Abstract

Focusing on Tibetan sectarian polemics, this chapter outlines two positions that seem to be advocating contradictory forms of mediation preceding the direct realization of ultimate reality as well as different views on the nature of that realization. Exploring the positions of the major Geluk thinker, Tsongkhapa, and his major Sakya critic, Gorampa, it demonstrates that although both thinkers agree that the process of contemplation of reality is deconstructive, they interpret very differently what is negated, how it is negated, and how one should proceed in the process. It argues that the differences between the processes proposed by the two thinkers pertain mostly to the conflicting descriptions, as well as minor variations in the processes, while on the practical level those processes are equally effective in terms of leading to the same mystical experience of ultimate reality, which is not mediated by any words or concepts when it actually occurs.