Nitartha Institute

This course provides the practitioner with the tools for delineating conceptual and non-conceptual types of mind in meditation. This teaching, codified as the modes of engagement of mind, is coming from the tradition of Pramāna, or Buddhist epistemology. We will contemplate the minds apprehending generalities and particulars, inclusive and eliminative engagers, objects and means of expression, connection and contradiction.

2 credits.

Course code: BUD 520s-C

Prerequisites: BUD 501 and BUD 502

Class Topics

• Terminological classification of causes
• Terminological classification of results
• Generalities and particulars
• Mode of engagement of mind apprehending appearance and elimination
• Negations and concrete phenomena
• Phenomena that are one and different
• Appearing object, referent object and object of engagement
• Object and means of verbal expression
• Contradiction and connection
• Definition, definiendum and illustrating example

Required Texts

• Root text: Classifications of Mind (Lorik), by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, 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

• Mind and Its World III Sourcebook, Nitartha Institute Publications:
  nitartha.institute.pubs@gmail.com

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.  There are also posted study questions, recommended readings, exam questions and the ability to contact a distance learning advisor with questions.

Login information will be provided prior to the first class.