The Mahayana Teachings begin with an introduction and overview, called "Heart of Daring." Our studies of selflessness in the Hinayana are the jumping off point for examination of Mahayana selflessness, which broadens the notion beyond personal selflessness into the vastness of mahasunyata, or the "great emptiness." Parallel with these studies, we look at the Mahayana teachings of the possibility of generating limitless compassion, the unbounded intention to help all sentient beings, known in Sanskrit as bodhichitta.
In the second course, we begin detailed studies of the expanded view of emptiness, which grounds the activity of limitless compassion. We begin by looking at the way the mind structures our reality through categories of consciousness and realms of existence. We continue this detailed look at emptiness by a closer examination of the interdependence of all phenomena. What are we to make of the logical conclusion of these studies that all phenomena have no self-nature? Is this lack of self-nature is a mere vacuity? To answer this, we look at the teachings on wisdom as luminous clarity.
In the concluding classes in our Mahayana Curriculum, we look at the practices and results of the Mahayana path. The bodhisattva intention to benefit all beings without limitation is made possible by a firm understanding that there are no inherent limitations on compassionate activity. Moreover, we learn that such activity is not a vague invitation to engage in "good works" of an unspecified nature. Rather, the Mahayana teachings provide a detailed roadmap of paths and levels of accomplishment that are achieved through the specific techniques of the Mahayana path. The final attainment is Mahayana enlightenment. These teachings also provide a bridge to our study of the Vajrayana curriculum.
300 Series Mahayana: Compassion Without Limit
| INT300 | Introduction to Mahayana: The Heart of Daring |
| Mahayana Selflessness and Compassion | |
| The Vision of Bodhichitta | |
| Applying Bodhichitta and The Stages of The Path | |
| Enlightenment and The Spiritual Friend | |
| MAH310 | Mahayana View I: Everything is Mind |
| Overview of the Four Philosophical Schools | |
| The Eight Consciousnesses, Perception and Concept | |
| The Eight Consciousnesses and The Six Realms | |
| The Three Natures | |
| MAH311 | Mahayana View II: Not Even a Middle |
| Nagarjuna and the Middle Way | |
| Madhyamaka Schools and Approaches to the Two Truths | |
| The Two Truths and Interdependence | |
| Shentong: The Great Madhyamaka | |
| Clear Light Sugatagarbha: Heart of the Shentong View | |
| MAH330 | Mahayana Path, Part One |
| Overview of the Path | |
| The Lesser Path of Accumulation | |
| Four Immeasurables |
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| The Benefits of Generating Bodhicitta |
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| Developing a Courageous Mind: The Cause and Conditions of
Bodhicitta |
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| Generation Bodhicitta: Seven Branch Prayer | |
| Bodhisattva Vow | |
| Ultimate Bodhicitta |
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| The Six Paramitas |
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| Following the Spiritual Friend |
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| MAH331 | Mahayana Path, Part Two |
| The Four Foundations |
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| The Seven Points of Mind Training | |
| MAH350 | Five Great Mahayana Reasonings |
| Ten Bodhisattva Bhumis | |
| Mahayana Fruition - The Three Kayas and Transformation of Eight Consciousnesses Into Fvie Buddha Wisdoms |
NOTE: This brief outline is an overview of the Mahayana course program. The complete detailed syllabus and selection of reading materials is available to Nalandabodhi members and participants enrolled in the study program. The materials are taught in classes at centers and study group locations, and through home study programs. Mahyana 330 and 350 are still under development.