translation of Tsongkha... more This article comprises a book review of Thomas F. Yarnall's annotated translation of Tsongkhapa Losang Dragpa's treatise on the Stages of Mantra.

Research paper thumbnail of Georgios T. Halkias, Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature in Tibet. Pure Land Buddhist Studies Series; Honolulu: University of Hawai’i Press, 2013. xxx + 335 pp. $49.00. ISBN 978-0-82483-590-3 (hardback)

Religions of South Asia, Nov 27, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of The concept of Prāyaścitta in the Introductory Passages of the Ratnakaraṇḍikā

This work comprises the MA Thesis written at the University of Heidelberg (2015). It (a) analyzes... more This work comprises the MA Thesis written at the University of Heidelberg (2015). It (a) analyzes the systematic mechanics of the concept of penance (prāyaścitta) (b) on the basis of an edition of the introductory passages of a late 12th century Dharmanibandha text, the Ratnakaraṇḍikā. Concordantly, the work is structured in the following way:
• The introduction (§II) assesses the scope, rationale and limitations of this study (§II.a) and presents the conceptual (§II.c) and historical context (§II.c) to the Ratnakaraṇḍikā.
• The edition of the Ratnakaraṇḍikā renders ff. 1v.1–7v.11 of the R in transliterated and amended format (§III) together with its concomitant translation (§IV).
• The commentary (§V) analyses innovative and ‘orthodox’ elements in the systematic presentation of the concept of penance as rendered in the R and scholarly literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Why is it problematic to refer to the peasantry of pre-1959 Tibet as Serfs?

Mi-ser (lit. "yellow person") is an indigenous Tibetan term applied to several socioeconomic stra... more Mi-ser (lit. "yellow person") is an indigenous Tibetan term applied to several socioeconomic strata of the non-aristocratic lay population 1 . ), Dargyay (1978: 45-7), Miller (1961 1963) and Goldstein (1971-) have raised a lively and informative debate over Tibet's socio-political system that investigated the degree of "serfdom" in Tibet and the particular place the mi-ser occupied therein. Whilst we wish to express our heartfelt respect for the outstanding contributions of Prof. Goldstein in the areas of Central Asian history, anthropology and linguistics, we do feel the need to investigate more closely the notion that pre-1959 Tibet had been characterized by "pervasive serfdom" 2 . In doing so, we shall work with the definition of "serfdom" as provided by Prof. Goldstein 3 .

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review of Paolo Trovato's "Everything you always wanted to know about Lachmann's method" (ISSN: 1089-7747)

Textual Criticism of the Bible, 2020

My review of P. Trovato's study of recent refinements to the Common Error Method of Textual Criti... more My review of P. Trovato's study of recent refinements to the Common Error Method of Textual Criticism. A well-conceived, insightful, and very helpful book that also investigates relevant aspects of the Best-Text Method and the Eclectic Approach to textual criticism. Thoroughly commendable.

Research paper thumbnail of Extended Book Review of "Luminous Bliss: A Religious History of Pure Land Literature" by G. T. Halkias, Honolulu: UHP.

Halkias' work truly is a rich and well-rounded pioneer-study of a comparatively neglected field t... more Halkias' work truly is a rich and well-rounded pioneer-study of a comparatively neglected field that introduces the pure-land traditions of India and Tibet with considerable analytical versatility and compelling intelligence. A decade of sustained research on Pure-Land traditions inside and outside Indo-Tibetan cultural areas enables Halkias to draw on considerable historical and doctrinal details which allows him to fully contextualize and deepen findings explored in a number of noteworthy articles (Analysis It seems to the reviewer that Luminous Bliss is soon going to be a standard resource for university courses in Buddhist, Religious and Tibetan Studies. Firstly, since the study is based on a rich diversity of scholarly lenses-including historical, text-based, archaeological, religio-philosophical, art-historical and anthropological approaches-the intermediate student of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism is readily equipped with a wealth of well-integrated and fittingly structured examples of scholarly synthesis that will support his or her entry to advanced levels of scholarship. A definite strong point of this study is Halkias' successful attempt at presenting pure-land innovations both in contrast to, and on the basis of, Mahāyāna orthodoxy and orthopraxy, shedding a multiplicity of sectarian, popular and scholarly misperceptions in the process (see 2013: 19-20.).

