ZaChoeje Rinpoche:
Madhyamakavatara (Entering the Middle Path) and the Perfection of Wisdom

At Emaho Center
March 26 [this teaching was originally scheduled for March 19],
April 9, June 11, July 9, August 20, September 10,
October 15 [cancelled], November 19 [previously scheduled for November 12], December 16 [cancelled]
10am-4pm

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page last updated November 21, 2006

In 2006, ZaChoeje Rinpoche will lead us in an in-depth understanding of Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara (Entering into the Middle Path) and Shantideva's The Bodhisattva Way of Life , Chapter Nine: The Perfection of Wisdom. These teachings are designed to explore the limits of our ordinary intellect and then show us the path to go beyond our conceptual mind. The Madhyamika is wonderfully challenging, yet ZaChoeje Rinpoche's skillful, humorous and unique ability to take these difficult concepts and make them accessible and exciting enables all levels of students to become involved with the heart of the Dharma.   We are so fortunate to have this lineage master give us so much of his precious time

Chandrakirti, a 7th century Indian Buddhist philosopher and Great Mahasiddha, was one of the abbots of Nalanda and was revered for his knowledge of Nagarjuna's teaching on the Middle Way, which is regarded as the highest view accessible to rational intellect.

Chandrakirti writes, "with one wing of altruistic intention and another wing of insight into emptiness, one can traverse the whole of space and soar beyond the state of existence to the shores of fully enlightened buddhahood."

Shantideva, an 8th century Indian Buddhist monk, is also one of the most revered figures in the history of Mahayana Buddhism.   The poetic beauty and clarity of his writing has made The Bodhisattva Way of Life one of   the most practical guides in all of Tibetan Buddhism.   When Shantideva first gave this discourse, it became an instant classic in the monastic universities, and its renown continues to   grow.

Shantideva inspires us to cultivate the six perfections: generosity, ethics, patience, zeal, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Shantideva says, "This ultimate truth lies not within reach of intellect, for intellect   is grounded in the relative."

The theme of the ninth chapter, the Perfection of Wisdom, is that all phenomena exist solely by the power of conceptual imputations and lack inherent existence. Shantideva presents a variety of philosophical arguments to help us understand the complex and important topic of identity-less-ness.  This comprehensive study is designed to loosen the hold of ignorance in our lives and help us to focus on the diamond path.

Ultimate reality is not separate from the world around us; it is the very nature of our world! The two truths are not separate; when they merge, the result is harmony. It is useful to keep in mind that the final aim of our study of the Madhyamika and the Perfection of Wisdom is to lead us to ultimate Enlightenment, a state free from suffering and the causes of suffering.

Combining these two great classics, The Bodhisattva Way of Life and the Madhyamakavatara, in our year-long study, we will be certain to evolve our view of the world in which we live, and to shift our attitudes and actions to benefit the good of all.

Suggested Reading:

Introduction to the Middle Way, Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara

A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, by Shantideva.  

There are a few translations of these two texts. Please find one that suites your nature. Snow Lion Publishing and Shambhala publishing are good sources for reference.