Question and Answer Session at the Department of Philosophy of Peking University
(June 24, 2010 AM)
(1) Question: I am a master”s student from the Mathematics Department at Peking University. I have a question: There are voluminous scriptures about the doctrines of the second turning of the wheel of Dharma and the third turning of the wheel of Dharma, including what you have translated and your commentaries. However, for an ordinary layman like me, I don”t have the opportunity to study and learn about them. Can you recommend one or two scriptures or treatises which elucidate these topics so that we can gain some insight into the philosophy of Madhyamaka and Buddha nature
Answer: As I have mentioned just now, for the second turning of the wheel of Dharma, you should study the Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way systematically. If you have spare time, then it is also best to study the Commentary on the Ornament of the Middle Way by Nyingma master Mipham Rinpoche. This work elucidates the synthesis of the Mind Only school doctrines and the Middle Way school doctrines. It clarifies that all things and events are ultimately emptiness, but conventionally appear like a dream, and how to transform these appearances for Dharma practice. Therefore, if you want to comprehend the teachings of the second turning of the wheel, you should at least study these two treatises.
For the third turning of the wheel of Dharma, it is best to study the Treatise on the Sublime Continuum and In Praise of Dharmadhatu. Regarding the Treatise on the Sublime Continuum, Mipham wrote a commentary on the Sublime Continuum. Jonang school also wrote a commentary on it. His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok expounded the Sublime Continuum twice during his lifetime. On the first occasion he completed it, but in the middle of the second occasion, His Holiness manifested the parinirvana. Due to its comprehensive elucidation of the doctrines of the third turning of the Dharma wheel, recently our Dharma teachers in our monastery are also expounding these treatises. As for the Vajrayana, if you have received an esoteric empowerment and have time to practice, then you can systematically study Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind (Semnyi Ngalso) and The Meaning of Fundamental Mind, Clear Light, Expressed in Accordance with the Transmission of Conqueror Knowledge-Bearers: Vajra Matrix. These pith instructions are truly very profound.
Personally, although I have full confidence in the philosophical system of Madhyamaka, my confidence in the pith instruction of Dzogchen is even stronger. Why
Because Buddhist doctrines and logical reasoning are voluminous and vast, so, in this very short human life, we might not able to understand them all. However, with the profound pith instruction of Dzogchen, our confidence, and the blessing from our guru, when all these causes and conditions are bound together, it is easy for us to realize the nature of the mind. To us, who are confused in the net of samsara, this is extremely precious. In fact, a few decades pass in an instant or a flash. Planting the seed of enlightenment during this lifetime, or even better, gaining full confidence in liberation, is the most important thing in our life.
(2) Question: I just graduated from the China Foreign Affairs University. When I was studying the Adornment of the Middle Way, I noticed Mipham Rinpoche says: “Does Madhyamaka have a position or not
” It is said that this is one of the most difficult topics in Madhyamaka. During your lectures, you have also repeatedly stressed the importance of this issue. However, many people do not understand why it is so important. Can you shed light on this
Answer: “Does Madhyamaka have a position or not
” is not only stated in the Adornment of the Middl…
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