Basic Buddhist Studies Program
Our Basic Buddhist Studies Program offers students a precious
opportunity to study classical Buddhist texts and commentaries
in great depth and detail. The five year program is our most advanced
level of study, with renown scholar and resident teacher, Ven.
Geshe Ngawang Dakpa. A support program of meditation, discussions,
retreats and study tools such as exams, homework and reading assignments
ensures that participants develop an accurate understanding of
the Dharma as a basis for daily practice, contemplative retreat
and further study.
Course Listing
Ornament of Clear Realization
The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics |
Starts Monday, January 21, 7:00 pm
Weekly through June 12
Teacher:
Ven. Geshe Ngawang Dakpa
Location:
Tse Chen Ling Center
The Eight Categories and Seventy Topics is an important study of the entire Sutra path to enlightenment as presented in the Ornament of Clear Realization, including all the fundamental features of the basis, path and goal in the Mahayana. Geshe-la is now on the 4th Chapter. Intermediate to Advanced.
Terms last 2 months, and Geshe-la expects to finish the text this year (2008).
Fee: $99 per term/$49 Members per term - no one turned away for lack of funds
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Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra
The Condensed Meaning of the Vajra Vehicle: The Essence of the Nectar of the Great Secret |
Starts Wednesday, January 23, 7:00 pm
Weekly through June 7
Teacher:
Ven. Geshe Ngawang Dakpa
Location:
Tse Chen Ling Center
Restricted to those with Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment.
"In brief, the Buddhahood achieved over countless eons, you will attain in this birth, through the most excellent bliss, or the state of Vajradhara."
An overview of the structure of the tantric path. Tantra distinguishes itself in particular through a unique combination of method and wisdom, achieved through meditation on the perfect form of a Buddha as completely devoid of true existence. Geshe-la will be using the text by Kirti Losang Trinle and will cover this material so that it is applicable to whichever tantric practice the student is now doing.
This is a resumption of course begun in 2005. We are currently on Highest Yoga Tantra completion stage. Terms last 8-10 weeks. Please note time.
Fee: $99; Members $49 (work exchange available - no one turned away for lack of funds)
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| Buddhism From A-Z |
Starts Friday, March 28, 6:30 pm
Weekly through June 28
Teacher:
Emily Hsu
Location:
Tse Chen Ling Center
Intermediate/Advanced. This course, taught each Friday throughout 2008 will be an in depth study of the entire Buddhist path to enlightenment (lam-rim). It is the first course of the FPMT’s Basic Program (www.fpmt.org/education/bpdescription.asp), and will be based on Lama Tsong Khapa's middle-length commentary of the lam-rim. The Basic Program, designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, is a comprehensive, practice-oriented transmission of the Buddhist teachings that will be of interest to committed students who wish to progress beyond introductory-level study and practice.
Fee: $99 non-members every two months/members $49 every two months.
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Information on Certificate
The Basic Buddhist Studies Program is a five year program with
12 subject areas. An FPMT Basic Program Certificate will be awarded
by FPMT to students who successfully complete the final comprehensive
exam. Candidates for this exam must have completed all of the
subjects of the core curriculum and a monlth-long Lam.rim retreat
at the conclusion of the program. They also have to satisfy the
Basic Program criteria for behavior and conduct—practicing
to refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct (adultery)
and intoxicants, while developing their concern for others and
awareness of positive and negative states of mind; and developing
the practice of patience and the bodhicitta motivation over the
course of their Basic Program studies.
Fees
Course fees help cover facilities, materials, administration and
other expenses. Offerings to the teachers are made separately.
To assist those who cannot afford our fees, a flexible work exchange
program is available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Audit
Students are welcome to audit our classes. While students are
welcome to attend individual sessions, a $15/session audit fee
is requested after the first session.
Registration
To assist our staff in the planning and preparation of materials,
we ask that students register in advance of each course. Simply
call the Center at (415) 621-4215 or email office@tsechenling.org
and provide your name, contact information and class information.
Texts
Outside reading materials, including texts, commentaries and study
aids, are included with course materials. For some courses, additional
texts may be suggested for the study of the material.
Contact
For further information about the Basic Buddhist Studies Program,
please email the Education Director Joanna Smiley at joanna@tsechenling.org
or call (415) 621-4215.
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