RESOURCES - TEXTS
Philosophical Texts
Textual resources from a variety of teachings
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- Buddhist Philosophical Text
Heart Sutra Text
Discourse on the Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom
- Trans., Dharmachakra Practices
Heart Sutra, Sanskrit Prajnaparamitahridaya-sutra (“Discourse on the Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom”), in Mahayana Buddhism, an extremely brief yet highly influential distillation of the essence of (“Perfection of Wisdom”) writings, much reproduced and recited throughout East and Central Asia.
- Languages: English, Tibetan, Tibetan Phonetics
Format:
- Buddhist Philosophical Text
Madyamaka in India & Tibet
- by John D. Dunne
This reader is provided for for the Course: Emptiness, Luminosity and Compassion
- Languages: English
Format:
- Buddhist Philosophical Text
Nāgārjuna’s Root of the Middle Way
Chapter 2: Analysis of Going and Coming (from the Ornament of Reason, Snow Lion Publications, 2011)
- by Nāgārjuna
- Trans., Dharmachakra Translation Committee, Thomas Doctor
- Snow Lion Publications
This text has been provided for the course: Root of the Middle Way – Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
“Nagarjuna’s Root of the Middle Way presents a clear, firm philosophical thesis with respect to things’ lacking true existence. It argues that just as sentient beings are devoid of innate existence, so are all Buddhas, the cycle of existence, and the tranquility of nirvana. Such assertions are a great source of inspiration, for they suggest that each of us has the opportunity to scale the greatest spiritual heights, provided we tread the right path.” —H.H. the Dalai Lama, from the foreword
- Languages: English
Format:
- Buddhist Philosophical Text
Ornament of Reason – Chapter 2
The Great Commentary to Nāgārjuna’s Root of the Middle Way
- by Mabja Jangchub Tsöndrü
- Trans., Dharmachakra Translation Committee, Thomas Doctor
- Snow Lion Publications
This text has been provided for the course: Root of the Middle Way – Mūlamadhyamakakārikā
Mabja’s Ornament of Reason is one of the most important Tibetan commentaries on Nāgārjuna’s Root of the Middle Way. It is an original work that offers interpretations of Madhyamaka philosophy that cannot be ignored by those who are intent on studying seriously this tradition. Thomas Doctor’s masterful translation, which is as accurate as it is readable, makes an extremely valuable contribution by making available the important insights that this work offers, insights that will help the readers to understand Nāgārjuna’s original text.
- Languages: English
Format:
- Buddhist Philosophical Text
The Four Seals of the Dharma
“Buddhism is distinguished by four characteristics, or ‘seals.’ If all these four seals are found in a path or a philosophy, it can be considered the path of the Buddha.” —Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, from the article “The Four Seals of Dharma are Buddhism in a Nutshell“, Lion’s Roar Magazine, January 12, 2017
The Four Seals in a nutshell are: 1) All compounded things are impermanent; 2) All emotions are painful; 3) All phenomena are empty; they are without inherent existence; 4) Nirvana is beyond extremes.
- Languages: English, Tibetan, Tibetan Phonetics
