Spending my days with NAgarjuna in Northern Arizona

When asked what the best entry point was for someone wanting to fully grasp the profundity of the Buddhas teachings the Dalai Lama answered 'the two truths'. I was excited to read this because it confirmed something that occurred to me after years of studying Buddhist philosophy and years of retreat; in the two truths debate we have one of the most relevant and useful tools in all of Buddhist philosophy for modern people.

One perfect entry point for understanding the two truths is the great sage Nagarjuna's (2nd Century) seminal text the Mulamadhyamakakarika.  Revisiting this difficult and beautiful text I am reminded that every moment spent struggling with it is time well spent.

Without a strong understanding of the nuances of the two truths debate we have seen many teachers and practitioners go astray. Perhaps more than anything else it is the profound subtleties of the two truths debate that keeps our minds sharp and pliable and our hearts gentle and open. 

And after days in the books and on the cushion sometimes its good to take a day off. Ann and I go visit the local swimming hole near our new home for a picnic and some cliff jumping.