Uncovering the Logic of Buddhist Practice
Three sessions with Tenzin Minkyi
Join these Tuesday Night Podcasts:
November 18, November 25, December 2 at 8:00 pm CST
Three sessions with Tenzin Minkyi
Join these Tuesday Night Podcasts:
November 18, November 25, December 2 at 8:00 pm CST
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Join Tenzin Minkyi, a Tibetan Buddhist scholar based in India, for a three-part series exploring the profound logic and philosophy of Dharmakīrti’s Pramāṇasiddhi chapter, a cornerstone of Buddhist study.
In the first session, Tenzin-la shares her personal background, what drew her to this rich field of study, and some unexpected discoveries she made while exploring ancient Buddhist reasoning. The second talk follows her research journey—including visits to key monasteries across India—as she delved into the works of Indian and Tibetan scholars such as Devendrabuddhi, Gyaltsab, Khedrub, and Gorampa. In the third, concluding session Tenzin-la presents her conclusions: how understanding core topics like pramāṇa (valid knowledge), rebirth, the Four Noble Truths, and the Buddha’s epithets—such as Śāstṛ (Teacher), Sugata (Well-Gone One), and Pramāṇabhūta (Embodiment of Truth)—can offer not only intellectual clarity but also deepen and strengthen Buddhist practice today. This series is ideal for students of Buddhist philosophy, practitioners seeking a clearer foundation for their path, and anyone curious about how reason, debate, and devotion intersect in the Tibetan scholastic tradition. (A question-and-answer segment will be included, moderated by Covita Moroney.) |
Above: Tenzin Minkyi with her uncle Geshe Drakpa Gelek (d 2017), who is the root teacher of many TBCWP sangha members.
Below: Minyi participating in a debate session with her classmates at Ganden Choeling Nunnery in Dharamshala, India. 
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Above: line drawing of Dharmakīrti taken from Tibetan text.
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Topic: Tuesday Night Podcasts with Tenzin Minkyi
Dates: November 18 & 25, December 2)
Time: 08:00 PM Central Time (7:70 am India),
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82978196394?pwd=u6dY0aiS7i6eMVBhq29RmnPi1zCBIE.1
Meeting ID: 829 7819 6394
Passcode: 3jewels
Join by Phone:
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 829 7819 6394
Passcode: 7686367
Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbTo31MrK6
Dates: November 18 & 25, December 2)
Time: 08:00 PM Central Time (7:70 am India),
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82978196394?pwd=u6dY0aiS7i6eMVBhq29RmnPi1zCBIE.1
Meeting ID: 829 7819 6394
Passcode: 3jewels
Join by Phone:
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 829 7819 6394
Passcode: 7686367
Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbTo31MrK6
Introduction.
Tenzin Minkyi's study looks at the logical writings of the Buddhist philosopher Dharmakīrti, especially his important work Pramāṇavārttika. It introduces the chapter called Pramāṇasiddhi and discusses its structure, key commentaries, and its religious importance. It also highlights the major contributions of Tibetan scholars in keeping this tradition alive and providing clearer explanations of complex ideas.
By understanding these deep philosophical teachings—like valid knowledge (pramāṇa), rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths—practitioners can gain a clearer, more stable foundation for their own Buddhist path. These insights strengthen both intellectual understanding and personal practice.
This research examines the Pramāṇasiddhi chapter through the eyes of three major Tibetan scholars—Gyaltsab, Khedrub, and Gorampa. These scholars thoughtfully analyzed Dharmakīrti’s ideas, building on and sometimes challenging earlier Indian commentators like Devendrabuddhi and Prajñākaragupta. Tibetan scholars played a crucial role in keeping these teachings alive and making them more understandable. Unlike Indian commentaries, which are often difficult to follow due to lack of structure, Tibetan writings are well-organized and easier to study.
In summary, by gaining a deeper understanding of Dharmakīrti’s teachings—such as the nature of valid knowledge, rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths—practitioners can strengthen their confidence in the Buddha as a reliable guide. This clarity supports more focused meditation, ethical living, and compassionate action. Ultimately, this kind of study doesn’t just expand knowledge—it helps make Buddhist practice more grounded, effective, and transformative.
Tenzin Minkyi's study looks at the logical writings of the Buddhist philosopher Dharmakīrti, especially his important work Pramāṇavārttika. It introduces the chapter called Pramāṇasiddhi and discusses its structure, key commentaries, and its religious importance. It also highlights the major contributions of Tibetan scholars in keeping this tradition alive and providing clearer explanations of complex ideas.
By understanding these deep philosophical teachings—like valid knowledge (pramāṇa), rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths—practitioners can gain a clearer, more stable foundation for their own Buddhist path. These insights strengthen both intellectual understanding and personal practice.
This research examines the Pramāṇasiddhi chapter through the eyes of three major Tibetan scholars—Gyaltsab, Khedrub, and Gorampa. These scholars thoughtfully analyzed Dharmakīrti’s ideas, building on and sometimes challenging earlier Indian commentators like Devendrabuddhi and Prajñākaragupta. Tibetan scholars played a crucial role in keeping these teachings alive and making them more understandable. Unlike Indian commentaries, which are often difficult to follow due to lack of structure, Tibetan writings are well-organized and easier to study.
In summary, by gaining a deeper understanding of Dharmakīrti’s teachings—such as the nature of valid knowledge, rebirth, and the Four Noble Truths—practitioners can strengthen their confidence in the Buddha as a reliable guide. This clarity supports more focused meditation, ethical living, and compassionate action. Ultimately, this kind of study doesn’t just expand knowledge—it helps make Buddhist practice more grounded, effective, and transformative.