The Four Hundred Verses of Madhyamaka by Āryadeva—First Part on Practice – July 4th - 29th
—Second Part on the View – August 3rd - 31st
 Introduction
Long after its impact on classical Indian Buddhist philosophy, the Madhyamaka perspective elucidated in the original works and commentaries by Nagarjuna, Aryadeva and Candrakirti continued to influence the most profound philosophical minds throughout Buddhist Asia. This year, Ven. Khenpo Ngawang Jorden will give teachings on a major Indian Mahayana Buddhist text, The Four Hundred Stanzas, by Nalanda scholar and skilled debater Aryadeva, a direct student of Nagarjuna and heir to all his teachings.
Course Content
The Treatise of the Four Hundred Stanzas on the Yogic Deeds of Bodhisattvas is divided into two parts, each taught in two consecutive months. The first eight chapters teach us how to accumulate merit by showing how to transform disturbing attitudes and master the practices of bodhisattvas. They consist of a detailed commentary on the methods to see conventional reality correctly and stories that illustrate our wrong views. The second eight chapters teach us the wisdom aspect of the path by explaining the ultimate truth, the selflessness or the lack of intrinsic nature of all phenomena. They consist of a detailed commentary on how to study, contemplate and meditate in order to realize ultimate truth.
Course Structure
 Since The Four Hundred Stanzas text is divided into two parts of eight chapters each, the course will take place over a span of two months. The first eight chapters will be presented in July and the second set of eight will comprise the course content for August. Although students are encouraged to take the complete two-month course, those with less time can participate for just one month since each part is a complete teaching in itself. The break of four days between the two courses can be spent exploring the many pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Those who are registered for both the July and August course offerings will be able to stay on at IBA during those four days.
Ven. Khenpo Ngawang Jorden will give a detailed commentary in the morning session based on Jetsun Rendawa Shönu Lodrö’s treatise. In Tibet, Rendawa's teachings and his highly renowned commentary on The Four Hundred Stanzas brought Madhyamika-Prasangika into both the Gelugpa and Sakyapa systems through his disciples of both these schools. In the afternoon, Ven. Khenpo Jorden will review the topics of the day and answer any questions students may have.
Benefit
It is said that Aryadeva wrote this text when the question had arisen if Madhyamaka was only useful for debate. It is said that Aryadeva wrote the Four Hundred Stanzas to explain how, according to Nagarjuna, the stages of the practice of the yogic deeds enables those with Mahayana motivations to attain buddhahood. Accumulating merit and realizing the mode of existence of phenomena, enables wisdom and great compassion to naturally arise. Listening, studying and contemplating these teachings gives us the possibility, through understanding the relative and absolute truths, to liberate ourself from the two extremes and from samsara. It is the path to enlightenment. |
|
