Debate and Analytical Meditation combo deal (DVDs)

Description

This combination offer of the DVDs of Jirka's Debate and Analytical Meditation is available only to students participating in Nitartha Debate.

Debate:
These weekend teachings were offered together with five talks on Analytical Meditation. In the Debate classes, Jirka began by explaining how subject, predicate and reason are used to formulate a correct three-part reasoning using definitions, equivalents and classifications. In this context, he emphasized the importance of knowing the definitions. He then taught how to structure a correct reasoning using the four relationships (gelwa, tonchik, musum, and mushi). For each relationship he explained the number of possible examples to illustrate the relationship and how those relationships are stated, questioned, and defended in a formal debate. In the final talk, he presented the strategies the challenger can use to respond to the defenders refutation of the modes. He concluded by pointing out that the actual debate is formulating a reasoning and responding to that. The debate proceeds through layers until the defender accepts the reason offered, which can be a turning point in the debate. Throughout the weekend, Jiirka provided opportunities for questions and for students to work with the debate methods in pairs. He also provided suggestions for continued practice after the weekend. He encouraged the students to find debate buddies and work with the process in order to become skilled and able to use the debate process to further their understanding.

Analytical Meditation:
These compelling teachings describe how analytical meditation training can be used to break free from our craving and suffering. Drawing from the early discourses of the historical Buddha, Jirka Hladiš skillfully combines lecture, discussion, and guided meditation to explore analytical meditation practice. He describes stages of analysis and meditation, and systematically explains how several classic discourses by Buddha Shakyamuni provide potential frameworks for analytical meditation. Among these discourses are: The All (Sabba Sutta), where mindfulness of the six inner and six outer ayatanas (gates for arising of the world) is described; The Many Kinds of Dhatus (Bahudhatuka Sutta), where skill in knowing and seeing the eighteen dhatus (seeds of experience) is elucidated; and The World (Loka Sutta), where a combination of the eighteen dhatus and part of the twelve nidanas (links of interdependent origination) is used as an object of meditation. Throughout these teachings, Jirka offers clear definitions, practical guidance, and insightful comments on the relationship between analytical meditation and other Buddhist practices. These engaging teachings are simultaneously accessible and profound. Five talks on five DVDs. Note: The last disc in the Analytical Meditation DVD case is a CD containing printable PDFs of all handout materials.

Jirka Hladiš is a faculty member at the Nitartha Institute and a gifted dharma teacher. He has studied under the guidance of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche since 1997, and holds graduate degrees in engineering from Prague Technical University and Buddhist studies from Naropa University. Jirka’s primary interest is in approaching study, analytical meditation, and debate as an integrated tool for spiritual transformation.