Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Newman, John

Keywords

Jinpa, Thupten, Buddhism, Tsong-kha-pa, Reincarnation

Area of Concentration

Religion

Abstract

This study confronts the apparent contradiction in the Madhyamika Buddhist interpretation of emptiness, karma, and rebirth. I explore Thupten Jinpa’s reading of Je Tsong-kha-pa’s philosophy of self, personal identity, and continuity, to determine the strength of this seeming incongruity. The Buddhist tradition also provides an intricate account of complicated processes that detail an individual’s death, transmigration, and rebirth. I present these workings as conceptualized and practiced in Highest Yoga Tantra, examining the role of the selfless person throughout. Finally, I discuss the relationship between Tsong-kha-pa’s thought on selfless continuity and the practices involved in Highest Yoga Tantra.

Share

COinS