(4 credits) The focus of this eight-week summer course will be on gaining the ability to pronounce and read paradigmatic Tibetan sentences, then read and debate in Tibetan the early chapters of Pur-bu-jok’s Collected Topics. This text introduces logical reasoning within a framework of Dharmakīrti’s Commentary on Dignāga’s Compendium of Valid Cognition and the Buddhist Sūtra School system of tenets. In part one of the course we will quickly learn the phonetics of Tibetan as well as Joe Wilson’s presentations of verbs and grammar. In part two students will memorize definitions, divisions, and so forth while learning to debate the first topic, colors. Magee’s Digital Debate Assistant is a useful tool for understanding and practicing Tibetan debate procedures. If time permits the course will also cover increasingly advanced topics in debate.
MISSION STATEMENT: Maitripa College is a Buddhist institution of higher education offering contemplative learning culminating in graduate degrees. Founded upon three pillars of scholarship, meditation, and service, Maitripa College curriculum combines Western academic and Tibetan Buddhist disciplines. Through the development of wisdom and compassion, graduates are empowered with a sense of responsibility to work joyfully for the wellbeing of others. We serve our students and the region through diverse and relevant educational, religious, and community programs.
