A science of mind and philosophy of humanity

The literature and art of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions encompass a definitive science of mind or psychology and a genuine philosophy of humanity with much to offer contemporary society. The continued existence of this Tibetan science of mind, the application of its insights into everyday life, and the teachings that explain the integration of study and practical action, depends on the availability of Nyingma and Kagyu texts and educators to explain those texts. Through the extraordinary educational systems of these schools, the texts are dynamically brought to life so that their meaning can be transmitted to other contemporary communities.

Endangered wisdom

In the rush to modernize Tibet precious educational texts are in grave danger of being completely lost and, no less important, the educational systems and educators that anchor these texts are themselves endangered. A large number of rare and valuable Tibetan texts on psychology, philosophy, logic, the science of meditation, and sociology, as well as Tibet's art, poetry, and comprehensive educational and training systems are disappearing. Equally troubling, the very ability to read surviving texts is fading, as the educational support that brings forth scholars who are schooled in the texts and meditators who have experienced the meaning of the texts continues to deteriorate. Educational texts and education systems are not being preserved in their traditional forms or in any other modern form. As a consequence, there is a great danger of losing the core of Tibetan wisdom as Tibet undergoes its transformation to modernity.

Such a loss would be a great tragedy, for the heritage of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions is one of the great treasures of the modern world. That heritage is now available for the first time to persons in the West, but unless we work quickly it will be but a brief explosion of light which will rapidly disappear into obscurity. Lost Textual Treasures