Definitive meaning

From Rigpa Wiki
Revision as of 19:05, 6 December 2011 by Tsondru (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Definitive meaning (Skt. nītārtha; Tib. ངེས་དོན་, Wyl. nges don) — the teachings of the Buddha may be divided into those of provisional meaning and those of definitive meaning.

Distinguishing the definitive meaning from the provisional meaning is an important way in which Buddhist commentators convey a unified interpretation of the different teachings in scriptures that sometimes have contradictory literal meanings. The definitive meaning is the true meaning, the ultimate truth, in contrast to what is simply taught for a provisional purpose, as a temporary means to understand the deeper import of the ultimate truth. [1]

References

  1. * Jamgön Mipham, His Life and Work by Douglas Duckworth. Shambhala Publications ISBN 978-1-59030-669-7. See page 143.

Further Reading

Jamgön Mipham, His Life and Work by Douglas Duckworth. Shambhala Publications ISBN 978-1-59030-669-7.

The Central Philosophy of Tibet – A Study and Translation of Jey Tsong Khapa's 'Essence of True Eloquence', Robert A. F. Thurman, pp.116-126. ISBN 0-691-02067-1.

Internal Links

Eight kinds of implied and indirect teachings