EPISODE · Apr 16, 2026 · 1H 2M
Tantra! Vajra! Guru! Aaaa! An Indo-Tibetan Primer - Every Syllable About Ethics | Jay Garfield Q&A
from Clear Mountain Monastery Project · host Clear Mountain Monastery
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/). 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:25 – Biography of Professor Jay Garfield 00:01:48 – Prof. Garfield's Start Studying Buddhist Philosophy 00:06:14 – The Origin of the "Third World Expectation" Requirement 00:08:34 – Why Study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies? 00:09:15 – Shared Experiences at Hampshire College 00:10:18 – Defining Indo-Tibetan Buddhism 00:12:13 – Comparing Theravada and Indo-Tibetan Traditions 00:17:17 – Explaining the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma 00:26:24 – Authenticity and the Definition of "Word of the Buddha" (Buddhavacana) 00:33:44 – The Story of the Academic Exchange Program 00:36:48 – Distinguishing the Three Vehicles (Yānas) 00:39:50 – Common Misunderstandings of Tantra 00:40:38 – Overview of the Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism 00:45:35 – The Role of Ethics (Sīla) in Buddhist Study 00:50:06 – The Guru: Fourth Jewel of Tibetan Buddhism 00:51:17 – Exploring Dzogchen and "Pointing Out" Instructions 00:59:18 – Which Languages Would You Prioritize Learning? 01:00:06 – Top Book Recommendations for Beginners 01:00:31 – Which Western Philosopher Should a Buddhist Read? 01:00:47 – Whose Mind Would You Like to Experience? 01:01:13 – Which Realm of Being Would You Inhabit? 01:01:45 – Have You Ever Considered Ordination? Dr. Garfield's Biography: Jay L. Garfield is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Smith College, visiting professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School, Professor of Philosophy at Melbourne University, and adjunct professor of philosophy at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. His work has focused on Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and cross-cultural work, addressing topics in cognitive science, modern Indian philosophy, epistemology, and Indo-Tibetan Madhyamaka and Yogācāra Buddhism in particular. He is the author or editor of over 30 books including "Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self," "Buddhist Ethics: A Philosophical Exploration," "Engaging Buddhism: Why Does Buddhism Matter to Philosophy?," and "How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go" in addition to nearly 200 articles, chapters, and reviews. He is also the Professor of the Great Courses Series on "The Meaning of Life." The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events! - Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom) - Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person) - Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online) See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
What this episode covers
In this session, Ajahn Kovilo and Ajahn Nisabho interview Indo-Tibetan Buddhist scholar Dr. Jay Garfield (https://jaygarfield.org/).00:00:00 – Introduction00:00:25 – Biography of Professor Jay Garfield00:01:48 – Prof. Garfield's Start Studying Buddhist Philosophy00:06:14 – The Origin of the "Third World Expectation" Requirement00:08:34 – Why Study at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies?00:09:15 – Shared Experiences at Hampshire College00:10:18 – Defining Indo-Tibetan Buddhism00:12:13 – Comparing Theravada and Indo-Tibetan Traditions00:17:17 – Explaining the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma00:26:24 – Authenticity and the Definition of "Word of the Buddha" (Buddhavacana)00:33:44 – The Story of the Academic Exchange Program00:36:48 – Distinguishing the Three Vehicles (Yānas)00:39:50 – Common Misunderstandings of Tantra00:40:38 – Overview of the Four Major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism00:45:35 – The Role of Ethics (Sīla) in Buddhist Study00:50:06 – The Guru: Fourth Jewel of Tibetan Buddhism00:51:17 – Exploring Dzogchen and "Pointing Out" Instructions00:59:18 – Which Languages Would You Prioritize Learning?01:00:06 – Top Book Recommendations for Beginners01:00:31 – Which Western Philosopher Should a Buddhist Read?01:00:47 – Whose Mind Would You Like to Experience?01:01:13 – Which Realm of Being Would You Inhabit?01:01:45 – Have You Ever Considered Ordination?Dr. Garfield's Biography:Jay L. Garfield is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Smith College, visiting professor of Buddhist philosophy at Harvard Divinity School, Professor of Philosophy at Melbourne University, and adjunct professor of philosophy at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies. His work has focused on Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and cross-cultural work, addressing topics in cognitive science, modern Indian philosophy, epistemology, and Indo-Tibetan Madhyamaka and Yogācāra Buddhism in particular. He is the author or editor of over 30 books including "Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live without a Self," "Buddhist Ethics: A Philosophical Exploration," "Engaging Buddhism: Why Does Buddhism Matter to Philosophy?," and "How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go" in addition to nearly 200 articles, chapters, and reviews. He is also the Professor of the Great Courses Series on "The Meaning of Life."The link to the 7:00-7:45 pm Zoom session following the livestream may be found on the event listing at https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/events/wednesday/. Tune in with fellow practitioners for Clear Mountain’s weekly online and hybrid events!- Wednesday Evening Teaching & Discussion (6:00 – 7:45 pm PT, YouTube then Zoom)- Saturday Morning Meditation, Teaching, & Coffee Social (9:30 - 11 am PT, Online & In-Person)- Sunday Evening “Mission Majjhima!” Sutta Teaching & Discussion (5:00 - 6 pm PT, Online)See https://www.clearmountainmonastery.org/ or visit https://linktr.ee/clear_mountain_monastery for details. Welcome!
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Tantra! Vajra! Guru! Aaaa! An Indo-Tibetan Primer - Every Syllable About Ethics | Jay Garfield Q&A
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