Nitartha Institute

This course is an in-depth study of Abhisamayālamkāra by Maitreya (ca. 4th century) – the decisive elucidation of the hidden meaning of Prajñāpāramitā related to the path of the Mahāyāna – based on the commentary by the Eighth Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje (1507–1554). We will study the first of the eight abhisamayas, or clear realizations: Chapter one – "The Knowledge of All Aspects," which is the direct realization that all aspects are primordial peace

2 credits.

Course code: BUD 710s-A

Prerequisites: BUD 691 for Advanced Nitartha students.

Students who want to take Advanced courses for credit must have completed the stated prerequisite (or an equivalent advanced Shedra course), or be a senior translator.

However, those who are sincerely interested in attending the class, but who have not met the prerequisites for this advanced course, are invited to audit the course as listeners, but not as verbal participants.

Class Topics

• Enlightened attitude of bodhichitta
• Instructions on how to fully accomplish the goal of attaining buddhahood
• The fourfold branches of definite differentiation: the path of junction
• The foundation of accomplishment of the great vehicle: The Mahāyāna gotra
• The observed object of accomplishment of the great vehicle: suchness
• The objective of accomplishment of the great vehicle: the three greatnesses of great mind, great relinquishment and great realization
• The trainings: armorlike accomplishment, accomplishment of the activities of
  engagement, accumulating accomplishment, and definite emergence

Required Text

• Gone Beyond, Volume One: The Prajñāpāramitā Sutras, The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyü Tradition, by Karl Brunnhölzl, Snow Lion Publications, 2011: www.snowlionpub.com

Mode of Instruction

The class is part of our online campus and is available as as streaming video, as well as downloadable audio. There are also posted study questions, recommended readings, and exam questions, and the ability to contact a distance learning advisor with questions.

Login information will be provided prior to the first class.