Middle Beyond Extremes

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Middle Beyond Extremes presents a translation of the Buddhist text Distinguishing the Middle from Extremes, also known as Madhyantavibhaga, part of the Five Maitreya Teachings. Maitreya, the Buddha's regent, entrusted these profound teachings to Asanga in the Tushita realm. Through concise verses, this text employs the principle of the three natures to elucidate the distinction between how things appear and their true nature. It explores the subtle processes conditioning our thoughts and experiences, offering a path of compassionate vision and spiritual transformation. The text is complemented by commentaries from two prominent figures of Tibet's nonsectarian Rimé movement: Khenpo Shenga and Ju Mipham. Maitreya and Asanga, influential in the fourth century C.E., laid the foundation for the Approach of Vast Activity, a significant current in Mahayana practice. Their works are regarded as spiritual classics. Maitreya articulates the interdependent processes through which consciousness manifests. By recognizing both the expressions of mind and their intrinsic nature, practitioners can uncover a profound perspective filled with limitless resources. Khenpo Shenga's commentary includes glosses drawn verbatim from Vasubandhu's classical commentary, while Ju Mipham's commentary addresses the issues raised in the verses, providing clarity and understanding.