This thesis examines the revelatory tradition of "Treasures" (gter ma) found in to the Ancient School (Rnying ma) of Tibetan Buddhism. It consists of four parts.; Part I surveys the genre of Treasure literature discussing central historical and literary elements within this tradition. Following an analysis of the historical development of Treasure identification and taxonomy the contested issue of authenticity is addressed. Here Tibetan and Western studies addressing the legitimacy of the Treasures, often viewed as the whole raison d'etre of Treasure revelation, are addressed and evaluated. In concluding, an alternative approach to validation of Treasure literature, rooted in the dynamics of the spiritual community, is proposed. Within this proposition the views of the Tibetan philosopher Mi pham rgya mtsho (1846--1912) on Treasure revelation are discussed and presented in translation.; Part II focuses on the life and revelatory activity of the nineteenth century Treasure revealer (gter ston) Mchog gyur bde chen gling pa (1829--1870). First, an introduction to biographical sources for Mchog gyur gling pa is provided followed by a detailed survey of the historical circumstances for his Treasure revelations as well as their content.; To illustrate central genres of Treasure literature Part III presents three translations of texts from the Treasure tradition of Mchog gyur gling pa; each of which represents a distinct genre of Treasure literature: the fundamental tantra (risa rgyud) spoken by a buddha; the meditation ritual (las byang) adapted from the tantra to suit the ordinary practitioner; and the instruction (khrid) by a representative of the tradition outlining the practical application of the ritual.; Finally, part IV provides new editions of all Tibetan texts presented in translation.
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