A complete translation of two of the eleventh-century Seventeen Tantras--texts that are among the most important in all of Tibetan Buddhism. "If one knows the
Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra, the
Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra, and the
Tantra Without Syllables, one will have command over the general meaning of the tantras, like a king who has command over his subjects."--
Treasury of the Supreme Vehicle The eleventh-century Seventeen Tantras are the most important texts in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of the Great Perfection. This boxed set provides two luminous translations. The first is the only complete English translation of the
Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra, which is the major commentary tantra on all aspects of the doctrine of the Great Perfection. The second, the
Self-Liberated Vidya Tantra, outlines the structure of Dzogchen tantras in general and also provides a detailed outline of the
Self-Arisen Vidya Tantra.
Malcolm Smith also offers a comprehensive introduction and two vital appendices: (1) a brief historical account and survey of the Seventeen Tantras and (2) an examination of the themes of the Seventeen Tantras, translated from the commentary to the
String of Pearls Tantra. This is vital reading for any student of Dzogchen.
