This module is an in-depth study of Buddhist Psychology, known as Abhidharma. It is a foundational topic in Buddhist studies.
The course will follow in detail the book Glimpses of Abhidharma by Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, ISBN 978-1570627644.
“The Abhidharma is a collection of Buddhist scriptures that investigate the workings of the mind and the states of human consciousness. In this book, Chogyam Trungpa shows how an examination of the formation of the ego provides us with an opportunity to develop real intelligence. Trungpa also presents the practice of meditation as the means that enables us to see our psychological situation clearly and directly.”
— amazon.com —
We also recommend Karma – What it is, What it isn’t, Why it matters by Traleg Kyabgon, Rinpoche, ISBN 978-59030-888-2. This book will greatly enrich your understanding of the topics we will be covering.
The supplemental reading by Andrew Holecek is also important. It is worth several readings.
Class 1: Introduction
Audio of talk: October 22, 2015 by Michael Levin
Talk1 as pdf file
Class 2: First Skanda, Form
Audio of talk: October 29, 2015 by Michael Fagan
Class 3: Second Skanda, Feeling
Audio of talk: November 5, 2015 by Emily Weidman
Reading for Class 3 was Chapter 2 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Feeling
Supplemental reading: Discussion of skandas in The Power and the Pain by Andrew Holecek
Class 3 outline.
Class 4: Third Skanda, Perception
Audio of talk: November 12, 2015 by Erica Wilton
Reading for Class 4 was Chapter 3 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Perception
Class 5: Fourth Skanda, Intellect
Audio of talk: November 19, 2015 by Michael Levin
Reading for Class 5 was Chapter 4 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Intellect
Class Notes
Class 6: Meditation
Audio of talk: December 3, 2015 by Michael Levin and John Roberts
Reading for Class 6 was Chapter 5 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Meditation
Class 7: Consciousness
Audio of talk: December 10, 2015 by Michael Fagan
Reading for Class 7 was Chapter 6 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Consciousness
Class 8: Auspicious Coincidence
Audio of talk: December 17, 2015 by Erika Wilton
Reading for Class 8 was Chapter 7 of Glimpses of Abhidharma, Auspicious Coincidence