Class 21 - Two Truths - Misperceived / Actual Mode of Existence

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2011 Chart 4 - the Two Truths According to the Four Tenets.

2011 Chart 5 - Existent and the Two Truths.

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Track 1 - Two Truths & Engaging in Practice - Transforming mental consciousness. Chart 4.

Introduction to Two Truths:

• Whatever Exists is either a Conventional Truth (the false way phenomena appear) or an Ultimate Truth (actual mode of existence). 
• Illustration: mirror reflection of face.
• What is that false appearance.
• Buddha did not say phenomena (the I/Self, all reality) do not exist.  Rather they appear to exist in a way that is not possible. We misperceive the Self/I and reality. That misperception generates averson and attachment that lead to actions that trap us in state of dissatisfaction/suffering (samsara).

Mind & Meditation.
  ...

Track 2 - How do things/phenomena (e.g., a flower) Exist.

• How does the appear to exist?

    Is a Flower one with its parts" or separate from its parts?
    What is the collection of the parts.  What is the sum of the parts.
    Not different / Not one.  Parts are plural; the collection/sum = singular.

Track 3 - What is the Self?

• How does the Self Appear to Exist.
• Where do you feel your I/Self exists?
• Contradictory feelings about our Self/Mind/Body.  Owner/part possessor.
• Subtle Impermanence - static appearance is false; constant flux of molecules. No smallest moment of time.

• Dependent Arising analysis to find Middle Way (free from Extremes of Reification/True Existence or Nihilism).  
•  
• Dependent Arising on the Basis of Parts 
• Dependent Arising on the Basis of Causes and Conditions (Illustration, seed - sprout - flower).

Track 4 - Dependent Arising on the Basis of Imputation (Labelling)

Since phenomena are not inherently existent; how do they exist  On the basis of mental imputation - which is not random/irrational but on a functioning basis - that we learn from infancy.

Buddhas do not label. Do Buddhas only exist because of labelling by sentient beings?

The parts are not the flower.  On the basis of the parts (function, characteristics of shape, etc.) we impute flower.  The flower cannot be found.  It is a flower; but only a conventional.

Conventional - our social agreement regarding functioning phenomena.

Basis of Imputation:  of Flower, its parts.  Examine the parts:  do they inherently exist?  Analyze each part in the same way, looking for its actual mode of existence, and each part is also merely imputed on basis of its parts. ...

Imputation of $100 bill/money; USA/nations, etc.

Track 5 - Questions and Answers.

Mind of a Buddha perceives minds of sentient beings perceiving/imputing true existence, i.e., conventionally existent phenomena.

Phenomena do not inherently exist, but are imputedly existent.

Meaning of Duality.

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Class 20 - Mahayana Practice Instructions / introduction: Two Truths

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2011 Handout 15 - Benefits of Bodhicitta. b) Ch. 1's 2nd topic: Mahayana Practice Instructions: Six Sub-topics that explain them.

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Track 1 - Mahayana Practice Instructions, Second Topic (of 10) of Chapter 1 of Ornament of Clear Realizations by Maitreya - Handout 15

Six Sub-Topics that Explain the Practice Instructions.

Track 2 - Two Truths - 1st of the 10 Mahayana Practice Instructions - Introduction.

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Class 12 - Categories of Bodhicitta (Similes)

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2011 Handout 9 - Remaining categories of Bodhicitta: a) By way of Demarcation; b) By way of Devoted Conduct; c) Category by way of the Purpose; d) Category by way of Similes.

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Track 1 - Review Ch. 1, Topic 1, Bodhicitta, covered to date in 2011 classes.

Track 2 - How Bodhicitta Enhances Wisdom.

Track 3 - Category of Bodhicitta by Way of SIMILES: Introduction to 22 Similes for Bodhicitta.

Track 4 - Path of Accumulation's Three Stages & their Bodhicitta Similes (Earth, Gold, waxing Moon).

Track 5 - Path of Preparation - Fire-like Simile for Bodhicitta Endowed with Training.

Track 6 - Path of Seeing:

• 1st Ground - Treasure-like Bodhicitta simile.
• 2nd Ground - when does it start? - Jewel Mine-like Bodhicitta

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Class 11 - Categories of Bodhicitta & Vows

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2011 Chart 3 - The Five Bodhisattva Paths.

2011 Handout 7 - Differences between Svatantrika-Madhyamika and Prasangika Madhymaika Tenets (re Vows, Engaging Bodhicitta and Paths.

2011 Handout 8 - Three Classes of Vows: I. Pratimoksha Vow: a) Lay Vow (3 Sets; Eight One-day Vows); b) Ordained Vows (5 sets). II. Bodhisattva Vow - a) 18 Downfalls & 46 Faulty Actions. b) How to Lose Bodhisattva Vow: Four Binding Factors.

2011 Handout 9 - Remaining categories of Bodhicitta: a) By way of Demarcation; b) By way of Devoted Conduct; c) Category by way of the Purpose; d) Category by way of Similes.

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Track 1 - Pratikmoksha Vow "not to Kill" is completely Broken/Lost by intentionally killing a human being; not by killing an animal. [Clarifying Class 10]. Sectarian chauvinism does not have factual basis.

