Chandrakirti praises compassion as the source of bodhicitta.
Teachings on Lama Tsongkhapa’s (1357–1419) commentary on Supplement to the Middle Way by Chandrakirti (600–650), itself a well-known commentary to the Fundamental Treatise on the Middle Way Called “Wisdom” by Nagarjuna (150–250).
Illumination of the Thought RSS feed for this section
Teachings on Lama Tsongkhapa’s (1357–1419) commentary on Supplement to the Middle Way by Chandrakirti (600–650), itself a well-known commentary to the Fundamental Treatise on the Middle Way Called “Wisdom” by Nagarjuna (150–250).
Review session: Identifying the root of samsara
A review of topics including identifying the correct root cause of samsara and the different conceptions of self.
Common and uncommon afflictions
The difference between uncommon and common afflictions, and the distinction between the coarse and subtle four noble truths.
Review session: Coarse and subtle selflessness
A review of Chandrakirti’s assertions that hearer and solitary realizer arhats realize the emptiness of inherent existence.
Realizing emptiness by hearers and solitary realizers
Further explanation why Hearers and Solitary Realizers realize the emptiness of inherent existence and the reasonings supporting this position.
Outshining through intelligence
How bodhisattvas outshine hearers and solitary realizers in intelligence and beginning the section on how hearers and solitary realizers realize selflessness.
Outshining hearers and solitary realizers
Explanation of how bodhisattva superiors outshine hearers and solitary realizers by way of their qualities.
First bodhisattva ground: The Very Joyful
Commentary on the grounds of bodhisattva superiors and beginning the commentary on the first ground, The Very Joyful.
Review session: Compassion, impermanence and emptiness
Questons and answers When meditating on compassion, what is the object of meditation? Is the realization of emptiness integral to progress on the bodhisattva path? Do emptiness and dependent arising manifest as the same? What is the meaning of “one taste”? What is meant by imprints or propensities? Does your view change after realizing subtle […]
Compassion conjoined with wisdom
Continued commentary on the three types of compassion and beginning the section on ways of practicing the path.
