This course is a continuation of the in-depth study of Chandrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra based on the commentary by the Eight Karmapa, Mikyö Dorje (1507-1554).

Faculty: Dr. Phil Stanley

Dates & Time: Saturdays, August 28–November 13, 2021, 10:00-11:00a MT

Prerequisite: It is very helpful to have studied the Foundation and Intermediate Curricula of Nitartha Institute before taking this course. Having taken BUD700 on Madhyamakāvatāra chapters 1-5 and BUD701 on chapter 6, verses 1-23, is not required, though also beneficial.

This course can be taken for Nitartha Institute credit as well as for non-credit. If taken for credit, completion of the Foundation and Intermediate Nitartha curriculum is a prerequisite.

Required texts:

• Wangchuk Dorje, The Ninth Karmapa, The Karmapa’s Middle Way: Feast for the Fortunate, A Commentary on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakāvatāra, translated by Tyler Dewar (Ithaca: Snow Lion Publications, 2008). (This text is also available a for Kindle.)

plus either

• Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara) Chapter 6, Part One (Nitartha Institute Publications, 2^nded. 2009). (This was the old 1^st ed. 1998.)
• Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara) Chapter 6, Part Two (Nitartha Institute Publications, 2^nded. 2009).  (This was the old 1st ed. 1999.) (Note: The very first part of the 2009B 2^nd edition is needed for this course, since it was included at the end of the 1^sted. 1998, but was moved to the beginning of the new 2009B 2^nd edition.)

or

• Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Commentary on the Entrance to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara) Chapter 6, Part One (Nitartha Institute Publications, 1^sted. 1998)