Debate in Tibetan Buddhism

By Dan Perdue

The practice and theory of Tibetan Buddhist logic and epistemology is the focus of this clear and thorough exposition. Debate is the investigative technique used in Tibetan education to sharpen analytical capacities and convey philosophical concepts, so it is essential to master its procedure. Using a debate manual by Pur-bu-jok Jam-ba-gya-tso (1825-1901) as his basis, Daniel Perdue covers elementary debate and demonstrates its application to a variety of secular and religious educational contexts. The translation is supplied with annotations on procedure and content drawn from Tibetan teachers expert in debate.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0937938769
• ISBN13: 9780937938768
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Snow Lion Publications
• Length: 984 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Thorough Text for Any Serious Practitioner

This text is a fantastic work in helping to illuminate the use of debate in the context of Tibetan doctrinal work, specifically in the Proponents of Sutra Following Reasonsing (Sautrantika). While it does serve its purpose in doing so, Dan Perdue has also helped to explain some of the fundamental topics in Tibetan Buddhism, such as established bases and the different forms of reasoning. This book may be a little dense for beginners and those not familiar with Tibetan Buddhist terminology, but it is valuable nonetheless. Apart from the context of debate in Tibetan Buddhism, the books helps one to establish better forms of reasoning in everyday life, as well teaching one to deconstruct those false forms of reasoning one encounters all the time.

Dr. Perdue's Class

i had the honor and privelge to take Tibetan Reasoning and Debate. This book is so good, in the sense that its so good! Dr. Perdue does a great job explaining Western how to Debate, and how to think like a Buddhist... well in their reasoning. this class is a must if someone plans to be a Lawyer or for Grad School. :) Bye Sir