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The Bodhisattva's Way of Life: The Bodhisattva (Bodhi = Awakened; sattva = being) takes a path focused on altruism for the benefit of others, and indirectly for themselves. The principle is found as early as the Pali Tradition, but was emphasized in the Mahayana and is also important in Vajrayana. The classic text is A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life by Shantideva (several translations are available in English). The text is based on the core practices of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. It has been described as "the essence of all of Buddhism."

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Bodhicitta, the excellent and precious mind,
Where it is unborn, may it arise.
Where it is born, may it not decline
But ever increase higher and higher.

According to the legend, Shantideva was originally regarded as a lazy person by his fellow monks at the famous Nalanda (Buddhist) University around the seventh century. Not knowing that he was an enlightened being, they devised a scheme to embarrass him into leaving the university. They were sure that he would not be able to expound upon the Buddhist scriptures, so they requested that he teach. Shantideva agreed, gave the teaching, displayed miraculous powers, and disappeared into the sky. The words he spoke were later written down as the well-known Bodhisattva's Way of Life. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says that his religion is lovingkindness and compassion, an expression of action Bodhicitta to benefit all beings.

This class focuses on mindfulness as a practice. The root of the teachings will be based on the Sattipatthana and Anapanasamyutta Sutras, as taught by several different sources, as well as the related jhana (Pali) or dhyana (Sanskrit) practices. Comparisons will also be drawn with shamata and similar Dzogchen practices. Detailed notes will be available for download as a PDF. Four weeks.

The 37 Bodhisattva Practices - In the Path of Altruism (Mahayana), those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop tru compassion are called Bodhisattvas. They consider others' needs as paramount, and thus strive to attain liberation for the sake of all sentient beings. The root text is a training manual composed in the 14th century by the Buddhist hermit Ngolcho Thogme. We will use The Heart of Compassion commentary by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Four weeks.

Improving Your Practice - After starting a regular practice in the Vajrayana tradition many practitioners face various difficulties in their meditation. Some practitioners are too relaxed and their visualization lacks vividness, others have to face their erratic mind and encounter difficulties staying focused on the object of their meditation. In addition, with a regular daily practice it is sometimes easy to slip into a routine and lose the necessary components of every Vajrayana practice such as cultivation of bodhicitta.

In order to make progress in the process of mind training in the Buddhist tradition one needs to overcome these challenges. This class will address these and other most common obstacles to successful meditation and ways to deal with them. Thus this class is designed for those who want to improve the quality of their practice and make sustained progress in their meditation. In order to make this happen we will explore in theory and practice three aspects of our mind in relation to meditation: attention, emotion and consciousness. Each of these topics will be reviewed and discussed from Western scientific and traditional Vajrayana Buddhist points of view. Practical implications of this knowledge for one's personal practice will be the core of the class. For example, we will have a look at results of some recent Western research on emotion and attention and relate it to Buddhist views of mindful awareness and virtuous emotions. Implications of such comparisons for meditation practice will be discussed and students will be encouraged to apply them in their personal practice.

What Did the Buddha Say? Exploring the Sutras (Part 1)This class explores some of the documented stories and teachings of the Buddha, primarily from the Sutras (both Pali and Sanskrit sources), as well as commentaries by the authors. The intent is to give Vajrayana practitioners a fuller understanding of selected foundational texts of the tradition, as well as to challenge some of our assumptions and understandings. The course will include presentation and discussion. Resources include: 

  • Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions – The Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron
  • The Dhammapada – Gil Fronsdal
  • In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon* – Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi

* This will be the main text for the course and purchase is recommended

What Did the Buddha Say?  Exploring the Sutras (Part 2): This class continues Part, exploring some of the documented stories and teachings of the Buddha, primarily from the Sutras (both Pali and Sanskrit sources), as well as commentaries by the authors. The intent is to give Vajrayana practitioners a fuller understanding of selected foundational texts of the tradition, as well as to challenge some of our assumptions and understandings. The course will include presentation and discussion.

