Books for 8-Week Program

These books offer good background for the Madhyamaka teachings, suitable for students at an introductory or intermediate level.

[Note: for pre-reading related to the 8-Week Program, please refer to the relevant week in the program outline]

Recommended Readings

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Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (2004) Introduction to the Middle Way  [see: bibliography]

Commentary on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara taught at Chanteloube, Dordogne, France from 1996-2000. Edited and annotated by Alex Trisoglio.

Reference text for 8-week online program Introduction to the Middle Way.

Additional Readings

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Chandrakirti, trans. Padmakara (2002) Introduction to the Middle Way  [see: bibliography]

Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara with commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, translated by Padmakara Translation Group following Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s teachings on Madhyamaka in Chanteloube, Dordogne, France 1996-2000.

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Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (2007) What Makes You Not A Buddhist  [see: bibliography]

Rinpoche’s first book, which gives introductory teachings on the 4 seals (impermanence, dukkha, non-self and nirvana), and explains why the view is the foundation of the Buddhist path and why it is important to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings on non-self.

[From press release]: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche throws down the gauntlet to the Buddhist world, challenging common misconceptions, stereotypes, and fantasies. With wit and irony, Khyentse urges readers to move beyond the superficial trappings of Buddhism—beyond the romance with beads, incense, or exotic robes—straight to the heart of what the Buddha taught.

Further Study

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Khenpo Palden Sherab Rinpoche (2007) Opening the Wisdom Door of the Madhyamaka School  [see: bibliography]

In this work, Khenpo Palden Sherab introduces the Yogacara-Svatantrika-Madhyamaka view, drawing on the great masters Shantarakshita, Longchenpa and Jamgön Mipham. These teachings form the basis for understanding the Prajñaparamita view and practice, as well setting out a foundation for Vajrayana and Dzogchen.

Siddhartha’s Intent instructor Jakob Leschly conducted an online seminar series to study this book in February/March 2017. Recordings are available for purchase [see: purchase information]


Last updated 9 June 2017