The 17th-Century Tibetan-Mongolian Composition The Source of Sages: Context of Phenomenological Reduction and Structure of Logical-Epistemic Knowledge in Buddhism*

In Buddhist studies it has become common to use the term ‘phenomenon’ for translating various Buddhist terms, using the context of E. Husserl’s philosophy. Many researchers that connect the Buddhist theory and Western phenomenology tend to support the use of this term. Despite this, comparative analysis of specific problems of these comparative studies still remains relevant and fruitful. The paper attempts to compare the structure of ‘logical and epistemological knowledge’ in Buddhism and the context of ‘phenomenological reduction’ used in the traditional Tibetan dictionary The Source of Sages (Tib. Wylie. dag yig mkhas pa’i ‘byung gnas). The analysis is based on three methodological positions. First, a modern typological approach resting on the idea that philosophical concepts may have differences in genesis, and still may have a unity in typology at the same time. Secondly, the focus is on analysis of the context of the dictionary rather than on the actual text as such. Thirdly, great importance is attached to the absence of original discursive transparency in the theory of Husserl’s ‘phenomenological reduction’ which allows forming numerous philosophical ‘continuations’ in various areas of modern humanitarian knowledge. These positions may help determine details, some aspects of relationship between modern phenomenology and Buddhist theoretical heritage. The context of the ‘phenomenological reduction’ discovered in the dictionary makes it possible to expand our views regarding achievements in the field of Buddhism’s language and philosophy. It is necessary to emphasize that the theory of ‘phenomenological reduction’ can be viewed not only as a Western philosophical concept, but also as a modern means (‘language’) to understand some complex aspects of religious thought worldwide.

phenomenological reduction, context, structure, logical-epistemic knowledge, Buddhism, dictionary

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