Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness

I am only halfway through the book, and while yes, I am finding the writing quality and expression of these very subtle and complex concepts extremely well presented, I am still finding myself hung up on what seems to be very noticeable flaws in logic and coherence. If we are to understand the inseparability of external phenomenon with the internal phenomena of consciousness, as being a unity, and moreover, if this unity ultimately leads us to the conclusion that a separate perceiving ego and all it’s perceived objects are illusory, thus not in fact real, and thus our very “self” also not real, then how is the entire system of I’m perceivable biological phenomenon to be explained?. For example, the function of mitochondria, or even more simply the operation of one’s own liver which unless one is a trained medical practitioner would be very unlikely to be understood, or the automatic release of hormones throughout the body and the incredibly complex molecular occurrences that enable these hormones to do what they do. There are countless such examples of non-conscious events for which our lives depend on. I mention this only to say that most of what keeps us living and breathing occurs beyond the capacity for consciousness. If so, then does this not provide a simple proof for the existence of a physical independent reality functioning without any relationship to personal consciousness. Are we not immersed in a physical universe upon which we depend, regardless of whatever our conscious or unconscious thought may be? Indeed, we can understand the unity of a beautiful sight with the object and consciousness, such as a sunset or the listening to of a song, in such cases the object would have no inherent meaning or nature unless there were a subject to engage with it. Entire philosophy of phenomenology is premised on this very reasonable observation . However, once we reach the microscopic or even the macroscopic level of events, it is virtually impossible to assign any reasonable relationship between the object (or process) and mental phenomenon, As the event must occur while there is no mental phenomena. This leaves me in a state of great confusion as to whether the premise upon which this book is based is false or if I am simply misunderstanding the whole thing somehow. If anyone would like to comment or point me in a better direction of understanding which synthesizes the information and thought of the book with the examples I brought up I would be very happy to hear your remarks,.

This book shows up again and again in bibliographies and is an absolute delight to read. After reading and underlining much of the text the first time I immediately re-read while taking many pages of notes.The explanation of the differentiation between Shentong (Yogacara) as 5th level of realizing emptiness and Cittamatra as a level two realization inspired much further reading to look into the Shentong/Rangtong debate. Many of the Rangtong school will confuse what is level 5 with level 2, according to the Shentong perspective put forth here.The author states that one should not adhere to either view as being right and the other wrong as they are both useful and people of different temperaments will be naturally inclined towards one view or the other. Like just about everything within Buddhism, the Middle Way between the extremes lights the path. Both the 3rd turning and 2nd turnings have their strengths and weaknesses it's very inportant to be well aware of all sides of the teachings and to integrate them into a whole that is a larger container for both.

This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of Emptiness. It presents 5 stages to learning how to meditate on emptiness, Shravakan ( Theravadan), Chittamatrin, Svatantrikan, Prasangikan, and Shengtong Emptiness. Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, a Kagyu Mahamudra master, does an excellent job of presenting these difficult topics in a simple, concise, and clear manner.

the use of analogies repeatedly to explain subtle differences in philosophies is clear. Each section outlines the progressive meditation practice and context very well. An excellent and concise read.

Beautifully and simply written with clarity and a deep knowing. The author conveys a simple and practical approach of applying concepts through simple meditation procedures while taking the reader and practitioner into a deep journey inward into the recognition of the self. Beginners with no prior experience may need some time to get used to he terminology and practices.

A wonderful inspiration for meditation and exposure to Buddhism itself. I intend to read it several more times. Thank you.

This is a true treasure, a fire burning gem.It's stages are well layed out and straightforward.

No complaints

Very good teaching for the size of book. Covers what is needed in a precise manner with a warm to the teaching I have found in other Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso books. I now own several of the prajna editions.Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso is a great teacher.

Excellent thanks JNR

Great book

In this teaching Rinpoche presents the main schools of Buddhist philosophy with their progressively more subtle and refined views of reality. However it is not just a teaching on the view, but a presentation providing the student the means to realize it through meditation practice. The idea of a series of meditation practices on a particular aspect of the Buddha's teaching is that beginning with one's first rather coarse commonsense understanding, one progresses through increasingly subtle and more refined stages until one arrives at complete and perfect understanding. Each stage in the process prepares the mind for the next in so far as each step is fully integrated into one's understanding through the meditation process.

Great book