Research paper thumbnail of Book Review - T Yarnall: Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra

This edition comprises an annotated translation of the "Creation Stage practices" of "Unexcelled ... more This edition comprises an annotated translation of the "Creation Stage practices" of "Unexcelled Yoga Tantra" as expounded in chapters eleven and twelve in Tsongkhapa Losang Dragpa's (1357-1419 highly influential Vajrayāna Treatise on the Stages of Mantra, or sngags rim chen mo. It is the first of two volumes, with a forthcoming publication to feature an annotated translation of the "Completion Stage practices" as presented in chapters thirteen and fourteen of the original treatise. A parallel, related, publication is to complete the set with the critically edited Tibetan source text, replete with all traceable textual parallels and quotes from Tibetan (and Sanskrit) canonical sources. Little needs to be said about the scope and significance of the Great Treatise on the Stages of Mantra, or Sngags rim chen mo-the monumental treatise on all major aspects of Vajrayāna practice rivalled in scope and depth, perhaps, only by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye's (1833-1899 CE) intricate treatment of the subject. The treatise comprises "a highly original analysis and critique of [many a century of] competing interpretations of the nature of Tantra" (p. 3). This work was soon established as one of the main pillars of Gelug orthodoxy in all matters pertaining to Vajrayāna practice and formed the backbone of the curriculum at the tantric colleges.

Research paper thumbnail of PhD defense

This is the slideshow backing presentation for the occasion of my oral exam of the PhD defense, J... more This is the slideshow backing presentation for the occasion of my oral exam of the PhD defense, July 4th, 2023.

Research paper thumbnail of Vijñapti, Avijñapti, and Avijñaptirūpa

Research paper thumbnail of Vijñapti, Avijñapti, and Avijñaptirūpa in the Sphuṭārthābhidharmakośavyākhyā. A text-based Analysis of Yaśomitra's Interpretation of Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakośa(bhāṣya) IV.1–4. A Critical Edition with Annotated Translation Prepared from Sanskrit and Tibetan Sources

Dissertation in Buddhist Studies submitted at Hamburg (Sanskrit/Tibetan), 2022

The research findings for this study can be grouped under the following three Categories: 1. Fir... more The research findings for this study can be grouped under the following three Categories:

1. First of all, this study includes a thoroughly annotated translation of the opening sections of the fourth chapter of Yaśomitra’s Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4, an early sixth century commentary on of Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakośabhāṣya, wherein Vasubandhu offers a basic exposition of Buddhist causality that has remained a pivotal resource in the traditional dissemination of Buddhist thought on that topical cluster. To date, said section in the Abhidharmakośavyākhyā had only been available in the original Sanskrit, its Tibetan and Chinese Translations, and, more recently, as a modern translation in the Japanese medium. Burnouf (1876, p. 399), amongst other scholars, had already by the mid-to-late nineteenth century understood Yaśomitra’s commentary to be a philosophically significant and historically impactful work, an early Buddhist commentary that is not only deeply embedded in the academic tradition of Nālandā-University, but that is also the only fully extant Sanskrit commentary to the Abhidharmakośabhāṣya known to date. The extract chosen for translation centers on an exposition of early Buddhist causal models that contextualizes and elucidates early conceptions of the relation-ship between cause and effect; Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4 has hereby been rendered accessible, for the first time, to the wider academic community, therein allowing for further philosophical, historical, and linguistic analysis by contemporary scholarls.

2. Secondly, this study assesses the philosophical debate between the Sarvāstivāda-school on the one hand, andn the Yogācāras on the other. The former posit that any phenomenon can be broken down into a clearly defined, limited number of ‘basic building blocks’ (dharmā) that in turn, by dint of their causal efficacy, need to be based on a positively established ontology (Dhammajoti 2015b, p. 74); the latter expend effort to refute any inherent link beteween causal efficacy and any such reified, positively established, ontological status. The extract contained in this study has been chosen with a focus on the exposition of the Sarvāstivādin concepts of vijñapti, avijñapti, and avijñaptirūpa—avijñapti in particular being considered by the Sarvāstivādins as indispensable and immutable ‘sustaining link’ between cause and effect. The counterarguments fielded by the Yogācāra-school, are likewise rendered, together with an assessment of the degree and scope of their cogency.

3. The translation of Abhidharmakośavyākhyā IV.1–4 contained in this study is based on a philological study and text-critical edition both of the Sanskrit original and its Tibetan translation. A fully positive apparatus records all variant readings of the seven Sanskrit manuscripts and three Sanskrit Editions, taking into consideration scholarly observations made by Funabashi, Sako, and others. Likewise, the principal transmission lines of the Tibetan commentarial canon (Bstan ’gyur)—inter alia Cone, Derge, Narthang and Peking—have been critically collated and certain readings amended, taking into account novel insights provided in secondary literature.

URN: urn:nbn:de:gbv:18-ediss-112160
URL: https://ediss.sub.uni-hamburg.de/handle/ediss/10483