Nitartha Institute

This course is an in-depth study of the Dharmadharmatāvibhāga by Maitreya (ca. 4th
century) – a short Yogācāra work of the pith instructions class – based on commentaries by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339) and Ju Mipham (1846–1912). We will study the distinction and correlation (vibhāga) between phenomena (dharma) and the nature of phenomena (dharmatā) and discover the key instructions on how to proceed in accessing this nature.

2 credits.

Course code: BUD 770s-A

Prerequisites: BUD 760 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

• Introduction to Yogācāra and the five texts of Maitreya
• Introduction to the three natures (trisvabhāva)
• The distinction of phenomena and the nature of phenomena
• The defining characteristic of phenomena and the nature of phenomena
• Grasping phenomena
• Grasping the nature of phenomena
• The fundamental change of state
• The defining characteristics of nonconceptual wisdom
• The thorough knowledge
• Explanation through examples

Required Text

• The Ornament That Explains the Treatise The Distinction Between Phenomena and the Nature of Phenomena, by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, tr. by Karl Brunnhölzl – unpublished; available as a PDF document after you register

Recommended Text

• Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata, A Commentary on The Treatise of Maitreya, by Thrangu Rinpoche, Zhisil Chokyi GhaTsal, 2004.

Mode of Instruction

The class is part of our online campus and is available 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.