upcoming
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 comprehensive-ness 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 Anne Marie Weiss 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), will be 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 112:
Karma, Rebirth and Selflessness.
New study classes, beginning Saturday, September 11
@ Maitrivana, the Garden of Loving Kindness
Introduction to Buddhism 112: is the third of a series of four Introductory courses offered prior to our Hinayana curriculum. Like all Nalandabodhi curriculum, these readings are excerpted from talks given by the Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and have been carefully compiled under Rinpoche's direction. "Buddhism 112: Karma, Rebirth and Selflessness" examines contemplation as mind training, the Four Seals, and the Four Reminders.
Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or have experience studying the Dharma, this course will be a wonderful opportunity to engage in discussion and study of the Buddhadharma.
Introduction to Buddhism 112 will run every second Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, starting September 11, 2010. The first session will be a brief review of the previous introduction courses (Buddhism 100 and 111). The class begins with a meditation session from 11:00 - 11:30 am. Dates for the five classes:
- September 11,
- September 25,
- October 9,
- October 23,
- November 6
Alannah Wells and Sid Weiss, students of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, spiritual teacher and author of Nalandabodhi study curriculum, will lead the Buddhism 112 study group.
If you are interested in beginning this course, or for more information on the study curriculum, please contact Anne Marie Weiss at: study@nalandabodhi.ca.
If you would like to start with this third course of the Intro series, and you have not taken the first two courses, please contact Susan: study@nalandabodhi.ca as soon as possible.
You are welcome to drop in to the first class, before committing to the entire course. Registration will occur at the end of the first class.
Tuition: $50 tuition for non-members and contributing members, and $25 tuition for members. Coursebook: $20 per text. Note: Tuition is waived for study group members who are repeating a course.
The Hinayana View 200:
Nalandabodhi Study Path 200 Series
Continuing Saturday, September 11
@ Maitrivana, the Garden of Loving Kindness
The Hinayana View 200: The Hinayana course begins by discussing the Hinayana journey as one of individual liberation, and the three trainings in discipline, meditation and wisdom. The history, schools, and the main elements of the Hinayana view such as the skandhas, ayatanas, and dhatus are studied next. Subsequent readings cover the sixteen aspects of the Four Noble Truths and the five skandhas. One class of this course will be a practicum of analytical meditation and another teaches the specific views of the Vaibhashika and Sautrantika Schools.
It is recommended that students complete the Introduction to Buddhism classes before registering in the Hinayana courses.
Hinayana View 200 will be offered every other Saturday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, starting on September 11 and continuing through Spring 2011. Class ends with a meditation session from 11:00 - 11:30 AM that is held with the students of the Introduction to Buddhism class.
Fall 2010 classes:
- September 11,
- September 25,
- October 9,
- October 23,
- November 6,
- November 20,
- December 4
The Hinayana course will be lead by Susan Stewart, with assistance from Anne Marie Weiss, both students of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, spiritual teacher and the author of Nalanddabodhi study curriculum.
If you are interested in beginning this course, or for more information on the study curriculum, please contact Anne Marie Weiss at: study@nalandabodhi.ca.
Registration will occur at the end of the first class.
Tuition: $50 tuition for non-members and contributing members, and $25 tuition for members. Coursebook: $20 per text. Note: Tuition is waived for study group members who are repeating a course.
Tibetan Language Classes
Learn the fundamentals of the Tibetan language
Tibetan Language Classes on Tuesday & Saturday evenings. Lama Rabten begins a new series of 8 Tibetan Language Classes on Tuesday, September 7th until October 2nd.
Two levels are offered:
- 7 pm to 8 pm for new students
- 8 pm to 9 pm for intermediate students
All students are welcome to attend both levels. The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva is the designated text for the intermediate class.
How much does it cost?
Tuition: $80 / 8 classes.
To register or for more information please e-mail lamarabten@nalandabodhi.ca or phone: 604-629-8448.
Returning students are asked to please review previous lessons.