Revised Version of "The Buddha from Dolpo" Now Available

The Buddha from Dolpo: A Study of the Life and Thought of the Tibetan Master Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen by Cyrus Stearns is now in a revised and expanded edition.

Book Cover

"The Buddha from Dölpo is the most significant contribution to the study of the life and revelations of one of the most enigmatic personalities in Tibetan intellectual history, the Jonang master Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen (1292–1361). Narrating Dolpopa's life story and evolution of thought, Cyrus Stearns lucidly describes how this foremost exponent of shentong philosophical thinking and Kalachakra tantric practice served as the catalyst figure for the Jonang Buddhist tradition during its formative period in fourteenth-century Tibet. A decade after its first publication, this revised and enlarged edition includes several significant refinements and additions, including a translation of Dolpopa's own commentary on his masterful work concerning the calculations of cosmic time according to shentong literature known as the Fourth Council. With this revision, Stearns secures The Buddha from Dölpo its place within the Western-language canon of scholarship on Tibetan Buddhism, making it an essential read for understanding Dolpopa's presentation of shentong, the Kalachakra Tantra in Tibet, and the early Jonang Buddhist tradition."

― Michael R. Sheehy, Ph.D., Executive Director of Jonang Foundation ―

Read an excerpt from the book

Purchase from Snow Lion Publications

Lecture on JF's Work: At the University of Alabama

April 16, 2010
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

"Applied Scholarship in Tibetan Cultural Regions of China: Perspectives and Contributions from Jonang Foundation"

Michael R. Sheehy, Ph.D.

In this talk, Dr. Michael Sheehy, the founder and director of Jonang Foundation will discuss seminal themes at the intersection of scholarship and development work in culturally Tibetan regions of western China. Reflecting on the education and cultural preservation work of Jonang Foundation and the specific Tibetan research community of the Jonang tradition of Buddhism, this lecture will explore how contemporary scholarship in the field is being applied in order to contribute and be relevant to communities and locations of research. Particular attention will be given to modalities for conducting fieldwork in Tibetan regions, the role of digital media in preservation and documentation work, and how researchers and students are utilizing online resources in the academic field of Tibetan studies.

Iron Tiger

Happy Iron Tiger New Year!

Thank you for supporting our educational and cultural preservation initiatives at Jonang Foundation this past year and for your ongoing patronage.

Many wishes for a happy and prosperous year of the Iron Tiger!

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A Collaborative Educational Program with the University of Alabama

In the Amdo Region of Eastern Tibet, Sichuan Province, P.R.C.

June 03-26, 2010

The Study Program

Jonang Foundation and the University of Alabama are collaborating to provide a 3 week Tibetan studies immersion. The program, Alabama in the Himalayas: Tibetan History and Cultural Studies in China is designed to take undergraduate (B.A.) and graduate (M.A./Ph.D.) students to the Amdo cultural domain of far eastern Tibet [Sichuan Province, P.R.C.]. In addition to the rigorous academic study program, students will engage in cultural heritage site documentation and carry out field research in a fascinating region of the Tibetan world.

The program consists of 2 courses for a total of 6 academic credits [transferable to any college or university in the U.S.]: (1) a lecture series by faculty and guest lecturers at monasteries and select places of importance on Tibetan history, religious thought and practice, and culture; and (2) a group multimedia field research project at designated sites, digitally documenting Tibetan sacred space and cultural practices.

See the Tibetan Studies in Amdo page for further details and how to apply.

Jonang Sutra and Tantra Series

Sutra and Tantra Series

We are glad to announce and make available for purchase the long anticipated publication, The Jonang Sutra and Tantra Series.

This 26 volume collection titled, Jo nang mdo sngags rig pa'i dpe tshogs includes select texts from major authors of the Jonang tradition. Works in the collection are written by Tāranātha (1575-1634), Bamda Thubten Gelek Gyatso (1844-1904), Dzamthang Khenpo Tsoknyi Gyatso (1880-1904), and Droge Jamyang Khenrab Gyatso (1901-1959). This collection is particularly significant because it includes many of the works of Bamda Gelek for the first time in a typeface printed edition. Published in China at the Sichuan Mi rigs dpe skrun khang (Chengdu, 2009).

