Nitartha Publications

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Foundation Texts

Intermediate Texts

Advanced Texts

For commentaries on Lorik, Tarik, Düdra, and more, click the button below:

Other Nitartha Institute Transcripts & Translations

Foundation Curriculum Texts

Mind and Its World I Sourcebook

410 pp

Mind and Its World I begins a detailed analysis of the subjective side of experience. It examines mind and how it perceives its world in valid and invalid ways based on the Classifications of Mind, which provides divisions and definitions of the types of mind identified in the epistemological tradition of Dignaga and Dharmakirti. The key point is the discernment of the aspects of mind that validly perceive things the way they are, which are distinguished from those aspects of mind that are mistaken and tainted by fundamental delusion, and thus keep one bound in samsara. It also introduces the two Hinayana philosophical systems, the Vaibhashika and Sautrantika schools, covering the two truths and the process of perception. Selected readings, analytical meditations, study questions, review summaries are included in the sourcebook.

Clear Thinking Workbook

182 pp

Clear Thinking begins a detailed analysis of the objective side of experience, or phenomena. This analysis is based on Collected Topics, which presents the classifications and definitions of objects as presented in the abhidharma tradition of Vasubandhu. It also examines the four possible relationships between any two phenomena and introduces the Clear Thinking Dialog, an introductory debate practice based on Classifications of Reasons. Selected readings and classifications, definitions, and four relationship exercises are included in the workbook.

Mind and Its World II Sourcebook

322 pp

Mind and Its World II examines the theme of karma. It begins the study of causes and conditions as presented in Collected Topics, the twelve nidanas, or chain of interdependent origination, and the distinction between primary minds and mental factors. It includes a detailed presentation of the mental factors from the Classifications of Mind. Selected readings, analytical meditations, study questions, and review summaries are included in the sourcebook.

Mind and Its World III Sourcebook

386 pp

Mind and Its World III first concludes the investigation into causes and results as presented in Collected Topics. It then turns to the analysis of the ways in which mind cognizes phenomena, particularly the ways in which conceptuality functions, by investigating the modes of engagement from Classifications of Mind and the methods that lead to cognition from Collected Topics. Selected readings, analytical meditations, study questions, and review summaries are included in the sourcebook.

Mind and Its World IV Sourcebook

192 pp

Mind and Its World IV examines the two Hinayana philosophical tenet systems: the Vaibhashika and Sautrantika schools. Specific topics include the definitions of the two schools, a discussion of their subschools, an in-depth examination of their presentations of the process of perception and objects of knowledge. Also included is a description of the paths and fruition. Selected readings, analytical meditations, study questions, and review summaries are included in the sourcebook.

Debate Workbook

138 pp

This text is a draft edition. It includes a thorough presentation of three-part reasonings and the three modes and also examines the three types of reasons: reasons of self-nature, result reasons, and reasons of nonobservation. Debate worksheets for first and second mode challenges are included.

Classifications of Mind (Lorik) Root Text

60 pp

A root text written by Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. It presents the divisions and definitions of the types of mind identified in the epistemological tradition of Dignaga and Dharmakirti. Translated by Karl Brunnhölzl.

Classifications of Reasons (Tarik) Root Text

40 pp

A root text by Khenpo Tsültrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. It presents the divisions and definitions logic and what constitutes valid and invalid reasoning as presented in the tradition of Dignaga and Dharmakirti. Translated by Ari Goldfield.

Collected Topics (Düdra) Root Text

56 pp

A root text compiled by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen. It presents the divisions and definitions of objects as presented in the abhidharma tradition of Vasubandhu. Translated by Karl Brunnhölzl.

The Gateway That Reveals the Philosophical Systems to Fresh Minds Root Text

108 pp

A root text written by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, and Acharya Kelsang Wangdi. It presents the divisions and definitions of the Vaibhashika and Sautrantika philosophical systems. Translated by Karl Brunnhölzl.

Classifications of Mind Flashcards

113 definition flashcards drawn from the Classfications of Mind root text. English, Tibetan, and Sanskrit translations included.

Collected Topics Flashcards

96 definition flashcards drawn from the Collected Topics root text. English, Tibetan, and Sanskrit translations included.

Intermediate Curriculum Texts

Mind Only Tenet System Sourcebook

394 pp

This sourcebook offers a systematic presentation of the Mind Only (Cittamatra) tenet system, one of the principal Mahayana philosophical schools. The Mind Only school emphasizes the doctrine that the subjective and objective poles of perception are not different in substance, but mental in nature. Specific topics include discussions on perception, the fundamental notion of “mind only,” the three natures, self-awareness, and the all-base consciousness. Also included is a brief discussion of the paths and the fruition. Selected readings, analytical meditations, study questions, and review charts are included in the sourcebook. Includes root text written by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen.

Mind Only Tenet System Root Text

32 pp

Root text written by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen. It presents the divisions and definitions of the Mind Only philosophical system. Translated by Kimberly Colwell and Marcus Perman.

