Meditations on Philosophy of Mind in Tibetan Buddhism. Douglas S. Duckworth (2019). Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy of Mind and Nature. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Sententiae March 31, 2026 DOI: 10.31649/sent41.03.132 via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractDouglas Duckworth's book examines Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, focusing on the Nyingma and Dge-lugs-pa schools, particularly their views on the nature of mind and reality. The review highlights Duckworth's analysis of the distinction between conventional and ultimate truth, the role of emptiness, and the concept of buddha-nature. It emphasizes how Tibetan thinkers, especially from the Nyingma tradition, articulate a non-dualistic understanding of consciousness and its relationship to the external world, engaging with the hard problem of consciousness through a Buddhist lens. The work situates these philosophical debates within the broader context of Tibetan scholasticism and contemplative practice.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Book review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Rnying ma Dge mang Ris med Rdzogs chen |
| Key finding | The book presents Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, particularly from the Nyingma school, as offering a non-dualistic approach to the hard problem of consciousness that challenges Western philosophical assumptions. |
Abstract
Review of Douglas S. Duckworth (2019). Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy of Mind and Nature. Oxford: Oxford University Press.