• Commentary by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

    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.
    • Also available as an eBook for Apple or Android devices.

    Author: Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen

    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.    
  • A commentary by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen and Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.

    Root text translation by Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.

    Digital edition: https://publications.nitarthainstitute.org/product/commentary-on-the-presentation-of-paths-bhumis-results-in-the-causal-vehicle-of-characteristics-from-the-treasury-of-knowledge-ebook/
  • Commentary by Acharya Sherab Gyaltsen. Root Text Translation by Ari Goldfield. Oral Translation by Elizabeth M. Callahan. This transcript was produced from a series of talks given by Acharya Sherab Gyaltsen at Nitartha Institute, Gampo Abbey, Nova Scotia, Canada, in June and July 1997.
  • Also available as an ebook for Apple and Google.

    Commentary by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche Oral translation by Mitra Tyler Dewar Root text translation by Gregory Forgues From the English translation by the Buddhavacana Translation Group, under the patronage and supervision of 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha

    A transcript of the oral commentary by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on the sūtra Unraveling the Intent [of the Buddha], a crucial sūtra for the Yogācāra tradition. In this text, Rinpoche presents with great clarity and detail the prologue and first five sūtra's chapters, which deal with the five defining characteristics of ultimate reality as well as the presentation of the all-base consciousness.
  • This version is for Self-Paced Online Course (SPOC) only. The UPDATED version for non Self-Paced Online Course will be available in the Fall 2023.

    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. Also available as an eBook for Apple or Android devices.
  • For Self-pace Online Course, students will be using the Mind and Its World IV, Provisional Draft; students must agree with the following policy before placing the order:

    PROVISIONAL DRAFT COURSEWARE POLICY & ELECTRONIC FILE SHARING ARRANGEMENT:

    1. The cost of the Mind and Its World IV, Provisional Draft  in the form of a PDF document is USD $23.10 and non-refundable. This amount will serve as a deposit payment towards the purchase of the final published version of the text. A discount coupon code will be issued to you for the purpose of purchasing the final version, valid for one year after the publication of the final text. Note: The coupon cannot be transferred to another person, it cannot be used to purchase other texts, and not valid for any ebook versions.
    2. You may use the Mind and Its World IV, Provisional Draft PDF for the duration of the class. However, once the course has concluded, usually determined by the expiration of access to the course video and audio recordings, you MUST delete the PDF file from your computer, as well as delete the email containing the PDF file attachment.
    3. If you prefer to work with a hardcopy of this text, you are welcome to print a copy for your own personal use,and would also need to be destroyed after use.
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    5. If you prefer to not purchase the final version of the text, you are still required to delete/destroy the Mind and Its World IV, Provisional Draft , and no refund will be issued for deposit payment you made to access the Mind and Its World IV, Provisional Draft .
    6. If you decide to purchase this text, it fully means you have understood and agree with this policy. 
    7. Once we receive your website order, we will email the PDF to your email address indicated in the website order. Please use the same email as the one you used for registration to Nitartha course. Please be allow 72 hours for processing.

    For questions, please email us at publications@nitarthainstitute.org

    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.
  • A commentary on THE GATEWAY THAT REVEALS THE PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMS TO FRESH MINDS by Ācārya Sherab Gyaltsen.

    • Available as an eBook for Apple and Android devices.
    • The hardcopy book is shipped from the US. International customers may wish to explore local booksellers, Shambala Publications, or Amazon to save on shipping cost.

    Translator: Dr. Mitra Karl Brunnhölzl

    An extraordinary collection of writings on buddha nature by the Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339). The Third Karmapa Rangjung Dorje’s unique and balanced view synthesizes Yogācāra Madhyamaka and the classical teachings on buddha nature. His work focuses on the transition from ordinary deluded consciousness to enlightened wisdom, the characteristics of buddhahood, and a buddha’s enlightened activity. Included are commentaries by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé that supplement the view of the Third Karmapa on two fundamental treatises on buddha nature, emphasizing the luminous empty mind of buddha nature as presented by the great Indian masters Maitreya and Asaṅga. For those practicing the sutrayāna and the vajrayāna in the Kagyü tradition, what these texts describe can be transformed into living experience.  
  • Also available as an eBook for Apple and Google. 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.  
  • Also available as an eBook for Apple and Google. 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.  
  • This is the updated Mind and Its World 4 Sourcebook for semester course and Summer Institute (not for Self-Paced Online Course).

    Also available as an ebook for Apple and Google.

    The Mind and Its World 4 sourcebook presents the path and result of foundational Buddhism as found in the Vaibhāṣika and Sautrāntika philosophical traditions, based on The Gateway that Reveals the Philosophical Traditions to Fresh Minds root text. Talks by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Acharya Kelsang Wangdi, Acharya Sherab Gyaltsen, and Professor Phil Stanley bring clarity to the subjects discussed in the root text. Key topics include the meaning of the path, the four applications of mindfulness, personal identitylessness, dependent origination, the four realities of the noble ones, the thirty-seven branches of enlightenment, and the results of the path. Numerous charts and diagrams are included as aids to understanding the material.

     
  • This is the updated Mind and Its World 3 Sourcebook for semester course and Summer Institute (not for Self-Paced Online Course).

    Also available as an ebook for Apple and Google. 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.  
  • Author: Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen Translators: Kimberly Colwell and Marcus Perman

    Root text written by Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen. It presents the divisions and definitions of the Mind Only philosophical system.
  • This sourcebook offers a systematic presentation of the Mind Only (Cittamātra) tenet system, one of the principal Mahāyāna 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.
    • The hardcopy book is shipped from the US. International customers may wish to explore local booksellers, Shambala Publications, or Amazon to save on shipping cost.

    Author: Dr. Mitra Karl Brunnhölzl

    Mining for Wisdom within Delusion: Maitreya's "Distinction between Phenomena and the Nature of Phenomena" and Its Indian and Tibetan Commentaries

    Maitreya’s Distinction between Phenomena and the Nature of Phenomena distinguishes the illusory phenomenal world of saṃsāra produced by the confused dualistic mind from the ultimate reality that is mind’s true nature. The transition from the one to the other is the process of “mining for wisdom within delusion.” Maitreya’s text calls this “the fundamental change,” which refers to the vanishing of delusive appearances through practicing the path, thus revealing the underlying changeless nature of these appearances. In this context, the main part of the text consists of the most detailed explanation of nonconceptual wisdom—the primary driving force of the path as well as its ultimate result—in Buddhist literature. The introduction of the book discusses these two topics (fundamental change and nonconceptual wisdom) at length and shows how they are treated in a number of other Buddhist scriptures. The three translated commentaries, by Vasubandhu, the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, and Gö Lotsāwa, as well as excerpts from all other available commentaries on Maitreya’s text, put it in the larger context of the Indian Yogācāra School and further clarify its main themes. They also show how this text is not a mere scholarly document, but an essential foundation for practicing both the sūtrayāna and the vajrayāna and thus making what it describes a living experience. The book also discusses the remaining four of the five works of Maitreya, their transmission from India to Tibet, and various views about them in the Tibetan tradition.
  • A commentary by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

    This series (Introduction to Topic 8) 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 Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.
  • A commentary by Ācārya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen

    This series (Introduction to Topic 8)  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 Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.
  • A commentary by Āchārya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen

    This series (Introduction to Topic 8) 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 Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.
  • A commentary by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

    This series (Introduction to Topic 8) 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 Mitra Dr. Karl Brunnhölzl.
  • A commentary by Ācārya Kelsang Wangdi

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