The arguments and positions that some Secular Buddhists bring forward about Buddhism deserve to be taken seriously. Some elements of their critique of Buddhist tradition, although perhaps not altogether new, point to some serious shortcomings and risks that come out of refusing to engage
with modernity, and they convey valuable advice on how to allow Buddhist intellectual practice to retain its vitality. Representatives of “religious,” “traditional,” or “classical” Buddhist traditions have failed to appreciate the validity of some of their criticism, but they would benefit by looking at this criticism honestly and recognizing its value. It would be a mistake for Buddhists to think that they can simply dismiss their views as being wrong or superficial without showing exactly how that is the case.

Buddhists, as followers of other religions, are unfortunately not immune from believing so much in the superiority of their view that they do not feel the need to engage with criticism they perceive to come from outside their religion or tradition. Buddhists need to recognize that people who do not identify as followers of their religion—or at least the institutions that represent Buddhists—do have a say in and an effect on how Buddhism is understood in the world.

Philippe was born in Canada, and has studied Buddhism in both traditional and academic contexts. Since 1996 he has studied primarily with Khenchen Palden Sherab and Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche. Philippe’s academic studies have mostly been at McGill University and the Central Institute for Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India. Philippe joined RYI in 2011 where he currently teaches in the MA program. The Talk was entitled "Is the View Obsolete? A Discussion of Secular Buddhist Opinions on Buddhist View and Practice". He spoke to students and participants on 25th Sept. 2023.

Dr. Philippe Turenne - "Is the View Obsolete? "

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - an eminent teacher of the Karma Kagyu lineage who is currently lecturing on tantric views and practices at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery - has accepted Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche’s request to present and discuss Buddhism’s three yānas based on Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s Treasury of Knowledge and he spoke with students at RYI on Feb, 4, 5 & 6, 2016 and translated by Dr. Thomas Doctor. 

Khenpo Chödrak Tenphel Rinpoche - "The Three Vehicles" Part-II

A cover of a song I heard on a cd by Nawang Khechog, a Tibetan musician who plays flute very nicely.

“Peace Through Kindness" cover

Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) has conducted study programs in Nepal for more than 25 years. Since 2002 RYI has partnered with Kathmandu University offering academic credit for those study programs. In 2009 RYI launched its online learning program. Our aim is to utilise our expertise and experience to enable students from around the world to study Buddhism and Himalayan Languages with us.

Dr. Philippe Turenne - "Is the View Obsolete? "

Rangjung Yeshe Institute

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