Tharpa Publications (Sanskrit for "liberation" and pronounced "Tar-pa") is a New York-based "major international and multilingual publisher of Buddhist books." These include basic

Buddhist meditation Buddhist meditation is the practice of meditation in Buddhism. The closest words for meditation in the classical languages of Buddhism are ''bhavana, bhāvanā'' ("mental development") and ''Dhyāna in Buddhism, jhāna/dhyāna'' (a state of me ...

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. It was founded by the Buddhist author and scholar Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. Tharpa Publications is a non-profit corporation that has operated for 25 years and claims to have sold over a million books. Helen Waterhouse adds that the books "are distributed widely and may be seen on the shelves of popular booksellers as well as in university libraries."

Kelsang Gyatso

To date, Tharpa has published 22 of his books, covering the entire range of

Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, most commonly referred to as the Buddha (),* * * was a wandering ascetic and religious teacher who lived in South Asia during the 6th or 5th century BCE and founded Buddhism. According to Buddhist legends, he was ...

Shakyamuni's

Sutra ''Sutra'' ()Monier Williams, ''Sanskrit English Dictionary'', Oxford University Press, Entry fo''sutra'' page 1241 in Indian literary traditions refers to an aphorism or a collection of aphorisms in the form of a manual or, more broadly, a ...

and

Tantra Tantra (; ) is an esoteric yogic tradition that developed on the India, Indian subcontinent beginning in the middle of the 1st millennium CE, first within Shaivism and later in Buddhism. The term ''tantra'', in the Greater India, Indian tr ...

teachings. According to its website, "Tharpa publishes the works of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, a contemporary Buddhist master who presents the essential practices of Buddhism in a way that is easy to understand and practice in modern everyday life." Biography Research Guide describes Kelsang Gyatso's books: A number of Kelsang Gyatso's textbooks have received favorable reviews. Bluck writes that "The three most popular works—''Introduction to Buddhism'', ''The New Meditation Handbook'' and ''Transform Your Life''—have sold 165,000 copies between them, showing their appeal far beyond the movement itself." Batchelor says that Kelsang Gyatso's books are written with "considerable clarity." Braizer echoes this sentiment, saying that Kelsang writes "excellent" books that are "an important contribution to Western understanding of Buddhism and its traditions. They can stand on their own merit." ''Guide to Dakini Land'' and ''Essence of Vajrayana'' have been described as "the most detailed and revealing commentary on specific tantric practices yet to be published in a Western language." In his book review of ''Guide to Dakini Land'', Richard Guard said: The books are also highly thought of within the Tibetan establishment. Three of his published works contained forewords by previous

Ganden Tripa The Ganden Tripa, also spelled Gaden Tripa ( "Holder of the Ganden Throne"), is the title of the spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, the school that controlled central Tibet from the mid-17th century until the 1950s. The 10 ...

s and the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama contributed a foreword to ''Buddhism in the Tibetan Tradition'', while

Trijang Rinpoche The Third Trijang Rinpoche, Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso (1901–1981) was a Gelugpa Lama and a direct disciple of Pabongkhapa Déchen Nyingpo. He succeeded Ling Rinpoche as the junior tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama when the Dalai Lama was ninete ...

and Ling Rinpoche (who each held the position of

) also provided forewords for his books ''Meaningful to Behold'' (which was dedicated to the long life of the Dalai Lama) and ''Clear Light of Bliss'' (which was dedicated to the late Trijang Rinpoche), respectively. Kyabje Ling Rinpoche refers to Kelsang Gyatso as "this most precious Spiritual Guide," while Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche refers to him as "The excellent expounder, the great Spiritual Master Kelsang Gyatso." Tsem Tulku praised Kelsang Gyatso and his publications: "The great master, the Kadampa Geshe, Kelsang Gyatso, you can see very clearly his works, his centers, his books, his pure vows, and how many thousands of people he affects."

New Kadampa Tradition

Tharpa Publications is part of the

New Kadampa Tradition The New Kadampa Tradition – International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT—IKBU) is a global Buddhist new religious movement founded by Kelsang Gyatso in England in 1991. In 2003 the words "International Kadampa Buddhist Union" (IKBU) were a ...

