Annual Advanced Course with Geshe Kelsang Wangmo: Four Tenets

June 27 – July 7, 2025

11-Day Advanced Course Led by Geshe Kelsang Wangmo

This is an intensive 11-day advanced study course! As a prerequisite, we strongly recommend completing at least an Introduction to Buddhism course and an intermediate course or equivalent studies.

The Four Schools of Tenets is an essential topic in Buddhist study. It is particularly vital for developing a correct understanding of selflessness and involves examining the delineations of the four Buddhist philosophical tenet schools:

1. The Great Exposition School (Vaibhashika)
2. The Sutra School (Sautrantika)
3. The Mind-Only School (Cittamatra)
4. The Middle Way School (Madhyamika)

Studying the four tenet systems is highly beneficial as it enables us to identify the innate misapprehensions we hold—both consciously and subconsciously—so they can be analyzed and understood. This process helps us realize that many perspectives fundamental to our daily lives lack a valid foundation and are merely constructions of the mind. By understanding these misapprehensions, we can replace invalid assent to deceptive appearances with well-founded views. This is achieved by first studying the tenets, then reflecting on their meaning until clear understanding is attained, and finally meditating on these insights through focused analytical practice.

Furthermore, systematic study—starting with the so-called lower tenet schools— enables us to develop the capacity to appreciate the profound views of the so- called highest tenet systems. Understanding the less subtle concepts of the lower tenets serves as an essential foundation for grasping the subtlest insights of the highest tenet system. This approach is evident in the considerable amount of time traditionally dedicated in India and Tibet to exploring the perspectives of the lower tenet schools.
Thus, the study of tenets provides an inner strength that allows us to discern between correct and incorrect perspectives, enabling us to penetrate the nature of reality. It also offers a comprehensive worldview that serves as a framework for those wishing to further explore Buddhist philosophy, including the traditional geshe study of the Five Great Canonical Texts.

During this 11-day Tushita course, we will examine each of the four tenet schools and engage in discussions and guided meditations on their central assertions regarding selflessness and other related topics.

Recommended Reading

1) “Cutting through Appearances: Practice and Theory of Tibetan Buddhism” by Geshe Sopa and Jeffrey Hopkins (Snow Lion). The second part of this book is called ‘Presentation of Tenets’ and is particularly recommended for this course.
 
2) “Buddhist Philosophy” by Daniel Cozort and Craig Preston (Snow Lion)
 
3) “Maps of the Profound” by Jeffrey Hopkins (Snow Lion)

 

Course Details

This is a course for advanced-level students, but for more information about a proposed schedule, rules of discipline and how to register please see our Intermediate Course Page.