Second Floor (Great Vehicle)
Introduction
The Second Floor expands study to the universal. Students cultivate the Mindset of Awakening (bodhicitta) through deeper investigative meditation into the emptiness of any identity and broader application of compassion in the practice of the four immeasurables. At this stage, compassion and wisdom are developed together: compassion enlarges the scope of concern, while wisdom examines how identity itself never arises or dissolves.
Students also study how the two different Mahāyāna Buddhist philosophies, including Yogācāra and Madhyamaka, refute Hīnayāna Buddhist philosophies.
Note: The Second Floor framework is established, with full online course modules in development. Students may currently access this material through individualized study plans with instructors.
Educational Pillars & Arches
The Two Truths: understanding how conventional appearances and their ultimate emptiness are inseparable.
Philosophy: Madhyamaka and Yogācāra debates provide complementary views on the nature of mind and world.
Investigative Meditation: analysis of the emptiness of any identity (the universal ultimate).
Mindset of Awakening: the positive intention and activity that unites the wisdom of openness with compassion.
Four Immeasurables — Practiced via secular compassion-training exercises and culminating in the “Bodhisattva Vow” taught comparatively.
Compassionate Reframing (Tonglen, three steps):
Equanimity — recognizing the shared nature and equal value of self and others.
Exchange of self and other — imaginatively taking the situation of others and giving one’s own strength, with awareness of different circumstances.
Prioritizing others — centering concern in the wellbeing of others beyond self-reference.
Six Perfections: generosity, discipline, patience, effort, concentration, and insight as qualities applied in study, retreat, and civic life.
The Paths and Landmarks — the idealistic journey of a bodhisattva
Educational Outcomes and Assessment
Students completing the Second Floor will demonstrate:
Advanced philosophical analysis: Ability to explain and evaluate Madhyamaka and Yogācāra philosophical arguments, understand the Two Truths framework, and compare Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna positions critically
Universal perspective: Understanding of how the investigation expands from personal identity (First Floor) to the emptiness of any identity whatsoever
Bodhicitta development: Cultivation of the Mindset of Awakening through systematic compassion training including equanimity, exchange of self and other, and prioritizing others' wellbeing
Integrated wisdom and compassion: Ability to hold both profound philosophical understanding (wisdom) and active concern for others' welfare (compassion) together
Advanced contemplative skills: Proficiency in tonglen practice and deeper investigative meditation into emptiness, with ability to apply these in both formal practice and daily activities
Compassionate service capacity: Strengthened ability to bring mindful awareness and compassionate intention to serving others, developed through continued daily service practice and Six Perfections framework
Synthesis ability: Capacity to integrate philosophical understanding, contemplative investigation, and compassionate action into coherent educational framework
Students evaluate their understanding through articulating complex philosophical positions, demonstrating ability to investigate universal emptiness, and showing integration of wisdom and compassion in both retreat and daily life contexts. Discussion with instructors helps students assess interest or readiness for study of the Diamond Vehicle.
Ascending the Grand Stairway
The Second Floor equips students with the balance of compassion and wisdom that defines the Mindset of Awakening. With this balance in hand, students are ready to ascend the Grand Stairway to the Third Floor, where imaginative and symbolic methods expand the scope of education and lead toward open awareness.