BOOK SOURCES:

  • In the Buddha’s WordsAn Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon* – Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi
  • The Teachings of the Compassionate BuddhaEarly Discourses, the Dhammapada and Later Basic Writings – E.A. Burtt (Editor)
  • The Buddha before BuddhismWisdom from the Early Teachings – Gil Fronsdal
  • Stars at Dawn: Forgotten Stories of the Women in the Buddha’s Life – Wendy Garling

    *This will be the main text for the course and purchasing a copy is recommended.

100-Day Ngondro - The Preliminary Practices to the Path of Tantra (Part 1)

This class will be divided into two 7-week parts, completing the entire 100-day practice, and is a prerequisite for most advanced Vajrayana practices. The ngondro (preliminary practices) provide a very important foundation for the practices of tantra or Vajrayana, yet the high number of repetitions often required can become a serious barrier to lay practitioners. The great master Longchenpa shows us an alternative way to accomplish this in a more compact package. This course is also an excellent refresher for advanced practitioners who have completed the ngondro practices previously. They get even better through repetition.

This class is based on a book by HE Jigmed Lodro Rinpoche explaining the 100-Day Ngondro as described by Longchenpa (PDF in the course), along with The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche (optional).

Ngondro is essential to establishing our attitude and motivation through the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind. Then, our mental obscurations, afflictive emotions and other mental fixations are systematically addressed through contemplations on the Four Immeasurables, Guru devotion, Bodhicitta, and the Six Perfections. In addition, these practices provide a solid understanding for advanced Vajrayana practices. 

100-Day Ngondro - The Preliminary Practices to the Path of Tantra (Part 2)

This is the second of two 7-week parts, completing the entire 100-day practice, and is a prerequisite for most advanced Vajrayana practices. The ngondro (preliminary practices) provide a very important foundation for the practices of tantra or Vajrayana, yet the high number of repetitions often required can become a serious barrier to lay practitioners. The great master Longchenpa shows us an alternative way to accomplish this in a more compact package. This course is also an excellent refresher for advanced practitioners who have completed the ngondro practices previously. They get even better through repetition.

This class is based on a book by HE Jigmed Lodro Rinpoche explaining the 100-Day Ngondro as described by Longchenpa (see PDF link), along with The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche (optional text).

Ngondro is essential to establishing our attitude and motivation through the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind. Then, our mental obscurations, afflictive emotions and other mental fixations are systematically addressed through contemplations on the Four Immeasurables, Guru devotion, Bodhicitta, and the Six Perfections. In addition, these practices provide a solid understanding for advanced Vajrayana practices. 

This course looks in detail at the Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation through Hearing in the Bardo (bardo todol) by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) according to Kharma Lingpa, translated with commentary by Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa. The course will also look at a variety of other related practices and texts dealing with death and dying. Although this is an "advanced" course, there are no prerequisites and anyone with interest is welcome to participate. Nevertheless, some background in Tibetan Buddhism and its practices is highly recommended. For example, please see our Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism series of 8 courses.

We are now pleased to be able to offer this course for FREE to the general public, though we do appreciate your donations to enable us to continue making this and potentially other courses available for free as well. You may make donations at any time through our website AwamInstitute.org. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. ...Khenpo Drimed Dawa

Rigdzin Dupa - The Gathering of Vidyadharas: This 6-week course examines this key text from Jigme Lingpa's terma, Longchen Nyingtik. The text includes commentaries from several authors that address the sadhana, the empowerment, and other details of practice. The course will focus primarily on the translation of the sadhana in the text as well as an Ati Yoga version based on the text. "Jigme Lingpa writes that this text is entitled Rigdzin Dupa, the Gathering of Vidyadharas, because all the deitites of the six yogas and the vidyadharas--fully accomplished adepts--of India and Tibet are present in it as guests". The steps in the practice are: 

1) Introduction to the true nature of mind - the sky-like awareness (rigpa), free from fixation

2) Let the mandala arise as the natural radiance of the awareness through meditations on (a) emptiness essence, (b) seed syllables, (c) forms of the deities, and (d)the vajra syllables of the deities

3) Meditate on approaching the deity by seeing, hearing, and feeling their forms, sounds, and dharmakaya; radiation and absorption

4) Meditate on realizing the accomplishments by focusing on the mantra garland that merges into wisdom--union of bliss and emptiness

5) Dissolve the mandala into the great wisdom free from concepts, the indivisibility of awareness and emptiness; remaining in it, as it is.

