This session introduces the Tshad ma rigs gter, a key Tibetan treatise on epistemology, which explores the nature and sources of knowledge in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. The Tshad ma (known as "epistemology") is a critical discipline in Buddhist studies that examines how knowledge is acquired, what constitutes valid knowledge, and the criteria for discerning truth. The rigs gter (or "treasure of knowledge") refers to a systematic collection of teachings that provide detailed insights into the methods and processes through which knowledge is understood and transmitted.

The Tshad ma rigs gter is a foundational text in the Tibetan scholastic tradition, contributing to the debate on the nature of perception, inference, and the validity of different ways of knowing. The treatise engages with the key questions of how sentient beings perceive the world, how we form concepts, and how we can know and understand ultimate truth. The session will explore the central themes of the text, including the distinction between conventional and ultimate truths, the process of logical reasoning in Buddhist philosophy, and the importance of valid cognition in spiritual practice.

This session will also discuss the historical context of the Tshad ma rigs gter and its significance within the broader Tibetan intellectual tradition. Through this exploration, participants will gain an understanding of the Tibetan approach to epistemology and how it informs not only Buddhist philosophy but also practical aspects of meditation, ethics, and the pursuit of wisdom in the Tibetan cultural context. The teachings from the Tshad ma rigs gter continue to influence scholars and practitioners, offering a profound and nuanced perspective on how knowledge is understood and realized within Tibetan Buddhism.