Kalachakra - Approaches to Truths

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...try to understand this school's teachings on the ultimate nature of being by carefully studying and meditating on its authoritative traditions.

This ultimate mode of things has been explained by various means in order to suit the individual capacities and needs of the various kinds of disciples.

The Buddha's words suggest themes for four different trends in philosophical thought. In India these developed into four major schools. In this way the Buddha provided a diverse range of paths to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Trainees should begin their spiritual careers by first gaining proficiency in the simple methods, before going on to the higher.

In Tibet we regarded these four schools as offering, from the lower to the higher schools, a diversity of philosophical and spiritual attitudes that the trainee can work with in a disciplined sequence, beginning with the lower and going on to the higher.

When put to the test of reason, it soon becomes obvious that several important doctrines accepted by the lower schools fail to withstand the rational scrutiny of an intensive investigation. A number of crucial faults become evident.

We should always carry reason and investigation as our tools. Critically examine all teachings that you hear. You must discern which of them are intended to be taken directly, and which are lower doctrines given by the Buddha in accordance with a specific time and need, and therefore are in need of interpretation.

Any teachings which, when tested, reveal logical flaws must be approached with the attitude that they require a non-literal interpretation.

Of the four schools of Indian Buddhist thought, the most direct description of the ultimate nature of being is found in the Madhyamaka, of Middle View School. This ultimate nature is a phenomenon they call emptiness.

We should therefore try to understand this school's teachings on the ultimate nature of being by carefully studying and meditating on its authoritative traditions.

by The 14th Dalai Lama - Tenzin Gyatso

from the book The Practice of Kalachakra
by Glenn H.Mullin
published by Snow Lion Publication

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		...try to understand this school's teachings on the ultimate nature of being by carefully studying and meditating on its authoritative traditions.

			This ultimate mode of things has been explained by various means in order to suit the individual capacities and needs of the various kinds of disciples. The Buddha's words suggest themes for four different trends in philosophical thought. In India these developed into four major schools. In this way the Buddha provided a diverse range of paths to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Trainees should begin their spiritual careers by first gaining proficiency in the simple methods, before going on to the higher. In Tibet we regarded these four schools as offering, from the lower to the higher schools, a diversity of philosophical and spiritual attitudes that the trainee can work with in a disciplined sequence, beginning with the lower and going on to the higher. When put to the test of reason, it soon becomes obvious that several important doctrines accepted by the lower schools fail to withstand the rational scrutiny of an intensive investigation. A number of crucial faults become evident. We should always carry reason and investigation as our tools. Critically examine all teachings that you hear. You must discern which of them are intended to be taken directly, and which are lower doctrines given by the Buddha in accordance with a specific time and need, and therefore are in need of interpretation. Any teachings which, when tested, reveal logical flaws must be approached with the attitude that they require a non-literal interpretation. Of the four schools of Indian Buddhist thought, the most direct description of the ultimate nature of being is found in the Madhyamaka, of Middle View School. This ultimate nature is a phenomenon they call emptiness. We should therefore try to understand this school's teachings on the ultimate nature of being by carefully studying and meditating on its authoritative traditions. by The 14th Dalai Lama - Tenzin Gyatso from the book The Practice of Kalachakra by Glenn H.Mullin published by Snow Lion Publication


HOME \| ABOUT \| HISTORY \| SHAMBHALA \| INITIATION \| WARRIORS \| WATCHES \| GALLERY

	Copyright © 2003 Kalachakra Creations All Rights Reserved 18 Poole Road. Singapore 437505. Fax: (65) 63450912