Buddhist Classics and Philosophy

Root of the Middle Way – Mūlamadhyamakakārikā

Thomas Doctor

Description

Impermanence and the suffering associated with negative emotions are generally acknowledged in the world, and by the world’s religions. It is another matter with the nature of emptiness and the absence of self. And yet, this is how things really are: empty and without self.

When hearing this, it is easy to draw a mistaken nihilist conclusion—and so completely miss the profound point. As the saying goes, “It is easy to prove emptiness through reasoning, but profound causation is hard to fathom.”

In his Root of the Middle Way, noble Nagarjuna presents an engaging path of active learning and reflection that points out the profound truths of emptiness and dependent origination, beyond any shadow of doubt. In this way, the Root of the Middle Way, forms a gateway to meditation and, thereby, direct experience and liberating insight.

I strongly encourage everyone with an interest in the way things really are to study Nagarjuna’s brilliantly sharp reasoning in the course taught by Dr. Thomas Doctor at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute over a month. Thomas has studied these matters with qualified teachers for more than 30 years and is an experienced translator, I hope all of you will sincerely benefit from this wonderful opportunity to study this profound text!

-Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

Content

This course explores Nagarjuna’s brilliantly sharp reasoning, taught by Dr. Thomas Doctor over a month at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute. It begins with an introduction by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and concludes with his final remarks. The main content consists of 29 days of teachings and discussions.

Access Dates

Access to this course is open to all — watch and listen freely. Log in, or create a free user account here, to also download the audio files.

From: February 5, 2023
Until: March 23, 2023

– Ended –

– Ongoing access –

Dates reflect end of day in CET/CEST (Paris). Now in Paris: Loading…

Details

About the Teacher

Access Dates

Access to this course is open to all — watch and listen freely. Log in, or create a free user account here, to also download the audio files.

From: February 5, 2023
Until: March 23, 2023

– Ended –

– Ongoing access –

Dates reflect end of day in CET/CEST (Paris). Now in Paris: Loading…

Details

About the Teacher

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