Sutra Tantra Dzogchen – Part 1

This web series course investigates the major principles of Buddhist Philosophy from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism’s great perfection teachings (Tib. rdzogs chen). It focuses on the diversity, contradictions and alternatives within various schools of Buddhist thought. Exploring themes such as emptiness, the skandhas, the five elements, who is the Buddha, deities and non theism, the body, changing concepts of the ‘middle way,” and the goal of the path.

Because we are in the information age, when a wide variety of Buddhist teachings are published in books, articles and taught in courses – it can be confusing how all these notions fit together. This course seeks to remedy that. It helps to clarify which principles apply when, why and to whom. Therefore a study like this simplifies and clarifies the path. It organizes Buddhist thought in terms of history, philosophical vehicle and tradition.

Another benefit of such a study is that it offers an opportunity to deliberately deal with contradictions. In the age of disillusionment with fundamentalist approaches to religion, a straight forward look at alternative perspectives can be exhilarating and educational. Buddhism is especially friendly to this approach. Tibetan Buddhism has housed within itself diverse paths which range from celibacy to non-celibacy, pro-ritual to anti-ritual, elaborate and non-elaborate forms. Join Pema Khandro for this illuminating journey into the rich diversity of Buddhist thought.

This class is taught for an intermediate or advanced audience but beginners are also welcome to attend.

Part 1 – Click here to access video streaming, audio streaming and slides for Classes 1.1 – 1.3
Part 2 – Click here to register for Classes 2.1 – 2.2  Attend live or access the recordings.