Radical Phenomenology
Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy of Mind and Nature January 4, 2019 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780190883959.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Philosophy of mind |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that Tibetan tantric traditions, including the Great Perfection and Mahāmudrā, are iterations of Yogācāra that extend its contemplative practice while also incorporating the Madhyamaka principle of emptiness. |
Abstract
This chapter considers tantra, and the contemplative practices in Tibet informed by Mind-Only and Madhyamaka, where language plays a more explicitly creative and liberating role. Tantric traditions, including the Great Perfection and Mahāmudrā, resonate deeply with Mind-Only. In significant ways, these traditions can even be said to be iterations of Yogācāra, as extensions of its contemplative (yoga) practice (ācāra). This chapter discusses the “radical phenomenology” of these traditions, as extensions of Mind-Only. It describes how the guiding principle of emptiness, a Madhyamaka forte, is embedded in these traditions as well. Indeed, the “three greats” of the Great Madhyamaka, the Great Seal (Mahāmudrā), and the Great Perfection explicitly incorporate features of Madhayamaka.