Department of Philosophy

The teachings of the Buddha are vast and profound, ranging from the exposition the psychophysical composition of the universe and beings within, to mapping the workings of an afflicted and suffering mind, and detailing its transformation into an all-knowing awareness that has fulfilled its innate potential for the unlimited qualities of knowledge, compassion and power. Students are given a cursory introduction to Buddhist philosophy with the aim of providing the basis of understanding upon which meditation practice must be set, and deepening their appreciation for the depth and profundity of the Buddha’s wisdom in general.

To that end, the philosophy department at Thrangu Sekhar Institute of Meditation offers certificate students an introduction to the three vehicles: (1) the foundational (hīnayāna), (2) the sutra vehicles (sutrāyāna), and (3) the tantra vehicle (tantrāyana). The philosophy of the foundational vehicle centres mainly around the four noble truths (catvāry-āryasatyāni): of (i) suffering, (ii) the origin of suffering, (iii) the cessation of suffering, and (iv) the path that leads to such cessation. 

The philosophy of the sutra vehicle takes teachings on the awakening mind (bodhicitta) and emptiness (śunyata) as its core, with topics including the six perfections (pāramitā).

The tantra vehicle focuses on the union of great bliss and emptiness, explained and practiced via four progressive classes of tantra: (i) action tantra (kriyatantra), (ii) conduct tantra (caryatantra), (iii) yoga tantra (yogatantra), and (iv) unexcelled yoga tantra (anuttaratantra). A cursory presentation of these vehicles is covered largely in the first semester.

When the Buddha’s teaching is classified into just two vehicles, the philosophy of each vehicle is exemplified by two schools: (1) the foundational vehicle is maintained by (i) the Particularists (vaibhāṣika) and (ii) Sutra Followers (sautrāntika), while (2) the greater vehicle is held by the (i) Mind Only (cittamatra) and (ii) Middle Way (mādhyamika) schools. A brief introduction to the main tenets of each of these schools is given in the second semester.

Teaching and examination

Teachings are given by Tibetan Buddhist scholars in Tibetan with simultaneous English, Mandarin, French (and sometimes German and Cantonese) translation. Course material is available in Tibetan and English only. 

These modules are tested with mid-semester oral and end-of-semester written examinations. Both the oral and written exams can be taken in either English or Tibetan. This module counts towards 20% of the overall annual grade for the respective course. Mid-semester oral exams each count for 4% of the overall annual grade, and the end-of-semester written exams count for 6% each.

CERTIFICATE: BUDDHIST MEDITATION