Text: The Gathering of Vidyadharas, trans. Gyurme Avertin

Prerequisite: Rigzin Dupa empowerment (or other Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment)

Videos: Khenpo Drimed Dawa (Khenpo Dean)

Vajrayogini is a highest yoga tantra deity practice of Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism. She is a female Buddha who is the essence of all the Buddhas. In these practices, we visualize or imagine ourselves as the deity as a means of training our mind to become a fully realized Buddha. Such a practice is said to be faster than other forms of meditative practices. And, according to scholar Miranda Shaw, Vajrayogini is "inarguably the supreme deity of the Tantric pantheon. No male Buddha…approaches her in metaphysical or practical import." Vajrayogini is also a significant figure in some of the completion-stage practices of Vajrayana, such as the Six Yogas (or Dharmas) of Naropa.

 

Participants should either have received a Vajrayogini empowerment (in one of her variety of forms), or at least some other form of highest yoga empowerment. We will be using the book Vajrayogini: Her Visualizations, Rituals, and Forms by Elizabeth English as the main text for this course (8 weeks). The fee is $80. We recommend that you register online in our eCollege in order to access handouts or watch the videos if you miss a class or would like further review of the course content.

The Kalachakra Tantra Part 1 - 

Kalachakra is one of the most complex systems within tantric Buddhism. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles. From the cycles of the planets to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most subtle energies within one's body on the path to enlightenment.

Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all. Kalachakri, his spiritual consort and complement, is aware of everything that is timeless, not time-bound or out of the realm of time. In Yab-Yum, they are temporality and a-temporality conjoined. Similarly, the wheel is without beginning or end.

The Kalachakra deity resides in the center of the mandala in his palace consisting of four mandalas, one within the other: the mandalas of body, speech, and mind, and in the very center, wisdom and great bliss. The Kalachakra sand mandala is dedicated to both individual and world peace and physical balance. The Dalai Lama explains: “It is a way of planting a seed, and the seed will have karmic effect. One doesn’t need to be present at the Kalachakra ceremony in order to receive its benefits.”

This class will examine the tantra and commentaries, along with practice text(s).

Prerequisites: Generation and Completion Stage study and practice.

Texts: Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kalacakra Tantra by Khendrup Norsang Gyatso (OSL)

Kalachakra Tantra Part 2 continues the study of Kalachakra.

Kalachakra is one of the most complex systems within tantric Buddhism. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles. From the cycles of the planets to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most subtle energies within one's body on the path to enlightenment.

Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all. Vishvamati, his spiritual consort and complement, is aware of everything that is timeless, not time-bound or out of the realm of time. In Yab-Yum, they are temporality and a-temporality conjoined. Similarly, the wheel is without beginning or end.

The Kalachakra deity resides in the center of the mandala in his palace consisting of four mandalas, one within the other: the mandalas of body, speech, and mind, and in the very center, wisdom and great bliss. The Kalachakra sand mandala is dedicated to both individual and world peace and physical balance. The Dalai Lama explains: “It is a way of planting a seed, and the seed will have karmic effect. One doesn’t need to be present at the Kalachakra ceremony in order to receive its benefits.”

This class will examine the tantra and commentaries, along with practice text(s).

Prerequisites: Kalachakra Tantra Part 1.

Texts: Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kalacakra Tantra by Khendrup Norsang Gyatso (OSL)

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares practitioners with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisites: None. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 1A survey of Buddhism in India and Tibet and beginning of the Path of Individual Liberation.

