Foundations of Buddhist Thought
~ Exploring Relative & Ultimate Reality ~
September 7th – May 2022
This nine-month (2 semester) course offers an introduction to the philosophy, history, and practices of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Yoga. This course covers the core concepts of the Buddhist Tenet system, or the four philosophical schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The foundation of all Buddhist thought is based on the understanding of Emptiness. The study of the Two Truths, that is “relative reality” how things appear and “ultimate reality” the inherent nature of all things, is the doorway to those fundamental teachings on Emptiness.
However, before we can begin to meditate on such profound concepts, we must first investigate and come to some understanding of what these two views are. The goal of this course is to delve into the four philosophical schools and investigate the different ways in which these schools understand the Two Truths. We will explore this topic of the Two Truths from the viewpoint of the Vaibhashika, Sautrantika, Chittamarta and the Prasangika Madhyamaka schools and through this comprehensive study of Buddhist Tenets we may come one step closer to an understanding of Emptiness.
“Only when you have an understanding of the nature and relationship of these Two Truths are you in a position to fully understand the meaning of the Four Nobel Truths. And once you understand the Four Nobel Truths, then you have a sound foundation on which to develop a good understanding of what is meant by Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels.” –H.H. Dalai Lama
At the completion of the course, students will have a deeper foundation on which they can continue to develop their practice and study. Should participants wish to continue studying at Vidya Method, then the completion of this course will open to the door to the many other offerings in the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’ series.
*Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a certificate of completion from Vidya Method.
Bryson
Your Teacher
Bryson has been studying and practicing movement and meditation since he was a child. He has completed course work both inside Tibetan monasteries and privately with teachers from different lineages, including his root teacher Drupon Thinley Ningpo Rinpoche.
Details
Tuesday evenings: 6:30-8:30pm
September 7th – May 2022
All levels of experience are welcome!
Required Reading:
‘Relative Truth & Ultimate Truth’ by Geshe Tashi Tsering