Track 2 - Pratimokha Vows:
Six Types of Lay Practitioners
Five Sets of Vows for Monks and Nuns

Track 3 - Bodhisattva Vow - 18 Major Precepts:

• Violating 16 Major Precepts are Downfalls
• Violating either the 9th or 18th Breaks/Ends Vow:
• 9th Major Precept:  Not Holding Wrong Views, e.g.:
  
• Denying the Law of Cause and Effect.
• What about Reincarnation?
• 18. Giving Up Bodhicitta - Taking the vows if one doesn't have Aspirational Bodhicitta?
• Four Binding Factors required to Break the remaining 16 Precepts:

1. Not giving up the desire to act in a particular way and still wanting to do it
2. Taking joy and delight in it
3. Lacking shame and embarrassment
4. Not regarding the action as faulty

Track 4 - Remaining Categories of Bodhicitta- [Handout 9]

a)  Category way of DEMARCATION (re Grounds and Paths - Chart 3):

Bodhicitta of:

1. Devoted Conduct in continua of Bodhisattvas on Mundane Paths (Path of Accumulation; Path of Preparation)
2. Pure Altruistic Intention in continua of Bodhisattvas on any of the (first) 7 Impure Bhumis / Grounds (on Path of Seeing & Path of Meditation)
3. Fully Mature Bodhicitta in continua of Bodhisattvas on any of the 3 Pure Grounds (8th, 9th & 10th Bodhisattva Bhumis).
4. Abandonment of Obstructions in the continua of Buddhas.

Track 5 - Category by Way of PURPOSE: Like a Shepherd, Ferry-Boat-man, King.

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Class 10 - Categories of Bodhicitta & Vows

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2011 Handout 6 - Category by way of Being (Bodhicitta): Aspirational Bodhicitta & Engaging Bodhicitta - Definitions, Aspects of the definitions; and Differences between the two.

2011 Handout 7 - Differences between Svatantrika-Madhyamika and Prasangika Madhymaika Tenets (re Vows, Engaging Bodhicitta and Paths.

2011 Handout 8 - Three Classes of Vows: I. Pratimoksha Vow: a) Lay Vow (3 Sets; Eight One-day Vows); b) Ordained Vows (5 sets). II. Bodhisattva Vow - a) 18 Downfalls & 46 Faulty Actions. b) How to Lose Bodhisattva Vow: Four Binding Factors.

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Track 1 - Review Subjects of Classes to Date:

• Introduction to Ornament for Clear Realizations
• First topic of Chapter 1 - Bodhicitta

Track 2 - Two Branches of Bodhicitta (Aspirational & Engaging Bodhicitta)

• Categories of Bodhicitta:
• By Way of Nature:
• Nominal Category
• Category of Way of Being.

Track 3 - By Way of Being Sub-Category

• Handout 7:
• Nature of Vows – Different Assertions: Subtle Form or Mental Factor of Intention
• On What Path/Ground Does a Bodhisattva Become an Arhat? Autonomy & Consequentialist Tenets Differ

Track 4 - Precepts and Vows

• Aspirational Bodhicitta Ritual
• Aspirational BodhicittaFour Precepts:

1. Maintain Enthusiasm for Bodhicitta by Meditating on It Again and Again,
2. Increase Strength of Bodhicitta by Training Ourselves in It Three Times during Day & Three Times At Night.
3. Train Never to Abandon a Single Sentient Being - No Matter How Someone Behaves.
4. Make an Effort to Create the Two Accumulations of Merit and Wisdom.

Track 5 -Three Classes of Buddhist Vows

• Pratimoksha (Self-Liberation) Vow
• Three Sets of Lay Vows; 
• Six Types of Lay Practitioners

Track 6 -Intoxicants Vow

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Class 9 - Bodhicitta - Aspirational & Engaging

Download PDF's of Draft TRANSCRIPT, HANDOUTS and MP3 Tracks from the 9th class of 2011 held on Monday, May 2:

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Class TRANSCRIPT - DRAFT.

2011 Handout 7 - Differences between Svatantrika-Madhyamika and Prasangika Madhymaika Tenets (re Vows, Engaging Bodhicitta and Paths.

2011 Handout 8 - Vows.

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Track 1 - REVIEW FOUR SELF-LIBERATION/PRATIMOKSHA VOWS

• INTENTIONALLY KILLING AN ANIMAL DOES NOT BREAK THE VOW AGAINST KILLING AT THE ROOT
• REJOICING IN THE KILLING OF OSAMA BIN LADIN - AN INFRACTION OF THE VOW AGAINST KILLING.
• BREAKING FOUR SELF-LIBERATION VOWS AT THE ROOT
• ASSERTION THAT SUBTLE FORMS TRAVEL WITH PERSON FROM LIFE-TO-LIFE

Track 2 - MAIN MIND & MENTAL FACTORS OF ASPIRATIONAL & ENGAGING BODHICITTA.

• Five Omni-Present Mental Factors
• MENTAL FACTORS OF BODHICITTA
• NATURE OF VOWS – DIFFERING ASSERTIONS OF SVATANTRIKA MADHYAMIKA & PRASANGIKA MADHYAMIKA
• Concomitant means mental factors are connected or associated with their main mind.

Track 3 - EACH ASPECT OF THE DEFINITION OF ENGAGING BODHICITTA

• INVESTIGATING DEFINITION OF ASPIRATIONAL BODHICITTA PER SVATANTRIKA TENETS

Track 4 - DEMARCATION OF ASPIRATIONAL AND ENGAGING BODHICITTA (on the Paths) 

• WHY DON’T BODHISATTVAS ON THE 8TH TO 10TH GROUNDS HAVE ASPIRATIONAL BODHICITTA ANY LONGER?
• MIDDLING PATH OF ACCUMULATION - LATEST POINT BODHISATTVAS TAKE THE VOW.  

VALUE OF DISCUSSION/DEBATE, STUDIES & DHARAMSALA

Track 5 - MIDDLE WAY CONSEQUENTIALIST (PRASANGIKA) ASSERTIONS REGARDING:

• ASPIRATIONAL & ENGAGING BODHICITTA.
• DEMARCATION OF ASPIRATIONAL AND ENGAGING BODHICITTA

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