- International Kadampa Buddhist Union, which is an international Buddhist charity set up for building Buddhist temples for world peace in every major city of the world. It was established in 1985 in

Ulverston Ulverston is a market town and civil parish in Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria, England. Historic counties of England, Historically in Lancashire, it lies a few miles south of the Lake District Lake District National Park, National Park and j ...

, UK and now has affiliates in countries throughout the world.

Je Tsongkhapa

Tharpa Publications is devoted to the preservation of the tradition of

Je Tsongkhapa Tsongkhapa ( Tibetan: ཙོང་ཁ་པ་, '','' meaning: "the man from Tsongkha" or "the Man from Onion Valley", c. 1357–1419) was an influential Tibetan Buddhist monk, philosopher and tantric yogi, whose activities led to the format ...

: For example, ''Joyful Path of Good Fortune'' is based on Je Tsongkhapa's ''Lamrim Chenmo'' (''Great Exposition of the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment''). Other examples include: *'' Universal Compassion'' is based on Je Tsongkhapa's ''Sunrays of Training the Mind'' *''Understanding the Mind'' is based on Je Tsongkhapa’s teachings on ''Commentary to Valid Cognition'' by

Dharmakirti Dharmakīrti (fl. ;), was an influential Indian Buddhist philosopher who worked at Nālandā.Tom Tillemans (2011)Dharmakirti Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy He was one of the key scholars of epistemology ( pramāṇa) in Buddhist philo ...

*''Guide to Dakini Land'' and ''Essence of Vajrayana'' are based on ''Be dön kun säl'' (''Illuminating All Hidden Meanings'') and Je Tsongkhapa's commentary to the Heruka sadhana, ''Dö jo'' (''Wishfulfilling'') *''Clear Light of Bliss'' is based on ''Lamp Thoroughly Illuminating the Five Stages'' *''Tantric Grounds and Paths'' is based on ''Great Exposition of the Stages of Secret Mantra'' *''Ocean of Nectar'' is based on ''Clear Illumination of the Intention: An Extensive Explanation of the Great Treatise'' ‘Guide to the Middle Way’. *'' The New Meditation Handbook'' and ''Joyful Path of Good Fortune'' are based on Je Tsongkhapa's commentaries to Atisha's Lamrim teachings.

Preserving the Gelugpa tradition

The teachings in Tharpa's books are also in the Gelugpa lineage of Pabongka Rinpoche and

's teachings. 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; and '' The New Meditation Handbook'' is a concise rendition of these teachings. In the preface of ''Joyful Path'' the author writes: Waterhouse notes that "All pictorial material produced by the NKT is carefully controlled to maintain the accuracy in the smallest detail":

Use of Tharpa's books on Buddhist study programs worldwide

Fourteen of Tharpa Publications classic textbooks are used as the basis of the

's Foundation Program and Teacher Training Program, which have tens of thousands of Buddhist students worldwide. The Foundation Program is described by Steven Heine in ''Buddhism in the Modern World: Adaptations of an Ancient Tradition'': The

's Teacher Training Program is a rigorous "multilayered educational" study program of

's teachings of

and

presented in accordance with the tradition of the Tibetan master

(AD 1357-1419), designed for those training as Buddhist teachers.

Finances

Losing money each year from 1985 onward, Tharpa Publications "broke even" for the first time in 1996. Tharpa Publications claims that, since that time, the author has donated all royalties from Tharpa's books to non-profit organizations that promote Buddhism. Firstly he gave these to

Manjushri Institute Manjushri Institute was a large Buddhist college situated at Conishead Priory in Cumbria, England from 1976 until its dissolution in 1991. In 1991 its assets, including Conishead Priory, were transferred to a new centre on the same premises, Manj ...

: Now Tharpa says that the author donates all royalties to the International Temples' Fund. Each book also contains the information: "Profits received by Tharpa Publications from the sale of this book will be donated to the NKT-International Temples Project" which is "a Buddhist Charity, Building for World Peace."

