Nitartha Institute

This course is an overview of the Tathāgatagarbha, or Buddha Nature tradition, the view of the luminous essence of awakening, the heart of goodness shared by all beings. Our exploration will rely on the key section of Uttaratantra of Maitreya (ca. 4th century) which establishes Buddha nature through three reasonings, its ten facets, nine analogies and five reasons why it is necessary to teach it.

2 credits.

Course code: BUD 630i-B

Prerequisite: BUD 620

Class Topics

• The element: three reasons the element is present in all sentient beings
• Ten aspects of the element
• Nine examples explaining why the defilements are to be purified though the essence is unchanging
• Five reasons why it is necessary to explain the element

Required Texts

• Buddha Nature: The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra with Commentary, by Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye, tr. by Rosemarie Fuchs, Snow Lion Publications, 2000: www.snowlionpub.com
• Commentary on the Fourth Vajra Point in the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 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.

OnLine Course

There will be synchronous, live class room streaming video as well as asynchronous online supplemental class room activities (discussion group; study questions; notes, etc). Information about accessing the course online will be forwarded after you have completed registration and payment.