Mipam on Buddha-Nature

Abstract

This book is the result of many causes and conditions. I would like to first express my deepest gratitude to Chökyi Nyima Rinpoché, and his late father, Tulku Urgyen, without whom I would not have had the inspiration to take on such a study as this. This book evolved out of my Ph.D. dissertation, entitled “Buddha-Nature and a Dialectic of Presence and Absence in the Works of Mi-pham” (Un iversity of Virginia, 2005); it would not have been possible without my peerless advisor, Professor JeffreyHopkins. I also owe a debt of gratitude to rofessor David Germano, who has helped me over the years in many significant ways. Professors Hopkins and Germano have both consistently challenged me to deepen my understanding of texts and traditions in critical and creative ways. Professors Karen Lang and Robert Hueckstedt also gave me invaluable feedback in the early stages of this project.