Maitreya's Dharma-Dharmata-Vibhanga
12 of the Tuesdays from September 17 - December 17, 20247-9:15 pm Via Zoom
Based on the text Distinguishing Phenomena and their Intrinsic Nature, with Commentaries by Khenpo Shenga and Ju Mipham, translated by Dharmachakra Translation Committee, supplemented by selected readings provided digitally.
As its title indicates, the main focus of the Dharmadharmatavibhanga is to clearly delineate the phenomena that comprise our ordinary, unenlightened existence and the intrinsic nature, or dharmatä, of these very same phenomena. In terse, cryptic verses the treatise shows how the mind enters into a state of confusion and how this process can be reversed through a fundamental transformation of the mind. At the root of our confusion, Maitreya explains, is a deeply ingrained tendency to believe that the "external" objects that populate our experience exist independent of our consciousness.
This reified split between perceiving subject and perceived object sets off a chain reaction of confusion and destructive emotions, a process that perpetuates the cycle of suffering. Inquiring into the nature of this apparently dualistic experience, however, allows us to see that it is, in fact, a false distinction. At the core of Maitreya's message is the insight that this basic error of perception can be reversed by learning to see things as they are, rather than through the distorting lens of dualistic perception.
This text is one of the famous Five Dharmas (texts) of Maitreya. According to tradition, Maitreya dictated these texts to the noble Asanga after the latter had pleaded with Maitreya to explain those sütras which are of definitive meaning. Along with the works of Nägärjuna and other masters of the Middle Way School, the teachings of Maitreya occupy a unique position in Tibetan Buddhism. In all four of Tibet's primary Buddhist lineages, the writings attributed to Maitreya are considered essential reading and are held up as masterpieces of Buddhist literature.
Countless commentaries have been written on these five texts over the centuries, each presenting a unique perspective and positioning Maitreya's revelatory teachings within a broader context of Buddhist philosophy. In this course we will focus on the commentaries by Khenpo Shenga and Mipham Rinpoche, two highly regarded masters associated with the "nonsectarian" Rimé movement in Tibet who are widely respected due to their profundity and clarity, plus the commentary by Vasubhandu and introductory material from Mining Wisdom within Delusion by Karl Brunnholzl (which will be provided digitally).
Format: Please note that the format of our classes is that of a close reading with commentary and discussion, rather than a presentation with Q&A. If you would like to participate, please let Derek know by email at dkolleeny@gmail.com and obtain a copy of the source text.
First Timers: If you are new to the Rime Shedra please send Derek a short description of your background in Buddhist practice and study, and please attend a few classes to make sure you would like to continue with the course before you offer any donation.
Offering: Please note that we receive scholarship funding so please join us regardless of any offering. If you do wish to make an offering, here are some suggested ones: praise; blame; transcribing talks; converting texts from PDF to Word; money in the mystical number $108 or $10-15/session ($120-180) or $2500; celery (I love a good stalk!); or whatever you would like to offer. Monetary payment options include sending funds to Derek via venmo (@Derek-kolleeny), or zelle (Derek Kolleeny), or google-pay (dkolleeny@gmail.com); or paypal (dkolleeny@gmail.com); or mailing things to Derek Kolleeny, 32 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.