The Middle Way view

The Middle Way view

Part of a series of online teachings based on the book Searching for the Self, the seventh volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron. The talks were hosted by Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

  • Commentary on Nagarjuna’s verses from Treatise on the Middle Way (pp. 13–15 of the text)
  • Confusing inherent existence with conventional existence
  • The meaning of emptiness is dependent arising
  • Learning the Dharma gets us to question our wrong views
  • Questions and answers
    • How do you know if your refutation of inherent existence is completed?
    • Does dependent arising mean predetermination? Is free will possible?
    • Emptiness as an entity and the mind realizing emptiness
    • Does a peaceful animal or violent human have a better rebirth?

The Middle Way view (download)

Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.