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares practitioners with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisites: Part 1 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 2—Continues the Path of Individual Liberation followed by the Path of the Bodhisattva (altruism)

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares practitioners with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisites: Part 2 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 3 - The Path of Tantra Preliminary Practices

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares practitioners with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisites: Part 3 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 4—Continues the Path of Tantra with the generation stage practices of “deity yoga” – generating yourself as the “deity” (a buddha).

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares householders with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisite: Part 4 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 5—Continues the Path of Tantra with the completion stage practices: inner heat, channels-winds-drops, illusory body, and dream yoga to become a buddha in this lifetime.

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares householders with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisite: Part 5 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 6—Continues the completion stage practices of the Path of Tantra with clear light, sexual yogas, the bardos of dying, dharmata, and becoming, and the transference of consciousness; followed by the tantric view of wisdom.

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares householders with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisite: Part 6 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 7—Begins the Path of Great Perfection with the ethical perspective, the preliminary practices for separating samsara from nirvana called khorde rushen, and the practice of trekcho.

Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares householders with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisite: Part 7 recommended. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.

Essentials Part 8—Concludes the Path of Great Perfection with additional training in the practices of trekcho and togal, as well as the view of wisdom of the Great Perfection and a summary of the Buddhist views of enlightenment.

Dzogchen or the Great Perfection is the highest level of the Vajrayana teachings. It deals directly with self-liberation into our innate Buddhanature, abiding in the state of rigpa. This overview describes the three branches of Dzogchen teachings--the mind series, the space series, and the special instructions (including trekcho and togal). Students will be introduced to basic concepts and how they differ from lower sutra and tantra teachings, as well as the special preliminary practices for Dzogchen. Text: Quintessential Dzogchen - Confusion Dawns as Wisdom trans. by Erik Kunsang & Marcia Binder Schmidt. PREREQUISITES: Natural Liberation 1-8 or instructor permission. 

Dzogchen or the Great Perfection is the highest level of the Vajrayana teachings. It deals directly with self-liberation into our innate Buddhanature, abiding in the state of rigpa. This overview describes the three branches of Part 2 of the Introduction to Dzogchen teachings--the mind series, the space series, and the special instructions (including trekcho and togal). Students will be introduced to basic concepts and how they differ from lower sutra and tantra teachings, as well as the special preliminary practices for Dzogchen. The focus of this part is on The Golden Letters, containing the Three Statements of Garab Dorje and The Wise and Glorious King commentary by Patrul Rinpoche. Text: The Golden Letters, trans. John Reynolds. PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Dzogchen Part 1. 

Khorde Rushen – Khorde Rushen is the separation of samsara (delusion) from nirvana (nondelusion). These are a series of practices designed to help the yogi realize and directly experience the difference between samsara and nirvana by transforming the mind, i.e., our way of seeing the world. Khorde Rushen is sometimes referred to as the Dzogchen preliminary practices. Texts: The Great Perfection, Vol. II by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche (permission required), The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde Kunjed Gyalpo by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and Adriano Clemente, and selections from Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text). PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Dzogchen Part 2. 

Continues Khorde Rushen – Khorde Rushen is the separation of samsara (delusion) from nirvana (nondelusion). These are a series of practices designed to help the yogi realize and directly experience the difference between samsara and nirvana by transforming the mind, i.e., our way of seeing the world. Khorde Rushen is sometimes referred to as the Dzogchen preliminary practices. Texts: The Great Perfection, Vol. II by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche (permission required), The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde Kunjed Gyalpo by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and Adriano Clemente, and selections from Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text). PREREQUISITE: Khorde Rushen Part 1. 

Dzogchen Trekcho – The trekcho instructions are part of the special instruction series. This course will examine these instructions, particularly through the writings of the highly regarded master Longchenpa. Students will also further develop their actual practice. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text), Great Perfection Vol II by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche (restricted text), Dzogchen by HH the Dalai Lama. PREREQUISITE: Khorde Rushen Part 2. 

