Tsong kha pa on the Method of Ascertaining Selflessness: From Lam rim chung ngu to lTa khrid

Abstract

With the introduction of Buddhism into Tibet in the 7th century, Sanskrit texts were translated and commentaries were extensively produced. Based on these, the concept of selflessness （bdag med） was discussed in a manner that continued the Indian tradition. On the other hand, there are many examples of lTa khrid literature on the theme of how to determine and practice selflessness, which are different from those of the commentaries, although they are likewise based on the Indian texts. These groups of texts, especially those in the dGe lugs pa school, have been widely used in Tibet, as a reflection of Tsong kha pa blo bzang grags pa’s （1357-1419） Madhyamaka philosophy. However, they have yet to be well researched.

Therefore, the present study examines Tsong kha pa’s method of ascertaining selflessness in his Lam rim chung ngu, and how it was followed by subsequent generations of Buddhist monks, focusing on lTa khrid.