To purchase this collection, visit the Assorted Tibetan Books page in JF's online Shop.

Do you have a Facebook account? Then join us! Become a fan of Jonang Foundation. Join the Jonang Foundation Cause. Participate in the Jonang Tibetan Buddhism group. Become a Member of the Jonangpa.com Blog.

We hope to generate some positive activity and build a network of supporters via Facebook. Feel free to invite like-minded friends and get involved.

Jonang Foundation's Education in Tibet

An Oasis for Clear Learning

Students in Schoolyard

As many of you know, one of our central education initiatives at Jonang Foundation is the construction of a schoolhouse in a remote region of eastern Tibet. This primary school is called in Tibetan "Losal Ling," or "The Oasis for Clear Learning."

The project currently supports and educates over 100 students from the ages of 6 - 18, many of whom were orphans or children from local nomad families who would not receive an education otherwise. The school offers each student a free education in a curriculum that balances both traditional Buddhist monastic and modern secular education. The schoolhouse itself is three stories and will have the capacity to house over 300 students. It includes a communal meeting hall, numerous classrooms, a library, administrative offices, and a computer lab.

As we continue to raise funds in order to complete building for the Tibet Primary School Project, we ask for your support. While the perimeter walls, 2nd and 3rd level floors, and roof are built, we are in need of funds to complete the interior classroom walls, frontal facade and the final outfitting of the school.

Please support this school by making a financial contribution to the project. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated!

View our recently updated Tibet Primary School Gallery to see photos of the school, its construction, and the students.

See also the description of the Tibet Primary School Project.

Jonang Stupa

A PDF version of the transcript from Michael Sheehy's talk on the oral history and local legacy of the Jonangpa in Tibet on July 17, 2009 is now available for download in the Essays section of the Jonang Foundation Library. This transcript is based on a partial recording and notes while at the Great Stupa of Jonang during the “Discovering the Jonang: A Pilgrimage through Central Tibet.”

Download the transcript here, The Legacy of the Jonangpa.

We at Jonang Foundation invite you to read the Summer '09 issue of our annual online newsletter.

Contents in this issue include:

• On the JF Horizon
• Quoting a Jonangpa
• Associate Director Opening
• Pilgrimage to Tibet '09
• JF on Facebook
• JF Shop Updates

Plus more ...

Read JF's E-Newsletter.

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Associate Director Position Opening

We seek to fulfill the position of Associate Director. The Associate Director will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, the Director of Field Operations, and the Board of Directors in order to strategically develop and administer ongoing programs and initiatives hosted by Jonang Foundation.

Responsibilities: Assist in organizing and facilitating programs. Raise and manage funds for cultural and educational projects in Tibet including the primary school, nuns project, reproduction of Tibetan texts, etc.; this includes co-writing grants and progress reports. Help in developing online educational resources on the main website and blog. Promote the work of the foundation through advertisements and outreach campaigns. Regularly communicate with benefactors, supporters, and volunteers of the foundation.

Skills & Experience: Communication skills. Experience in grant writing, fundraising, advertising and outreach for a nonprofit organization. Computer literate with the ability to work with digital image programs and web tools (knowledge of html a plus). Interest in humanitarian and development nonprofit work in Asia as well as preservation of the specific cultural, educational, and spiritual heritage of Tibet as carried out by Jonang Foundation according to its Mission & Vision.

Commitment & Compensation: Jonang Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. The Associate Director will have opportunities to oversee on-site projects in Tibetan regions of China and to promote the foundation's work (expenses paid by the foundation), and will receive the necessary operating resources and support. Estimated 10-15 hrs per week. Candidates who reside in the United States will be given precedence.

To apply, send your resume along with a one page cover letter describing your interest in the position to info@jonangfoundation.org.