Nitartha Institute

This course explores the criteria of a valid cognition and its various classifications, based on the teachings from the Pramāna tradition, or Buddhist epistemology. We will analyze our consciousness and determine to what degree it is in agreement with its observed object or not; when our mind is direct or not; what the difference is between non-mistaken, non-deceiving, conceptual and non-conceptual types of awareness.

2 credits.

Course code: BUD 501i (inclass); BUD 501o (online); BUD 502i (inclass); BUD 502o (online)

Prerequisite: None (But note that Clear Thinking is a companion course with Mind and Its World I.  It is highly recommended that students take both together.)

Class Topics

• Divisions of mind
• Definitions of valid cognition
• Definition of direct valid cognition
• Sense direct valid cognition
• Two truths in Vaibhāshika and Sautrāntika view
• Process of perception in Vaibhāshika and Sautrāntika view
• Mental direct valid cognition
• Self-aware direct valid cognition
• Yogic direct valid cognition
• Seeming direct cognition
• Definition of inferential valid cognition for oneself and for others
• Appearing object, referent object, object of engagement
• Nonvalid cognition
• Three results of valid cognition

Required Texts

• Root text: Classifications of Mind (Lorik), by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, Nitartha Institute Publications: nitartha.institute.pubs@gmail.com
• Mind and Its World I Sourcebook, Nitartha Institute Publications:
  nitartha.institute.pubs@gmail.com
• Root text: Collected Topics (Düdra), by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, Nitartha Institute Publications: nitartha.institute.pubs@gmail.com
• Clear Thinking Workbook, Nitartha Institute Publications:
  nitartha.institute.pubs@gmail.com

You are responsible for purchasing your course texts. For Nitartha Institute Publications, please allow 3 weeks for delivery of texts in North America, and for overseas shipping, please allow 2–3 weeks for airmail and 4–6 weeks for surface shipping.

Mode of Instruction

The class is part of our online campus and is available as streaming video, as well as downloadable audio. You have the ability to ask questions live through a chat window and through the course's online discussion forum. Also, there are posted study questions, recommended readings, and exam questions.

Login information will be provided prior to the first class.