Nitartha Institute: The Ten Aspects of Knowledge and Buddhist Education


		Overview of Curriculum

The Ten Aspects of Knowledge and Buddhist Education

“According to the Buddhist educational tradition of ancient India, one studies the ten aspects, ten major fields, of human knowledge. These studies formed the focus of the traditional study programs at such great Buddhist universities as Nalanda in India and at Samye and Dzogchen monasteries in Tibet. Mastery of these ten Aspects of Knowledge was emphasized not only in the ancient Buddhist educational institutions of India but is thought to have played a significant role in the curricula of Hindu universities as well. In the scriptures of Buddha Maitreya it is said that without mastery of these aspects of knowledge one cannot attain the omniscient wisdom of the Buddha.

In the teachings of the Buddha in relation to the ten Aspects of Knowledge, there is a great basic teaching on social cohesion, social development, social science. But when we look at the Buddhist view of social science, social philosophy, it is designed for the progression of individual enhancement, individual development. This progression goes all the way up to liberating all sentient beings from their suffering and and pain, and developing these ten Aspects of Knowledge within them, rather than purely developing this in one's own being or developing this only in certain institutions. But before we jump into that state, that degree, we have to learn, we have to know our own self. We have to recognize our own self.”

The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

The ten Aspects of Knowledge, have provided the traditional framework for Buddhist education. They form the basis of the present Nitartha curriculum as well as its vision. They are comprised of two general groupings: ordinary and extraordinary (or advanced).

The Ordinary Aspects

Poetry—trains in the art of discovering one’s basic state of mind, and cutting through blockages to express this state of mind in words or symbol.

Astrology—the science of understanding one’s own character, and the connection between that and the outer universe.

Terminology—or rhetoric science, the science that works with the signs and methodology of language.

Dance and Theater—relates to understanding the relationship between states of mind and the movement of body, and synchronizing them through mindfulness and awareness.

Name—is closely connected with the science of logic (below). Enables students to relate with reality as it is by clarifying the vagueness of conceptual imputation through precisely learning the various names of things and their meaning.

The Extraordinary Aspects

Creative Arts—the science of sculpture, art, crafts, and the creation of physical things. In this science, prajna, or clear seeing, is honed to discipline the relationship, and expand the communication, between the inner and outer world.

Healing—based on the discipline and prajna of creativity, this science clarifies the interdependent link of body and mind and teaches how to synchronize the two as an expression of health and healing.

Sound—traditionally, this is the study of grammar and the philosophy of language. On a deeper level, this science seeks to understand and explore the subtleties of one’s relationship with the phenomenal world, through direct communication with the raw energies of phenomena.

Logic—explores the depth of conceptual analysis as a remedy for confusion. Mastery of the science of logic – syllogism and the logical relations of conceptual categories -- brings mastery of clear thinking and the clarification of doubt.

Inner Science—the science of insight or metaphysics. This science includes the insights and realizations of the buddha-dharma in general, the practice of meditation, and in particular the recognition of selflessness.