Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma

Question 1

Three Baskets - Tripitaka

Answer 1

1) Vinaya - teachings in Shila (morality)
2) Sutra - teachings in Samadhi (meditative concentration)
3) Abhidharma - teachings in Pragya (wisdom of emptiness)

Question 2

3 Types of Wisdom

Answer 2

1) Wisdom derived through learning
2) Wisdom derived through reflection
3) Wisdom derived through meditation

Question 3

First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Answer 3

Place: Sarnath, Varnasi

Target Audience: Vaibhashika and Sautrantika

Subject: The 4 Noble Truths (truly exist)

Question 4

Second Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Answer 4

Place: Rajgir (Vulture Peak), Bihar

Target Audience: Madhyamaka

Subject: Emptiness of objective existence of all phenomena, Wisdom of Emptiness

Question 5

Third Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

Answer 5

Place: Vaishali, Bihar

Target Audience: Chittamatra

Subject: In response to Bodhisattva Parmarth Samudgata’s question about the contradiction between the First and Second Turnings the Buddha interpreted his teachings as follows:
First Turning- The 4 Noble Truths exist truly means they exist via other powered nature and thoroughly established nature

The Second Turning - Nothing truly exists is talking about imputed nature

This is the emptiness of externality

Question 6

4 Categories of Objects

Answer 6

1) Non-existent
2) Impermanent phenomena
3) Ultimate Reality
4) Permanent phenomena other than Ultimate Reality

Question 7

3 Natures

Answer 7

1) Imputed Nature - no substance but things that come into existence via mental thoughts, imputations or projections. Non-existent and permanent phenomena other than Ultimate Reality

2) Other-powered Nature - things of substance that exist by the power of other causes and conditions. Impermanent phenomena

3) Throughly Established Nature - Ultimate Reality