Continues Dzogchen Trekcho – The trekcho instructions are part of the special instruction series. This course will examine these instructions, particularly through the writings of the highly regarded master Longchenpa. Students will also further develop their actual practice. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission: A Commentary on The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena by Longchen Rabjam. PREREQUISITE: Trekcho Part 1. 

Dzogchen Togal – Togal is the advanced and often secret teaching of the special instructions of Dzogchen. This practice leads to attaining the Rainbow Body, enabling one to help other beings achieve enlightenment. Students will learn the practices of togal and how to apply them. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: Treasures from Juniper Ridge by Padmasambhava, Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text), and The Special Treasury of the Way of Abiding by Longchen Rabjam. PREREQUISITE: Trekcho Part 2. 

Continues Dzogchen Togal – Togal is the advanced and often secret teaching of the special instructions of Dzogchen. This practice leads to attaining the Rainbow Body, enabling one to help other beings achieve enlightenment. Students will learn the practices of togal and how to apply them. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text), and The Special Treasury of the Way of Abiding by Longchen Rabjam. PREREQUISITE: Togal Part 1. 

Khandro Nyingtik (Heart Essence of the Dakinis) is part of one of the most famous collections of Dzogchen texts, the Nyingtik Yabshi. The collection includes the Khandro Nyingtik by Padmasambhava, the Vima Nyingtik by Vimalamitra, the Khandro Yangtik and Vima Yangtik (Longchenpa's (1308-1364) commentaries on these respectively), along with Zambo Yangtik (his additional commentary on the four texts), all collectively referred to as the Nyingtik Yabshi.  

The Precious Golden Garland of Instructions  "It contains almost exclusive original prose by Longchenpa himself. Through the treasure of Longchenpa’s own realization, the key points of Dzogchen pith instructions are revealed in all their majestic glory. This text specifically covers the most practical aspects of the path. This marvelous commentary goes through the common preliminaries from the Dzogchen perspective, the uncommon Dzogchen preliminaries of separation (ru shan) and such, the introduction and practice of cutting through (khregs chod), extensive guidance on the introduction and practice of direct transcendence (thod rgal), navigating death, the bardos, and rebirth if necessary. Essentially, with proper guidance, these instructions provide the entire scope of means to attain complete enlightenment and the rainbow body of the great transfer." - Eric Fry-Miller, translator. The text is available from BuddhaVisions.com. 

This course is designed to provide a survey of the history and path to enlightenment with Tibetan Buddhism. The content includes the history, Tibetan culture, doctrines and practices, and the main schools or branches of Tibetan Buddhism. PREREQUISITE: None.

The course includes reading assignments, homework, quizzes, daily meditation practice and journal.

This course is a continuation of Part I. It is designed to provide newcomers a survey of the entire path of Tibetan Buddhism. While an abundance of wonderful information, teachings, commentaries and practice texts are available very few focus on providing a comprehensive overview of the Vajrayana path. PREREQUISITE: Part 1 or instructor permission.

Bodhichitta, the altruistic wish to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment, is at the heart of all Buddhist practices. The most highly regarded and popular text for these is The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva. The Bodhisattva is one who has achieved complete realization, but remains in order to benefit beings. The text is based on the core practices of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. It has been described as "the essence of all of Buddhism." PREREQUISITES: Ngondro Parts 1-2 or instructor permission.

Bodhichitta, the altruistic wish to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment, is at the heart of all Buddhist practices. The most highly regarded and popular text for this is The Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Shantideva.

The Bodhisattva is one who has achieved complete realization, but remains in order to benefit beings. The text is based on the core practices of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. It has been described as "the essence of all of Buddhism."

His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says that his religion is lovingkindness and compassion, an expresssion of action Bodhicitta to benefit all beings.

