Practice Aids or History?

Four philosophical schools of Buddhist thought are taught in the Nalandabodhi Study Curriculum (Vaibhashika, Sautrantika, Chittamatra and Madhyamaka). In this talk, Mitra Karl Brunnholzl clarifies the reasons for studying these schools by explaining the two approaches to presenting the philosophical schools. One approach presents the historical schools of thought in India. A second approach presents the schools as a progression of meditative insight from clinging to everything as real to not clinging to anything as real. Expanding on this distinction, Karl discusses not only the four schools listed above, but also two Madhyamaka sub-schools (Svantantrika and Prasangika) as well as Shentong. He explains the essence of each of these with an emphasis on how they help our practice, how they relate to letting go of our coarse and subtle clinging, and how this letting go is an essential prerequisite to experiencing Shentong or awakening. In response to questions, Karl provides practical guidance for applying the practice of letting go of attachment in the context of pain and illness. He also talks about the philosophical schools from a historical perspective, clarifying the relationship between the Yogachara, Madhyamaka and Shentong and responds to a variety of questions with clarity and insight.

Nalandabodhi Connecticut is offering the video recordings of this teaching online over two Sundays in December. Karl’s talk is about two hours in length. We will be watching the first half (one hour) on December 4th and the second half (one hour) on December 11th. This approach leaves room for discussion and questions.

All are welcome. Please forward this message to others who would be interested in these teachings, especially those who are new to Buddhism and those from the younger generation.

Please join us! Registration is not required. Donations are deeply appreciated. You can donate here. Your donations to Nalandabodhi support our programs and also our teachers. Please add a note (Schools Video) so we know what this donation relates to.

In order to join these video sessions, click here and enter the password: Path.

NOTE: From 9:00 – 10:30 every Sunday NBCT engages in meditation practice (50 minutes) followed by sharing and discussing Atisha’s Mind Training slogans. We consider one slogan each Sunday. You can join our meditation using the link in this email.