The Treasury of Knowledge, book 1
In character, this treatise5 clearly, thoroughly, and effectively transmits the three trainings of higher ethics, meditation, and wisdom. It has the qualities that enable one to overcome the enemy of emotions, and to protect oneself from [rebirth in] miserable existences. It is distinct from the six [types of] flawed treatises and possesses the qualities of the three [types of] valid treatises.6 These latter words, “treatise that effectively transmits the three trainings,” refer principally to the subject matter [of the work]. Just as space makes it possible for an observer to discern objects, the contents of this treatise make it possible for the intellect to discern all objects of knowledge. Therefore, the contents are an encompassment of all knowledge. Alternatively, just as space is the medium through which the universe and beings unfold, this [work] allows the three kinds of wisdom7 to unfold. This [part of the title] refers principally to [the words] that convey the contents
Elimination of Doubts Concerning the Title One might question whether it is logical to give a Sanskrit title to a Tibetan treatise because it is not a translation from that language. However, there is no fault in doing so. Such a title is both logical and meaningful because this work is based on the teachings of the Buddha and commentaries originating in India. This is comparable to calling Indian a person who is ethnically Indian but has been born in Tibet. In doing so, I have imitated the works of the Tibetan scholar Thumi, the writings of the sagacious Longchenpa, and others. Although this is like a firefly [trying to] imitate the sun, there is no wrong in my wish to emulate [these masters] because my intention is pure.
The Origin of the Fortunate Age
After the age of vacuity had elapsed at the end of the previous age, Winds arose from the ten directions, creating a configuration in the shape of a cross; Rain fell from a cloud, and amidst a mass of water, A thousand lotuses were seen; thus the Fortunate Age was proclaimed.
The collective actions of beings and the power of the vows to purify realms3 made by the bodhisattvas of the present Fortunate Age produced the following sequence of events: After the previous age had reached completion and the twenty intermediate ages [that constitute] the age of vacuity had elapsed, winds arose from each of the ten directions.4 The powerful convergence and compression of these winds created a configuration of wind in the shape of a cross— solid, extremely hard, and indestructible. In the space above the wind, a thick cloud resembling a golden yoke formed. From this cloud, rain fell continuously over a long period of time. The size of raindrops ranged from large [ones to raindrops as big as the diameter of] the main shaft of a chariot. This deluge produced an immense mass of water, supported by the wind. At the center of this great ocean, a thousand golden lotuses appeared. Upon seeing this, the gods and goddesses of the pure domains5 knew it to be a sign that one thousand buddhas would appear, and so they declared: “How wonderful! This is the dawn of the Fortunate Age!” According to the White Lotus of Compassion Scripture, this age is known as a fortunate one because the gods and goddesses made this announcement. Similarly, the Blossomed Wisdom Scripture refers to this age as “the age when one thousand lotuses are seen.”