In Part 2 of this course, we examine Chapter 9 - the wisdom chapter - of the Bodhicharyavatara as described and commented upon by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Practicing Wisdom (the text for this course). This is considered to be the most difficult chapter in the text. Shantideva makes reference to various philosophical schools in India from his time and takes them on in a manner similar to that of Nagarjuna in his Middle Way (Madhyamaka) writings. PREREQUISITE: Bodhisattva's Way of Life Part 1.

In keeping with tradition of loving kindness, compassion and swift effectiveness of blessings for sentient beings the historic Buddha and other enlightened beings taught a methodology that was designed to take suffering and confused sentient beings to a state of mental strength and stability that would enable them to eventually reach enlightenment. Through their insightful wisdom the Buddhas taught the most effective, profound and powerful teachings first. Although these teachings have been called foundational and preliminary practices in the West we have mistakenly come to think of those teachings as beginner practices or practices that are not so important for someone of superior intellect! Nothing could be further from the truth! These foundational meditations can be compared to the "heavy equipment" of mind training that removes our greatest boulders of obscurations, neuroses and other mental fixations. The so-called advanced practices are merely subtle improvements upon the foundational preparation, development and realizations gained through the careful and systematic process of Ngondro, the foundational practices that give us the tool to experience reality as it is. In his introduction the Ngondro practice text "The Preliminary Practices of the Incomparable Drikung Kagyu" Khenchen Gyaltshen Rinpoche states: "For the benefit of all sentient beings Buddha Shakyamuni spoke the Dharma through the Sutras and Tantras. The essence of the Buddha's teachings enable one to attain enlightenment even in one lifetime. However, to practice (these) one must fully (practice) the four ways of turning the mind then one practices the four extraordinary foundations (of) Vajrayana Ngondro to purify negative Karma and obscurations of the mind, speech and body and to develop virtues." The founder to the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism Lord Jigten Sumgon stated, "Ngondro is even more important than the higher practices." It has also been said that sincerely practicing only Ngondro will lead to enlightenment since all mind training techniques leading to enlightenment are included within it! PREREQUISITES: Survey of Tibetan Buddhism or instructor permission.

This course is Part 2 of the Incomparable Practice of Ngondro. In keeping with tradition of loving kindness, compassion and swift effectiveness of blessings for sentient beings the historic Buddha and other enlightened beings taught a methodology that was designed to take suffering and confused sentient beings to a state of mental strength and stability that would enable them to eventually reach enlightenment. Through their insightful wisdom the Buddhas taught the most effective, profound and powerful teachings first. Although these teachings have been called foundational and preliminary practices in the West we have mistakenly come to think of those teachings as beginner practices or practices that are not so important for someone of superior intellect! Nothing could be further from the truth! These foundational meditations can be compared to the "heavy equipment" of mind training that removes our greatest boulders of obscurations, neuroses and other mental fixations. The so-called advanced practices are merely subtle improvements upon the foundational preparation, development and realizations gained through the careful and systematic process of Ngondro, the foundational practices that give us the tool to experience reality as it is. In his introduction the Ngondro practice text "The Preliminary Practices of the Incomparable Drikung Kagyu" Khenchen Gyaltshen Rinpoche states: "For the benefit of all sentient beings Buddha Shakyamuni spoke the Dharma through the Sutras and Tantras. The essence of the Buddha's teachings enable one to attain enlightenment even in one lifetime. However, to practice (these) one must fully (practice) the four ways of turning the mind then one practices the four extraordinary foundations (of) Vajrayana Ngondro to purify negative Karma and obscurations of the mind, speech and body and to develop virtues." The founder to the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism Lord Jigten Sumgon stated, "Ngondro is even more important than the higher practices." It has also been said that sincerely practicing only Ngondro will lead to enlightenment since all mind training techniques leading to enlightenment are included within it! PREREQUISITE: Part 1.

In the generation stage practices of highest yoga tantra, one mentally generates oneself as the deity and one’s surroundings as the mandala of the deity. Although all deity practices include generating the deity, this class of practices includes those with very complex visualizations as the principle focus. Chakrasamvara and Hayagriva are examples. This course provides a detailed understanding for these visualizations applicable to all generation stage deity practices.

