Material Information |
| Title: |
The Question of Tathagatagarbha Emptiness and(or) Essence in Indic-Tibetan Doctrinal Interpretations -- Finding Egolessness and Compassion in Difference |
| Physical Description: |
Book |
| Language: |
English |
| Creator: |
Borse, Katherine L. |
| Publisher: |
New College of Florida |
| Place of Publication: |
Sarasota, Fla. |
| Creation Date: |
2003 |
| Publication Date: |
2003 |
Subjects |
| Subjects / Keywords: |
Buddha-nature
Emptiness
Difference |
| Genre: |
bibliography ( marcgt )
theses ( marcgt )
government publication (state, provincial, terriorial, dependent) ( marcgt )
born-digital ( sobekcm )
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
Notes |
| Abstract: |
The question of tathagatagarbha: emptiness and(or) essence in Indic-Tibetan doctrinal interpretations, explores the theory of buddha-nature, and the way various Buddhist doctrinal schools conceive this nature and essence of one's ontology, as well as this cause of Buddhahood. This thesis explores the way each philosophical conception understands 'buddha-nature' (tathagatagarbha) to 'exist,' over and against the conception of an 'existent' established by the Mahayana Buddhist Perfection of Wisdom teachings, and its paradoxical nature set forth in the sutras. The Indian Prasangika and Yogacara perspectives of one's ontological nature, and of tathagatagarbha's nature are explord while the Tibetan dGe lugs pas and Jo nang pas perspectives follow. As each doctrinal school philosophically understands ontological existence, and the nature of tathagatagarbha differently, this makes an effort to illuminate the non-essentialist nature of a Buddhist 'truth' defining one's existence. Considering difference illuminates that tathagatagarbha is not solely conceived, nor does it necessarily exist, as an absolute, ontological nature. Considering difference, while acknowledging the complementary facets of the Mahayana � compassion and wisdom � this thesis intends to emphasize that despite different epistemological or gnoseological conceptions of ontological existence, compassionate action is an intrinsic facet of Buddhism, while Buddhahood exemplifies compassionate action. In Buddhism, selflessness and egolessness ground compassionate action. This thesis illustrates that conceiving tathagatagarbha as an absolute existent reifies one's ontology. This reification destabilizes an understanding of emptiness and interdependence, each of which are essential to wisdom. It also destabilizes an embodiment of egolessness, which subverts the compassionate, selfless desire and action necessary for a Buddhist practitioner, a bodhisattva, and a buddha. |
| Statement of Responsibility: |
by Katherine L. Borse |
| Thesis: |
Thesis (B.A.) -- New College of Florida, 2003 |
| Electronic Access: |
RESTRICTED TO NCF STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, AND ON-CAMPUS USE |
| Bibliography: |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Source of Description: |
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. |
| Local: |
Faculty Sponsor: Newman, John |
Record Information |
| Source Institution: |
New College of Florida |
| Holding Location: |
New College of Florida |
| Rights Management: |
Applicable rights reserved. |
| Classification: |
local - S.T. 2003 B7 |
| System ID: |
NCFE003200:00001 |
|
Material Information |
| Title: |
The Question of Tathagatagarbha Emptiness and(or) Essence in Indic-Tibetan Doctrinal Interpretations -- Finding Egolessness and Compassion in Difference |
| Physical Description: |
Book |
| Language: |
English |
| Creator: |
Borse, Katherine L. |
| Publisher: |
New College of Florida |
| Place of Publication: |
Sarasota, Fla. |
| Creation Date: |
2003 |
| Publication Date: |
2003 |
Subjects |
| Subjects / Keywords: |
Buddha-nature
Emptiness
Difference |
| Genre: |
bibliography ( marcgt )
theses ( marcgt )
government publication (state, provincial, terriorial, dependent) ( marcgt )
born-digital ( sobekcm )
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
Notes |
| Abstract: |
The question of tathagatagarbha: emptiness and(or) essence in Indic-Tibetan doctrinal interpretations, explores the theory of buddha-nature, and the way various Buddhist doctrinal schools conceive this nature and essence of one's ontology, as well as this cause of Buddhahood. This thesis explores the way each philosophical conception understands 'buddha-nature' (tathagatagarbha) to 'exist,' over and against the conception of an 'existent' established by the Mahayana Buddhist Perfection of Wisdom teachings, and its paradoxical nature set forth in the sutras. The Indian Prasangika and Yogacara perspectives of one's ontological nature, and of tathagatagarbha's nature are explord while the Tibetan dGe lugs pas and Jo nang pas perspectives follow. As each doctrinal school philosophically understands ontological existence, and the nature of tathagatagarbha differently, this makes an effort to illuminate the non-essentialist nature of a Buddhist 'truth' defining one's existence. Considering difference illuminates that tathagatagarbha is not solely conceived, nor does it necessarily exist, as an absolute, ontological nature. Considering difference, while acknowledging the complementary facets of the Mahayana � compassion and wisdom � this thesis intends to emphasize that despite different epistemological or gnoseological conceptions of ontological existence, compassionate action is an intrinsic facet of Buddhism, while Buddhahood exemplifies compassionate action. In Buddhism, selflessness and egolessness ground compassionate action. This thesis illustrates that conceiving tathagatagarbha as an absolute existent reifies one's ontology. This reification destabilizes an understanding of emptiness and interdependence, each of which are essential to wisdom. It also destabilizes an embodiment of egolessness, which subverts the compassionate, selfless desire and action necessary for a Buddhist practitioner, a bodhisattva, and a buddha. |
| Statement of Responsibility: |
by Katherine L. Borse |
| Thesis: |
Thesis (B.A.) -- New College of Florida, 2003 |
| Electronic Access: |
RESTRICTED TO NCF STUDENTS, STAFF, FACULTY, AND ON-CAMPUS USE |
| Bibliography: |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Source of Description: |
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law. |
| Local: |
Faculty Sponsor: Newman, John |
Record Information |
| Source Institution: |
New College of Florida |
| Holding Location: |
New College of Florida |
| Rights Management: |
Applicable rights reserved. |
| Classification: |
local - S.T. 2003 B7 |
| System ID: |
NCFE003200:00001 |
|