Publications

The books by Kelsang Gyatso in the order they were published: *''Meaningful to Behold: The Bodhisattva's Way of Life'', Tharpa Publications (5th. ed., 2008) *''Clear Light of Bliss: Tantric Meditation Manual'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1992) *'' Heart of Wisdom: An Explanation of the Heart Sutra'', Tharpa Publications (4th. ed., 2001) *'' Universal Compassion: Inspiring Solutions for Difficult Times'', Tharpa Publications (4th. ed., 2002) *'' The New Meditation Handbook: Meditations to Make Our Life Happy and Meaningful'', Tharpa Publications (2003) *''Joyful Path of Good Fortune: The Complete Buddhist Path to Enlightenment'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) *''Guide to Dakini Land: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Buddha Vajrayogini'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1996) *''The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) *''Heart Jewel: The Essential Practices of Kadampa Buddhism'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1997) *''Great Treasury of Merit: How to Rely Upon a Spiritual Guide'', Tharpa Publications (1992) *''Introduction to Buddhism: An Explanation of the Buddhist Way of Life'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 2001, US ed. 2008) *''Understanding the Mind: The Nature and Power of the Mind'', Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1997) *''Tantric Grounds and Paths: How to Enter, Progress on, and Complete the Vajrayana Path'', Tharpa Publications (1994) *''Ocean of Nectar: The True Nature of All Things'', Tharpa Publications (1995) *''Essence of Vajrayana: The Highest Yoga Tantra Practice of Heruka Body Mandala'', Tharpa Publications (1997) *''Living Meaningfully, Dying Joyfully: The Profound Practice of Transference of Consciousness'', Tharpa Publications (1999) *''Eight Steps to Happiness: The Buddhist Way of Loving Kindness'', Tharpa Publications (2000) *''Transform Your Life: A Blissful Journey'', Tharpa Publications (2001, US ed. 2007) *''How to Solve Our Human Problems: The Four Noble Truths'', Tharpa Publications (2005, US ed., 2007) *''Mahamudra Tantra: The Supreme Heart Jewel Nectar'', Tharpa Publications (2005) *''Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life: How to Enjoy a Life of Great Meaning and Altruism'', a translation of

Shantideva Shantideva (Sanskrit: Śāntideva; ; ; ; ) was an 8th-century CE Indian philosopher, Buddhist monk, poet, and scholar at the mahavihara of Nalanda. He was an adherent of the Mādhyamaka philosophy of Nāgārjuna. Abhayadatta Sri also li ...

's ''Bodhisattvacharyavatara'' with Neil Elliott, Tharpa Publications (2002) Tharpa Publications was originally a general Buddhist publishing house, also releasing the following works by other authors: *''The Eternal Legacy: An Introduction to the Canonical Literature of Buddhism'', Tharpa Publications (1985) by Sangharakshita, . *''A Survey of Buddhism: Its Doctrines and Methods through the Ages'', Tharpa Publications (1987) by Sangharakshita, . *''Treasury of Dharma: A Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Course'', Tharpa Publications (1988) by

Geshe Rabten Geshe Rabten (1921–1986) was a Tibetan geshe born in Tibet. He was a student at Sera Monastery in Lhasa, and achieved Geshe status before leaving Tibet in 1959. He became known as a debater, scholar, and meditation master. Lama Yeshe and La ...

, . In addition to publishing books, Tharpa also supplies audio books, Buddhist art, and sadhanas for prayer and meditation. 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.

Tharpa affiliates

Tharpa Publications also has affiliates (which are independent companies) in Brazil, the USA, Spain, Mexico, France, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and South Africa.

Translations

Tharpa books have been translated into a number of European and Asian languages.

Footnotes

{{reflist, 2

External links

Official site

Articles

by Alison Eadie (1993-04-18), ''The Independent'', retrieved 2009-12-20.

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 Magazines 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 Magazines 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. Book publishing companies based in New York (state) Buddhist organizations New Kadampa Tradition Religious organizations established in 1983