This course will use a detailed sadhana on the Three Roots (guru, yidham and dakini) with Hyagriva and Vajravarahi as the main deities and including the 100 peaceful and wrathful deities. PREREQUISITES: Bodhisattva's Way of Life Parts 1-2 or instructor permission.

Part 2 of the Generation Stage course continues the study of this phase of Highest Yoga Tantra. In this course, students will also learn the tormas, mudras, use of the drum and bell, and the tsok feast for the Three Roots sadhana. PREREQUISITE: Generation Stage Part 1.

The Guhyagarbha Tantra – This is the core tantra of the Nyingma lineage from which all others may be understood. This course examines the root text, as well as different commentaries by Longchenpa and Mipham Rinpoche. A practice sadhana is also included in the course requirements. An empowerment is required. Texts: The Guhyagarbha Tantra: Secret Essence Definitive Nature Just as It Is by Longchenpa and Luminous Essence: A Guide to the Guhyagarbha Tantra by Jamgon Mipham.

Continues the Guhyagarbha Tantra – This is the core tantra of the Nyingma lineage from which all others may be understood. This course examines the root text, as well as different commentaries by Longchenpa and Mipham Rinpoche. A practice sadhana is also included in the course requirements. An empowerment is required. Texts: The Guhyagarbha Tantra: Secret Essence Definitive Nature Just as It Is by Longchenpa and Luminous Essence: A Guide to the Guhyagarbha Tantra by Jamgon Mipham.

In the Third Turning of the Wheel, the Buddha taught Buddha Nature—our innate, Buddha essence. While this is among The Buddha’s most advanced teachings, Gampopa said that when it is taught early in one’s development one will advance more quickly. The 8-week course examines Maitreya’s Uttaratantra, the classic Buddhist text on Buddha Nature. Meditation practices for the course will be based on Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness. Required text:The Uttaratantra: A Treatise on Buddha-Essence, A Commentary on the Uttaratantra Shastra of Maitreya by The Venerable Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche. PREREQUISITE: Madhyamaka.

The Buddha first taught the middle way between the extremes of indulgence and asceticism. Later, he taught the middle way between the extremes of permanence and nihilism. This latter teaching is the basis for what became the Middle Way in Buddhism. The highly influential Madhyamaka or Middle Way school of Indian Buddhism was based on the teachings of the great Nagajuna, and were further elaborated upon by Dharmakirti and Chandrakirti. This philosophical approach emphasizes the negation of independent phenomenal reality (inherent existence) through logical reductionism in order to arrive at a true understanding of emptiness. This approach is comparable to that of Mahamudra and Dzogchen for understanding the ultimate nature of reality, void of all particular characteristics. Developmental meditations on emptiness are included. Prerequisite: 501/502M or 501/502D. Texts for Part 1: Introduction to the Middle Way by the Padmakara Translation Group, and Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. Texts for Part 2: Introduction to Emptiness by Guy Newland (2nd ed.), and The Middle Way: Faith Grounded in Reason by H.H. the Dalai Lama.

Continues Madhyamaka: The Middle Way – The Buddha first taught the middle way between the extremes of indulgence and asceticism. Later, he taught the middle way between the extremes of permanence and nihilism. This latter teaching is the basis for what became the Middle Way in Buddhism. The highly influential Madhyamaka or Middle Way school of Indian Buddhism was based on the teachings of the great Nagajuna, and were further elaborated upon by Chandrakirti (Prasangika) and Shantarakshita (Shentong). This philosophical approach emphasizes the negation of independent phenomenal reality (inherent existence) through logical reductionism in order to arrive at a true understanding of emptiness. This approach is comparable to that of Mahamudra and Dzogchen for understanding the ultimate nature of reality, void of all particular characteristics. Developmental meditations on emptiness are included. Texts: Introduction to the Middle Way by Chandrakirti and commentary by Jamgon Mipham and The Adornment of the Middle Way by Shantaradshita with commentary by Jamgon Mipham.

