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A Handful of Flowers A brief biography of Buton Rinpoche by Dratshadpa Rinchen Namgyal Translated by Hans van den Bogaert LJBRARY OF TIBETAN WORKS AND ARCHIVES © Copyright 1996 Library of Tibetan Works and Archives First edition 1996 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. ISBN: 81-86470-04-2 Published by the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharam sala 176215, India, and printed at Indraprastha Press (CBT), Nehru House, New Delhi-110002. CONTENTS Foreword V Publisher's Note VI Introduction IX Chapter One: The birth of Buton Rinpoche in 1290 up to his retirement from Zhalu in 1356 1 Chapter Two: The time of Bu ton Rinpoche leaving Zhalu up to his death in 1364 52 Concluding prayer 68 Notes 74 FOREWORD Tibet's rich and ancient culture has owed a great debt to significant individuals down the centuries. There is now a growing body of literature in translation about these enlightened masters and historical figures. This English translation of the condensed biography of Buton Rinpoche is a welcome addition. Buton Rinpoche (1290-1364) became one of Tibet's most renowned scholars and translators. His life and work are notable for the effort he made to honour all the orders and systems of tenets of Tibetan Buddhism. This account of Buton Rinpoche's life by Dratshadpa Rinchen Namgyal recounts many of his great compassionate activities. It is a source of wisdom and inspiration for Buddhist practitioners even today. I congratulate the translator, Hans van den Bogaert, and everyone who has contributed to making the biography of this exemplary master available to interested persons who do not read Tibetan. May 7, 1996 fllE DA.LAI LA~1A. PUBLISHER'S NOTE A Handful of Flowers is a condensed biography of the 14th-century Buddhist scholar and master, Bu ton Rinchen Drub. In translation it offers a valuable addition to the body of works, rendered into En glish, of outstanding historical figures in the Buddhist world. Born in the year 1290, Buton Rinpoche showed extraordinary qualities from a young age, and grew up to become one of Tibet's greatest and most prolific scholars and translators. Acting always out of boundless compassion, and with inestimable wisdom, he worked tirelessly for the liberation of all sentient beings. He be came known as the Lord of Zhalu-amongst other eminent titles Zhalu being the location of his principal monastery and retreat cen tre. This biography was composed as a hymn of praise to his mas ter by the monk-disciple Dratshadpa Rinchen Namgyal. It has been ably translated into English by Hans van den Bogaert, who is to be commended for his devotion and the thoroughness of his endeav ors. May the merit gained by publishing this inspirational life-story be shared among all sentient beings, and bring them benefit. Gyatsho Tshering Director June 1996