Is Buddhism Outdated? Wisdom for an Era of Change

Ancient Wisdom of Buddhism in Contemporary Society The main speaker of this session is Khenpo Sodargye This is a lecture given by Khenpo Sodargye on November 7, 2013, at Capital University of Economics and Business, with the theme "Ancient Wisdom of Buddhism in Contemporary Society." Khenpo's core perspective is that Buddhist wisdom is preserved in the Tripiṭaka; its Four Dharma Seals and Six Pāramitās of altruism can solve modern people's psychological problems. He develops his argument on four levels: First, the treasure of wisdom—the Kangyur and Tengyur of Tibetan Buddhism, over 200 volumes, are completely preserved at Derge Parkhang; modern science has a blank slate in spiritual research while Buddhism has sublime methods for training the mind. Second, the truth of the Four Dharma Seals—impermanence, suffering (both rich and poor have suffering), non-self (no real "I" can be found in body, mind, or speech), and nirvana; these have remained unrefuted for 2,500 years. Third, taming the mind—using mindfulness and vigilance to observe that the essence of emotions is empty and luminous; the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch states "afflictions are bodhi." Fourth, the Six Pāramitās of altruism—generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom are the core of Mahāyāna; Germans reading books on the subway exemplifies diligence. Khenpo emphasizes: over 200,000 people commit suicide annually due to lack of faith; the medicine for mental illness lies in Buddhist wisdom. 2013117 20