Commentary on The Presentation of Bhumis, Paths & Results in the Treasury of Knowledge

Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 145 pp

A detailed look at the stages of the path of the bodhisattva as presented in Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge, which in turn is based on the fundamental root text for the stages of the path, Maitreya’s Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamayalamkara). Key topics include a thorough description of the five paths of accumulation, junction, seeing, meditation, and no-more-learning; distinguishing the Mahayana understanding of these paths from the Hinayana; a presentation of the ten bhumis (grounds); and a discussion of the prajna (insight) that arises on the paths.

Presentation of the Bhumis, Paths & Results in the Causal Yana of Characteristics Root Text

104 pp

Root text written by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye. Translated by Karl Brunnhölzl

Commentary on the Fourth Vajra Point in the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra

Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 217 pp

A systematic presentation of the teachings of buddha nature tradition based on the fourth vajra point of Maitreya’s Uttaratantra and its commentary by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye. Key topics include the three reasonings demonstrating the universality of buddha nature, its ten aspects, such as its nature, effect, and phases, and its evocation through nine descriptive analogies. Includes root text by Maitreya and commentary by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, translated by Rosemarie Fuchs.

Commentary on The Presentation of Madhyamaka in the Treasury of Knowledge

Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 287 pp

A presentation of the philosophical tenets of the Madhyamaka tradition of the Mahayana. Based on sections of Jamgön Kongtrul’s Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge, this text focuses on the Madhyamaka presentation of the two truths, the views of the subschools of the tradition (Prasangika and Svatantrika), and the fundamental understanding of emptiness. Includes root text and commentary by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye, translated by Karl Brunnhölzl.

Advanced Curriculum Texts

Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara)

Chapters One-Five

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 143 pp

Chapter Six, Part I

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 220 pp

Chapter Six, Part 2

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 318 pp

Chapters Seven-Eleven

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 123 pp

This series explicates one of the principal Indian classics of the Madhyamaka tradition, Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara (Entrance to the Middle Way), along with the Kagyü commentary by the eighth Karmapa, The Chariot of the Dakpo Kagyüs. These transcripts cover the Madhyamakavatara’s eleven chapters, which correlate with the ten bhumis (grounds) and the ten paramitas (perfections), plus the ultimate bhumi of buddhahood. The focus is particularly on the sixth chapter of the Madhyamakavatara, which discusses prajna (transcendental knowledge) and its realization of emptiness. Main topics include the selflessness of phenomena and the individual, and the impossibility of finding a self anywhere with the range of phenomenal experience. Includes root text by Chandrakirti and commentary by Mikyö Dorje, translated by Elizabeth M. Callahan.

Commentary on the Feast for the Fortunate (Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way)

Grounds One to Five

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 114 pp

Ground Six

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche & Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 258 pp

The commentary, Feast for the Fortunate, is the ninth Karmapa’s abridgement of the eighth Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje’s masterpiece, The Chariot of the Takpo Kagyü Siddhas. In it readers will find previously unavailable material on the Karmapa’s Middle Way view and a rare window into a philosophically charged era of Middle Way exposition in Tibetan Buddhism. Wangchuk Dorje’s comprehensive commentary on the Indian master Chandrakirti’s seminal text, the Madhyamakavatara, is marked by eloquent poetry, vigorous and extensive analysis, and heart instructions on breaking through the veils of confusion to independently experience the true nature of things. Includes root text and commentary by the ninth Karmapa Rangjung Dorje, translated by Tyler Dewar.

Commentary on the Ornament of Clear Realization (Abhisamayalamkara)

Introduction

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 110 pp

Topic One

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 218 pp

Topics Two & Three

Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, 202 pp

Topic Four

Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 136 pp

Topics Five–Eight

Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, 156 pp

This series presents Maitreya’s Ornament of Clear Realization based on the commentary by the eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje, Relief of the Noble Ones. Maitreya’s work is the central Mahayana text on the stages of the path and their fruition, for both the Hinayana and Mahayana. It is traditionally summarized in seventy points, or more generally in eight chapters. Whereas the Madhyamaka literature presents the explicit meaning of the Prajnaparamita Sutras, the subject matter of the Abhisamayalamkara is the hidden or implied meaning: the various stages of bodhisattvas, shravakas, and pratyekabuddhas on the path of the meditation on emptiness, from the stage of beginner up through buddhahood. Includes root text by Maitreya and commentary by Mikyö Dorje, translated by Karl Brunnhölzl.

The Lamp That Excellently Elucidates the System of the Proponents of Shentong Madhyamaka

The Eighth Karmapa Mikyö Dorje, translated by Karl Brunnhölzl, 51 pp

In large parts, the Eighth Karmapa’s Lamp represents a discussion of the seven vajra points (buddha, dharma, sangha, dhatu, enlightenment, its qualities, and its activity) of the Uttaratantra. Its structure follows the first chapter of the Uttaratantra and its commentary by Asanga, Ratnagotravibhagavyakhya, which discusses the first four vajra points in detail. In addition, the Lamp contrasts this discussion with the limited views on emptiness of those who do not understand Asanga’s “Great Madhyamaka.”