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In this first lesson, we explore the original Wisdom Dharma Chat between Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Venerable Bhikkhu Anālayo that was the inspiration for this entire course. In this conversation, Wisdom CEO Daniel Aitken guides a fascinating dialogue between the two teachers on the intersections between Mahāmudrā and Early Buddhism. In discussing how the Buddha Shakyamuni might have meditated, Bhikkhu Anālayo introduces the pivotal Sutta, The Shorter Discourse on Emptiness, wherein the Buddha describes in graduated detail on how he abides in emptiness. This provides ample commentary on the rich similarities in the practice of Mahāmudrā meditation and meditation in the Early Buddhist traditions. Mingyur Rinpoche and Venerable Anālayo compare common elements of practice such as emptiness, selflessness, and signlessness, and concepts of objectless meditation in their respective traditions and reply to questions on the role of compassion, and much more. Readings provide translations of two important Suttas by Venerable Anālayo including The Shorter Discourse on Emptiness, and the brief instructions on cultivating śamatha and vipaśyanā from H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche’s commentary on the seminal Mahāmudrā text Ocean of Definitive Meaning.
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