Wisdom of the Mahamudra Masters – Module 2

Livestream of the study Course of Lama Kelzang
The Distinction between ordinary and awakened consciousness Nam-She Ye-She Djepa

The 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje wrote this famous text in the 14th century explaining with brilliance the depth of the Buddhist concept of consciousness. All sentient beings have mind, and the minds of all beings have a double essence or nature to them. There is the ordinary consciousness with its sense- and mind-consciousnesses and there is the true nature of it all, the awakened wisdom-mind.

The ordinary mind or relative essence of mind here is called “Nam-Sche” and the deep mind or absolute nature of mind is called “Ye-sche”. Another terminology for a similar view would be to talk about “sem” and “rigpa”.

This approach teaches how our ordinary minds can be transformed into wisdom-minds, i.e. the Buddha nature as it is reflected in the Five Buddha families.

In order to develop an understanding of this view it is important to learn about the distinction between ordinary and awakened consciousness and listen to or read such texts carefully. Then in meditation one can apply this view and will come to realize that it enhances one’s meditation experience and clarify what one is actually doing when one meditates and what its fruition could be.

Therefore this text is considered to be a necessary foundation for an intelligent application of the teachings and methods of Mahamudra and the Vajrayana Path.

Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi will teach directly from the 3rd Karmapa’s root-text while consulting Jamgon Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s commentary on this very scripture. He then will guide the students through a series of meditation instructions based on this teachings.

So again Part 2 of this series will be a combination of study and meditation practice.

Like this the whole Buddhist path can appear in a very clear like. One may come to realize where one actually stands with the state of mind one is in and that becoming an awakened Buddha is an actual possibility.

The lessons of this course are long and many consist of two sections, a Q&A lead by Arne Schelling, followed immediately by a teaching by Lama Kelzang.

To prepare for this study course, anyone who did not participate in Module 1 can book the videos from the 2024 study course/Module 1 here.

English with German translation.

Additional Texts used for daily practrice: PDF Download

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