The Reflexive Nature of Awareness

by Paul Williams

According to the Tibetan Tsong kha pa one of the eight difficult points in understanding Madhyamaka philosophy is the way in which Prasangika Madhyamaka does not accept even conventionally that reflexivity is an essential part of awareness----that in being aware there is also an awareness of being aware (rang rig). One of the most systematic and detailed refutations of Tsong kha pa`s approach to this issue can be found in the commentary to the ninth chapter of the Bodhicaryavatara by the rNying ma lama Mi pham (18456-1912), together with Mi pham`s own replies to his subsequent critics. Dr. Paul Williams is Reader in Indo-Tibetan Studies, and Codirector of the Centre for Buddhist Studies, University of Bristol.