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The Eight Great Texts of the Kagyu
The long-term goal of Nitartha Institute is centered upon translating and teaching the following texts, which are essential for a complete understanding of sutra and tantra.
Five Great Treatises of Sutrayana
The Ocean of Texts on Logic [Tib.: Rikshung Gyatso], by Chodrak Gyatso, Karmapa VII, 1900 pages (Teachings derived from this text first taught at Nitartha Institute 1996)
The topic here is valid cognition. In order to be able to progress on the path toward enlightenment, we have to be able to distinguish between the liberating aspects of our mind that validly perceive things the way they actually are from those aspects of mind that are mistaken and tainted by fundamental delusion, thus sustaining bondage in samsara. Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way [Skt.: Madhyamakavatara], The Chariot of the Dakpo Kagyu Siddhas, by Mikyo Dorje, Karmapa VIII, 806 pages (Partial translation by Elizabeth Callahan. First taught at Nitartha Institute 1997)
This Madhyamaka treatise presents the explicit teaching of the Prajnaparamita Sutras, i.e., emptiness. This is "the complicated path to simplicity," as it makes us look at the rigid ways we look at our world, offering the approach to help us relax our minds and let go of our hang-ups. -
Commentary on the Ornament of Clear Realization [Skt.: Abhisamayalankara]: Relief of the Noble Ones, by Mikyo Dorje, 1130 pages (Partial translation by Karl Brunholzl. First taught at Nitartha Institute 2000.)
The topic here is the so-called "hidden" or implied meaning of the Prajnaparamita sutras. This means the progression through the various paths and bhumis of bodhisattvas, shravakas and pratyekabuddhas, whereby the practitioner becomes friends with the basic groundlessness of his or her existence. In other words, the text describes in detail what happens in the mind of someone who meditates on emptiness, from the stage of a beginner up through Buddhahood.
Commentary on the Abhidharma: Bestowing the Fulfillment of Accomplishment and Happiness, by Mikyo Dorje, c. 1400 pages (Teachings derived from this text first taught at Nitartha Institute 1996)
This text deals with the basic Buddhist terminologies and classifications of mind and phenomena as the Buddha taught them, and as they are understood in the two philosophical systems of Vaibhashika and Sautrantika in the foundational (Hinayana) vehicle of Buddhism. Commentary to the Vinaya: The Disk of the Sun, by Mikyo Dorje, 2360 pages
Apart from the different types of vows, rules and regulations for monks and nuns, here, the Buddha addresses also the issue of how the society of lay people may live together in a harmonious way, or, what could be called the vision of an enlightened society from the Buddha´s point of view.
Three Great Treatises of Vajrayana
- Commentary on the Uttaratantra Shastra: The Lion's Roar of Irreversibility, by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye (translation by Rosie Fuchs, published by Snow Lion. First taught at Nitartha Institute 1999.)
This text is considered to be the link between the sutra vehicle and the tantra vehicle in that it describes Buddha Nature in detail. Buddha Nature encompasses the basic ground of our minds as well as the underlying continuum of practice during all the phases of ground, path and fruition.
- Commentary on The Profound Inner Reality [Tib.: Zabmo Nangdon]: Illuminating the Profound Reality, by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, 382 pages (Partial translation by Elizabeth Callahan. First taught at Nitartha Institute 2003.)
The Profound Inner Reality by the 3rd Karmapa introduces students to the theory behind the yogic practices of the Highest Yoga Tantra (Anuttarayogatantra) of the Vajrayana. The first chapter deals with how mind's nature is inherently pure from the beginning, and how confusion arises within this basic ground. Later chapters deal with details related to the yogic practices of nadi, prana and bindu, or the channels, winds and essence-drops of the inner vajra body.
Commentary on the Hevajra Tantra: Elucidating the Secret of the Indestructible Vajra, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye, 658 pages
The main emphasis of this tantra is on the various types and expressions of conduct in the Vajrayana.
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