An In Depth Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy
A major course beginning on Saturday, January 13, in French; and Sunday, January 14, in English from 2 to 5 p.m. IN PERSON ONLY
This 15-week program is designed for, and will be beneficial to, both beginners and more advanced students. Pierre Orgyen Cardinal, a senior student of Buddhism, will lead this course under the guidance of Acharya Chöying Gyurmey, our resident lama.
Classes are structured, dynamic and participatory. Commitment and assiduous attendance are vital. Classes will be on weekends, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Based on the results of the survey conducted through the initial Newsletter, the course will be offered in French on Saturdays, and in English on Sundays. In January, classes will be held on the three consecutive weekends from January 13, 2024. In the following months, other major Rigpe Dorje Centre activities may be scheduled on some weekends. Please check the regular monthly schedules to be issued in the coming months.
Program for this 15-week course:
“An in depth introduction to buddhist philosophy”
1. BUDDHISM: FROM ITS ORIGIN TO TODAY
We will see how Buddhism originated in India, spread over the centuries to the outskirts of Europe, then throughout Asia, before now being accessible throughout the world.
2. THE THREE YANAS
“Yana” means vehicle in English. We will then see how the vehicle of the ancients or theravada, also called hinayana, leads to nirvana and the state of an arhat; and how that of the Great vehicle or of the Mahayana leads to Buddhahood or awakening, enlightenment, which is the state of a Buddha, thanks to the motivation of the mind of awakening or bodhicitta. It will also be explained why these two vehicles are called vehicles of causality or hetuyana in relation to the Vajrayana or vehicle of the thunderbolt diamond in English, which is also called vehicle of the fruit or p’alayana (phalayana) and how this particular vehicle, thanks to numerous skilful means, can lead to enlightenment in one lifetime.
3. THE FOUR MAJOR SCHOOLS OF VAJRAYANA: THE PLACE OF THE RIGPE DORJE CENTER WITHIN THEM.
The students will be exposed to the advent of Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet in the 8th century CE, through the determination of the Tibetan king Trisong Deutsen, and through the arrival of the Bodhisattva abbot Shantirakshita and the great tantric guru Padmasambhava, both Indians, and to the school which came to bear the name of Nyingma or the old translations, in relation to the schools which followed the persecution by King Langdarma and which forced first a new invitation then the coming of Indian scholars—such as Atisha and many others—of translators, texts and practices; and how this new advent was therefore called Sarma or new translations, which then gave rise to the names Nyingma and Sarma in order to differentiate two distinct major eras in the history of Himalayan Buddhism in Tibet.
4. REFUGE & BODHICITTA; THEIR MEANINGS, IMPORTANCE, REASONS and ADVANTAGES.
The common point of all the yanas is the taking of refuge in the Three Jewels which are the Buddha or the Awakened One, or even the Enlightened One; the Dharma or its teaching; and the Sangha or the community of those who practise the teachings of the Buddha. But in Vajrayana, which is also based on the Mahayanist view of Bodhicitta, taking refuge is not only in the Three Jewels but also in what is called the Three Roots which are the guru or master; the isthadevata, also called deva or the chosen divinity; and the dakini or the feminine energy principle of awakening. All this will be demystified for the students.
5. INITIATIONS, ORAL TRANSMISSIONS & INSTRUCTIONS: THEIR MEANINGS, IMPORTANCE, REASONS AND BENEFITS.
To adequately enter the path of Vajrayana the initiation, or more correctly translated as empowerment, that is to say, to be empowered to actually practise Vajrayana, followed by an oral scriptural transmission, as well as by the instructions which are related to them are necessary. Details of their essential necessities will be presented.
6. MEDITATION: SHAMATHA or MENTAL CALM
This meditation technique, common to all Buddhist yanas, serves to calm the mental agitation (shamatha) of the adept in order to eventually see clearly (vipashyana) through his numerous activities and distractions. It also offers a wide range of variations depending on the yana or level of progression of the adept. Not only will the students enrolled in this course be exposed to it, but they will also have the opportunity to experience this technique hands-on in short meditation sessions throughout the course.
7. RECITATION OF MANTRAS: MEANING, IMPORTANCE, REASONS AND BENEFITS.
Vajrayana is also known by two other names: Tantrayana, because this vehicle is based on texts called tantra; then Mantrayana because it uses vibratory formulas, often audible sounds, called mantra. This course will help remove the veil on this unique feature of Vajrayana Buddhism.
8. DEDICATION OF MERITS: IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE.
It is customary to offer the merits accumulated during the practices of any follower of Buddhism, but particularly of Mahayana-Vajrayana. Not only the meaning but also the importance of concluding all virtuous activities with a dedication, often accompanied by a verse or prayer of aspiration, will be explained.
- Once this 45-hour course is completed, everyone will be able to know whether this path suits one or not.
- Diligent and regular attendance will allow the student to make the most of the content of this course. Diligence and assiduity are THE secret to the success of any authentic spiritual endeavour.
- For those interested, the teacher will give instructions on how to purchase the suggested books from the E MA HO Bookstore at the Centre.
Deadline for Registration is on January 12, 2024. The course begins on January 13, 2024, in French; and January 14, in English.
The suggested donation for this 15 week (45 hours) course is $200 for members / $225 for non-members. Payment is expected at registration. To encourage diligent participation, a $50 rebate will be given to participants who attend all 15 sessions.