In Encountering the Mind’s Natural Luminosity, you’ll discover a unique way of knowing that allows you to encounter your own Buddha nature. This experiential mode of intuition is distinct from both empirical scientific observation and reason-based inference. Focusing on key insights from the third turning of the wheel of Buddhadharma, Lama Alan draws out the deeper meaning of our universal “Buddha essence” (tathāgatagarbha) and the luminous nature of mind. He also skillfully reveals how these sūtra-based explanations lead into the Dzogchen and Mahāmudrā methods of practice emphasized at the tantric level.
We recommend completing The Dharma of Well-Being part 1 and part 2 before engaging with part 3, but this is not required.
In Pristine Awareness Realizing Reality, Lama Alan explores the wisdom of the second turning of the wheel of Dharma, and the deeper causes of mental distress and mental well-being. The Middle Way teachings of the Buddha’s second turning of the wheel of Dharma look at the nature of identification and the way phenomena exist. Understanding how the self is perceived, we can reveal the process by which we form attitudes and behaviors in our relations to other sentient beings. With this deflating of self-centered delusion, we are brought into accord with reality and able to inspire well-being for all, including ourselves.
While not necessary, we recommend completing The Dharma of Well-Being, Part 1 before engaging with Parts 2 and 3.
In this second program, you will learn about:
- the nature of identification and the way phenomena exist;
- dependent arising;
- the nuanced view of Mādhyamaka Prāsaṅgika philosophy;
- holistic well-being;
- the transformation from renunciation to bodhicitta;
- turning within for satisfaction and cultivating selflessness;
- and more!
Lama Alan Wallace, internationally renowned for the clarity and profundity of his teachings, invites you to explore the inner causes of suffering alongside the causes of genuine well-being, and learn practices and techniques that will help you on your journey to develop genuine and lasting well-being.
James B. Apple: Stairway to Atiśa (#149)
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This episode of the Wisdom Podcast features James B. Apple, Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Calgary. James’ research focuses upon critical analysis of Mahāyāna sūtras and topics within Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholasticism. His numerous books and articles include Stairway to Nirvāṇa, A Stairway taken by the Lucid, Jewels of the Middle Way, Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Illuminator of the Awakened Mind, and An Old Tibetan Dunhuang Manuscript of the Avaivartikacakrasūtra.
In this episode, host Daniel Aitken and James discuss
- how college athletics set James on his path to Buddhism and academia;
- his investigations into the root of suffering with teachers such as Bhante Gunaratana, Gelek Rinpoche, and Geshe Lhundub Sopa;
- the unique lineage and views of the highly influential Indian master Atiśa Dīpankara Śrījñāna;
- fine points of Atiśa’s contemplative Madhyamaka philosophy and emphasis on meditation;
- Kadampa systems of Tantric practice and the Twenty-One Taras;
- Atiśa’s Mahamudra lineage and interactions with some of the Mahasiddhas;
- the secret stages of the path of Dromtonpa;
- and much more!
Remember to subscribe to the Wisdom Podcast for more great conversations on Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness. And please give us a 5-star rating in Apple Podcasts if you enjoy our show—it’s a great support to us and it helps other people find the podcast. Thank you!
About the Interviewee
James B. Apple is full Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Calgary. He received his doctorate in Buddhist Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His current research focuses upon the critical analysis of Mahāyāna sūtras and topics within Indian and Tibetan Buddhist scholasticism. He has published over fifty peer-reviewed articles in international academic journals. His books include Stairway to Nirvāṇa (State University of New York Press, 2008), A Stairway taken by the Lucid: Tsong kha pa’s Study of Noble Beings (Aditya Prakashan, 2013), Jewels of the Middle Way, The Madhyamaka Legacy of Atiśa and His Early Tibetan Followers (Wisdom Publications, 2018), Atiśa Dīpaṃkara Illuminator of the Awakened Mind (Shambala, 2019), and An Old Tibetan Dunhuang Manuscript of the Avaivartikacakrasūtra (Revue d’Etudes Tibétaines, 2021).
