Wisdom Debating Ignorance

Join us for an enlightening retreat led by Geshe Dorji Damdul, exploring the profound teachings of the wisdom of emptiness through the lens of the text  “A Discussion between Self-Grasping and the Wisdom Realizing Selflessness”

By: Panchen Losang Chökyi Gyaltsen

This retreat delves into the intricate debate between the self-grasping ignorance and the wisdom realizing emptiness. The text masterfully illustrates how the wisdom of emptiness, once cultivated, dismantles the root of all our miseries—self-grasping ignorance.

Through vivid personifications, the text portrays self-grasping ignorance as a deceptive force, masquerading as a protector, and the wisdom of emptiness as the liberator, unmasking the harm caused by ignorance. Participants will witness how these two agents, illustrated in human form, present their cases in a court-like setting, vying for the self’s allegiance.

This retreat will guide participants to:

• Understand the destructive nature of self-grasping ignorance.
• Recognize the transformative power of the wisdom of emptiness.
• Apply these profound realizations to daily life for freedom from suffering and mental anguish.

Geshe Dorji Damdul is a renowned scholar and teacher of Buddhist philosophy and practice. His journey began at Upper TCV in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. Initially aspiring to be a physicist, he chose a spiritual path and joined the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD), Dharamsala, in 1988.

Highlights of his remarkable career include:

Completing 15 years of rigorous study in Buddhist philosophy and earning the prestigious Geshe Lharampa Degree (Ph.D.) in 2002 from Drepung Loseling Monastic University, Karnataka.

Serving as the official English Translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama from 2005 to 2009.

Translating and critically editing significant Buddhist texts, including Arya Nagarjuna’s Mulamadhyamakakarika (Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way) and Chapter 9 of Acharya Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara (A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life).

Collaborating with Prof Paul Ekman on the science of micro-facial expressions and contributing to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s book series, including Beyond Religion and The Art of Happiness.

Leading as the Director of Tibet House, New Delhi, since 2011

Geshe Dorji Damdul is known for his engaging teaching style and ability to make profound Buddhist concepts accessible to all.