Dialectics

 

The Indian master Dignāga composed the "Compendium of Valid Cognition" and Dharmakīrti wrote works like the "Commentary on Valid Cognition", laying the foundation for Riglam. Indian scholars completed the systematic study of epistemology. Centers for studying Riglam were established at great Buddhist universities like Nalanda.

 

In the 11th century, Rinchen Zangpo and Sakya Pandita KungaGyaltsen translated Indian epistemological texts into Tibetan. Sakya Pandita composed "Treasury of Reasoning" adapting it to the Tibetan context. Chapa Chökyi Senge wrote "Dispelling Mental Darkness" and established the tradition of debate in Tibet.

 

From the 14th century, Je Tsongkhapa, KhedrupGelekPelzang and others conducted in-depth research on Riglam, establishing centers for studying epistemology in Tibetan monasteries. The teachings on Riglam shone like the sun in Tibet.

 

After political changes, following the wishes of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other leaders, logic was introduced as a subject in Tibetan schools in exile. At the Tibetan Children's Village School in Dekyiling, students engage in riglam every morning and on Thursday mornings during assembly.

 

Riglam has developed over more than two thousand years. Training in Riglam enhances one's ability to analyze reasons and arguments, sharpens the intellect, improves understanding of subtle points, and develops wisdom to consider issues from a broader perspective.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​