Gaining Certainty in the View, Part Two: The Subtleties of the Tibetan Rangtong and Shentong Traditions
This course will dive directly into the heart of the matter, the deeper distinctions in the understanding of emptiness, building on the prior course. We will begin with discussion and experiential exploration of meditation on emptiness--that is, how to bring the view into one’s daily practice and a review of the foundation covered in the fall. Course materials will include both traditional and “radical” presentations on topics including:
The traditional progressive stages of meditation on emptiness in the mahayana tradition, with an overview by Karl Brunnhölzl and a practical manual by Ga Rabjampa
The Five Great Reasonings into Emptiness
The traditional presentation, by Karl Brunnhölzl
A radical presentation by Rongzom
Rangtong and Shentong views by Jamgon Kongtrul as explained by Ringu Tulku
A radical presentation of the history of the various madhyamaka schools by one of the most unusual promoters of the shentong view, Shakya Chogden
Mipham’s version of the true middle between the middles of rangtong and shentong
Expositions from experts in the field
Excerpts from his commentary to Madhyamakavatara
Excerpts from his text, The Lion’s Roar of Shentong
Gorampa’s version of the true middle between the middles of rangtong and shentong as presented in his text, Distinguishing the Views
Core Materials:
Supplemental Materials:
The Eight Great Difficult Points of Tsongkhapa's Prasangika System
"Are Virtual Particles Really Popping In and Out of Existence" from Scientific American