Apparitions of the Self

Apparitions of Self is an innovative investigation into what Tibet calls “Secret Autobiography”, a rare literary genre that offers a personal exploration into intimate religious experiences. Janet Gyatso interprets and examines the two outstanding secret autobiographies of Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798), a Tibetan Buddhist visionary. Gyatso’s translation is the first time such works have been published in a Western language. Janet Gyatso’s Apparitions is full of many virtues, including the fact that it presents us a complete portrait of a Buddhist saint, in all of his self-admitted complexity, ambiguity and lucidity. There are many important points to consider and subtle arguments to which you can respond. This extraordinary volume combines concise, felicitous translation with insightful commentary and analysis. What is particularly interesting about this work is the comparison Gyatso makes between Tibetan literature, Western literary theory (Apparitions of the Self), which serves as an example of innovative scholarship.