upcoming
- New Study Group (Introduction to Buddhism 100) begins Sat., March 10
- "Mahayana 350: Not Even a Middle" study group continues Saturdays Feb. 4 and Feb. 18 (9 am - 11 am)
Nalandabodhi Study Path
Nalandabodhi, under the guidance of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, has introduced a comprehensive, three-year course of study, that presents the complete journey of the three-yana path. The curriculum is based on a series of sourcebooks complied from the teachings of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and Khenchen (Khenpo) Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. Each course is comprised of readings derived from their teachings on selected topics. These readings have been chosen according to the structure developed by the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. It is based on the traditional structure of Buddhist educational topics in the curriculum of the shedra, the Tibetan monastic college.
The Nalandabodhi Study Curriculum has been designed by Ponlop Rinpoche in order to:
1. meet the needs of a variety of students who seek comprehensiveness and clarity in their studies, and
2. assist in the accurate and genuine transplantation of the Kagyu and Nyingma lineage traditions to the West.

Photo by Jan Marie Martell
The goal of the curriculum is not only to learn a subject. It is also to develop skills in analytic reasoning, a component of analytic meditation. As Rinpoche has stressed on many occasions, analytic meditation is part of our practice and is an integral part of all Buddhist meditation. The curriculum is designed to introduce students to the reasoning component of analytic meditation.
If you are interested in beginning the Nalandabodhi study program, or for more information on the study curriculum, please contact us at: study@nalandabodhi.ca.
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is the founder and president of Nalandabodhi, a non-profit, religious organization dedicated to bringing the genuine Buddhist teachings to the Western world. Rinpoche is a prominent lineage holder of both the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Considered to be one of the foremost scholars of his generation of Tibetan teachers, Ponlop Rinpoche combines scholarly acumen with a deep mastery of the Buddhist meditative practices. Ponlop Rinpoche is known for his engaging teaching style and his mastery of the English language.
Rinpoche is also a prolific author. His teachings have been widely published in Bodhi Magazine and other venues. Rinpoche's newest book, Rebel Buddha: on the road to freedom (Snow Lion Publications), was released Fall 2010. Other books include: Mind Beyond Death (Snow Lion Publications, 2007), Penetrating Wisdom: The Aspiration of Samantabhadra (Snow Lion Publications, 2006) and Wild Awakening (Shambhala Publications, 2003). Rinpoche has dedicated himself to the preservation of traditional Buddhist traditions in the East, and to supporting a genuine transmission of Buddhism to the West.
INTRODUCTION to BUDDHISM 100 STUDY GROUP
NALANDABODHI STUDY PATH 100 SERIES
Begins Sat., March 10, 2012
@ Maitrivana, the Garden of Loving Kindness
The Introduction to Buddhism study series begin at Maitrivana on March 10, 2012. This 4-part introductory curriculum will run until the end of June, then resume in the fall.
"Introduction to Buddhism 100" - the first course in the series - is the entry point to Nalandabodhi's full cycle of dharma studies. Subtitled "The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey," the course examines topics such as the Buddha's life, the nature of suffering, beginning meditation, and taming the mind. Like all Nalandabodhi courses, the readings in Buddhism 100 are excerpts from brilliant talks by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
Whether you're completely new to Buddhism or an experienced student, this course will be a wonderful opportunity to engage in lively discussion of Buddhadharma.
INTRODUCTION to BUDDHISM 100
SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION
Dates: Saturdays March 10, March 24, April 18, & April 28
Time: 11 am - 11:30 am (meditation); 11:30 am - 1 pm (study)
Tuition: $50. No one turned away for lack of funds (please ask).
Note: Tuition waived if you're repeating a course.
Coursebook: $20 per text
Registration: To enroll or confirm your attendance, contact study@nalandabodhi.ca
Information: For more information about Nalandabodhi's study curriculum, please contact us study@nalandabodhi.ca
MAHAYANA VIEW (MAH 350) STUDY GROUP
Nalandabodhi Study Path 300 Series
Continues Saturdays Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 10th
@ Maitrivana, the Garden of Loving Kindness
This final course of the Mahayana curriculum, discusses the Five Great Mahyamaka Resonings, the Ten Bodhisattva Bhumis and Mahayana Fruition.
Facilitators: Susan Stewart and Alannah Wells, students of the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
Students are required to complete Introductory and Hinayana level courses and earlier Mahayana courses before registering in this last course in the Mahayana series. People who have previously taken the Mahayana curriculum are welcome to attend again!
MAHAYANA VIEW (MAH 350)
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Dates: Alternate Saturdays beginning January 7
Tuition: $50. Note: Tuition is waived for students repeating a course. Tuition can be reduced or waived under special circumstances.
Coursebook: $20
Registration: At the end of the first class.
Information: For more information about Nalandabodhi's study curriculum, please contact us study@nalandabodhi.ca