Please see this course under the Advanced Curriculum

Please see this course under the Advanced Curriculum

Please see this course under the Advanced Curriculum

Please see this course under the Advanced Curriculum

Please see this course under the Advance Curriculum

Leading Practice and Ritual – This course provides guidance in how to prepare for and lead meditation practice, sadhana and prayer book recitations, as well as help a lama with the rituals related to empowerments and other practices. It will also help the student learn to teach ritual practices to others learning the practice.

Teaching Dharma – This course examines the best-practices for teaching in-person or online classes applied to teachings dharma. Students will learn how to plan and organize a teaching and support materials such as a text and handouts, as well as learning activities to sustain student interest and support learning.

Teaching Practicum – Students will practice teaching a course in-person or online under direction of an advanced teacher. The focus will be on strengths and opportunities for improvements.

Leading Dharma – Students will learn management and leadership principles applied to leading a sangha or dharma center.

Continues Leading Dharma – Students will learn management and leadership principles applied to leading a sangha or dharma center.

Guided Retreat – This provides an extended opportunity for the student to review and engage in the practices in some depth. It may be incorporated into the daily life of the householder. This experience will also help to guide future students in retreat. (Course may be repeated with permission.)

Guided Study and Thesis – This course provides an opportunity for the student to explore a particular deity or practice in some depth through study, contemplation, and meditation, which can then be brought into a teaching environment. Students will select a topic to be approved by the instructor, then engage in extensive study and practice, followed by a thoroughly developed paper detailing the focus and its practice. (Course may be taken more than once until the thesis is completed and approved.)

Padling Tersar Series: White Lotus and Four Roots - The Dzogchen View

White Lotus is a commentary by Mipham Rinpoche on the Seven-Line Prayer to Guru Padmasambhava, revered by all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. It explains the contents of the prayer in great detail regarding the outer literal meaning, the hidden meaning on the path of liberation, the path of skillful means, the Secret Mantra, the Great Perfection, and the pith instructions of the paths of liberation and skillful means, as well as giving a practice sadhana for Seven-Line Prayer Guru Yoga.

This will be followed by a discussion of the Dzogchen view with instructions on how to do sadhana practices from the Dzogchen view.

Then, we will look at each of the Four Roots practices (Guru, Yidam, Dakini, and Protector) in HH Khenchen Lama Rinpoche's "Treasure Meditation Book". We will  examine each of the four sadhanas: (1) Secret Rigpa Guru Yoga, (2) A Sadhana of the Reverend Lord Manjushri, (3) The Method for Accomplishing Tara, and (4) The Swift Infusion of Blessings - A Guru Yoga of the Great Embodiment of Unchanging Awareness Wisdom. 

Prerequisites: Although not absolutely required, it is best to have completed the Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism classes based on Innate Happiness or equivalent study and practice.

Padling Tersar Preliminary Practices are based upon the Nyingma instructions found in The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, the source text that will be used for this course. It is divided into two parts: (1) the common preliminary practices and (2) the uncommon preliminary practices. These are considered preliminary to entering the Path of Tantra. 

Following instructions on the proper way to listen to dharma teachings, the common preliminary practices consist of contemplations of (1) precious human birth, (2) impermanence of life, (3) the defects of samsara, and (4) karma (the principle of cause and effect). These are followed by brief instructions on the benefit of liberation and how to follow a spiritual teacher.

The second part addresses (1) refuge, (2) bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment), here divided into two sets of practice instructions, (3) Vajrasattva purification, (4) mandala offerings, (5) and Guru Yoga. (The text includes brief instructions on Chod and Phowa practices that are not included in this set of instructions.)

Each set of instructions will include expectations for doing the practices as described daily and keeping a record, followed by at least 30 days of additional sets of daily practice, completing a full 100 days of practice. Brief prayers or mantras may be done daily thereafter.

Email Khenpo.Drimed.Dawa@gmail.com with questions you may have during the course.