Korea Journal of Buddhist Studies ISSN:1598-0642(Print) 불교학연구

Tibetan Buddhist biographies are rich in information related to Buddhist history and philosophy. However, this information is inaccessible without an understanding of the biographical narrative method and its structure, since authors used literary devices such as symbols and allegories to describe definitions of karma, the aspiration for liberation, the conflict between impermanence and eternity, and their subject’s realization, for the purpose of producing a moral narrative. Attempting to interpret the meanings of such literary devices is therefore a process of hermeneutic circulation involving reference to corresponding texts and existing research results. Thus in understanding the biography as an open text, both a reliance on the study of Buddhist history and philosophy, and an enrichment of this field by the biography are made apparent. Herein, I demonstrate this through reading the section on Nya dbon Kun dga' dpal (hereinafter Nya dbon) in Jo nang Masters’ Biographies (1465). By placing symbols and allegories within a temporal structure leading to liberation, its author reveals the doctrine of the Kālacakratantra-based other-emptiness in moments of the life of Nya dbon. Through showing the doctrine in an allegorical moment using the opposing temporal structures of impermanence and eternity, the author embodies the notion of the enlightenment and salvation of Nya dbon, in the Jo nang sect. This is also the author’s way of establishing the continuity and superiority of the doctrine. Through an interpretation of this narrative style, readers can verify the self-appraisal of the doctrinal development in 15th century Jo nang pa, and also acquire a firm evaluation of the 14th century lama, Nya dbon, within the sect in terms of the doctrine. In addition, the meaning and significance of the Jo nang doctrine of other-emptiness can be deduced. In other words, meaningful intellectual history can be derived.