Prof. Georges Dreyfus - Knowing Reality: Nagarjuna’s Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (1 of 4)

“May the Buddha’s teaching be upheld by countless masters
Who realize the truth of dependent origination,
Which comes from Nagarjuna, chief among all philosophers,
Who is the single eye through which one can view
The truth of reality as taught by the Buddha.”
-Tsongkhapa, Ocean of Reasoning
Scholars of Buddhism, from Chandrakirti to Tsongkhapa up to the present day, have marveled at the electrifying presentation of Madhyamaka philosophy in Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Mūlamadhyamakakārikā), composed by the Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna around 150 CE. In its 27 chapters, this master work takes as its subject the Buddha’s teachings on dependent origination, and applies thorough analyses to an array of metaphysical topics to demonstrate the emptiness of inherent existence.
Gain clear understanding of the profound teachings on emptiness from two seasoned scholars, Geshe Tenzin Namdak, from Jamyang Buddhist Center, and Professor Georges Dreyfus, as they guide you through seven key chapters from this foundational text. This is a rare opportunity to study a treasured volume in the wisdom lineage with qualified teachers.
The complete series includes 7 sessions spanning seven chapters-the same ones taught by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Follow the entire trajectory, or drop in at any point. The chapters studied include:
Chapter 26 (6/20): The 12 Links of Dependent Origination (with Geshe Namdak)
Chapter 18 (7/18): Self and Entities (with Geshe Namdak)
Chapter 22 (9/19): The Tathagata (with Geshe Namdak)
Chapters 1 & 15 (9/21, 9/28): Conditions & Essence (with Professor Dreyfus)
Chapter 24 (10/12): The Four Noble Truths (with Professor Dreyfus)
Chapter 13 (11/2): Compounded Phenomena (with Professor Dreyfus)