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Another interesting compendium of all Mahayana is the Uttara-tantra-shastra AKA the Ratnagotravibhāga. I think the intention of that shastra was essentially the same. It was composed by a Yogācārin, Sthiramati.
Awakening Mahayanic Faith was “translated” by Paramārtha (499-569 CE), but scholars today believe he actually composed it. Interesting, this is the same guy who came up with the 9th Consciousness (an idea that pretty much died, that there’s a “pure consciousness” above the ālaya – instead, the Zen idea that the ālaya is originally pure prevailed).
The two texts seem to have a common goal: to systematize and unite all Buddhist insights into a single, coherent whole, from the vantage point of Tathāgatagarbha as the culmination of Lord Buddha’s teaching.
It would be interesting to compare the two texts.
Anyway, excuse this digression from the content of the shastra.
(The reason I mentioned the Uttara-tantra was to hear your thoughts about comparison with the Awakening shastra.)
I offer the following link; pretty much an exhaustive commentary on the Uttaratantra. You’re right, in terms of the root measure of suchness, tathagatagarbha, dharmadhatu, absolute truth these could be considered as sister texts.
http://www.chinabuddhismencyclopedia.com/en/index.php?title=The_Mahayana_Uttaratantra_Shastra_with_commentary#Annotation_7:
Kantairon, it pleases me to see how your earnest studies have borne fruit. In truth I have every confidence in the accomplishment of your spiritual journey, and pray to all the Buddhas to continue to support you.
Thanks for the kind words n. yeti. The benevolence of the Buddha is truly all-encompassing. Let us express gratitude continously for having the luck of encountering the Dharma in this human birth. How have you been? It’s been a relatively long time.
Thanks for the very useful link, Vajragoni.
I’ve been waiting for Vajragoni to get around to this important series, so haven’t been popping in much, just observing. I suppose that’s the equivalent of ringing the doorbell and running away but I’ve been focused on other things.