The deathless body treasury diamond song

Senior Academic Advisor of RYI, Lara Braitstein, together with Director of Studies Julia Stenzel, have contributed a compelling scholarly chapter to *A Sourcebook of Global Philosophy*, an expansive volume edited by Mohammed Rustom and published by Equinox Publications. Their work appears in the section “Selfhood, Death, Liberation,” where they present translations of verses by the Mahasiddha Saraha, an influential voice in early tantric Buddhist thought.

Their contribution resonates deeply with the broader vision outlined in the volume’s preface. At a time of growing interest in non-Western philosophical traditions, the sourcebook seeks to expand our understanding of what “philosophy” means across civilizations, highlighting the epistemic diversity and profound insights found in Africana, Buddhist, Confucian, Hindu, Islamic, and many other traditions. Rather than simply adding to a body of knowledge, the project aims to cultivate wisdom—encouraging readers to draw on the full range of humanity’s intellectual and spiritual resources in order to live more thoughtfully in the world.

Within this context, Braitstein and Stenzel’s translations of Saraha’s verses take on particular significance. Their work not only renders these poetic and often elusive teachings accessible to contemporary readers, but also invites reflection on enduring questions of selfhood, mortality, and liberation. By preserving both the philosophical depth and literary texture of Saraha’s voice, they contribute to the sourcebook’s mission of presenting global philosophy as a living, transformative practice.

This publication marks an important achievement for both scholars and underscores RYI’s commitment to advancing rigorous, globally engaged research—work that not only informs, but also has the potential to reshape how we understand and inhabit our shared world.