Venerable Khenpo Kalsang Gyaltsen is happy to announce an intensive course of study of Sāntideva’s great classic Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra, taught at Tsechen Kunchab Ling October 21 – November 22, 2019, by guest scholar Venerable Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin. This important work is part of the first-year curriculum of most Tibetan Buddhist philosophical colleges. The text explains both the theory and practice of the path to enlightenment based on the six perfections, composed in 1000 lyric verses.
This year’s teaching on the Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra is organized in fulfillment of His Holiness the Sakya Trichen’s vision of bringing the great Buddhist classics studied in the college curriculum to Western students in the English language. Beginning with the Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra, each year, Tsechen Kunchab Ling will host teaching on a different classic work from the college curriculum, providing English-speaking students an opportunity for advanced philosophical study.
The highly respected Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin was chosen by His Holiness the Sakya Trichen to teach the course. He is abbot of Tsechen Dongag Choeling, Mungod, India and has an excellent command of both the subject matter and the English language, and extensive retreat experience. A student of Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, he has taught Buddhist philosophy at both Sakya College, and International Buddhist Academy.
DATES AND TUITION
October 21, 2019 – Arrival and orientation
October 22 – Study begins
October 22 – November 21 – Classes continue 9:30 to 12:00 and 2:00 to 5:00 each day
November 22 – Departure
Residential option: (Includes board and room at the temple) $1500
Non-residential option: $750
Tuition for part-time attendance is $25 per day, plus $25 per night if you wish to stay overnight at the temple. If you are considering part-time attendance, please contact sakya@sakyatemple.org
For monastic sangha holding getsul, getsulma, gelong, or gelongma vows. Please e-mail sakya@sakyatemple.org with the date and place of your ordination, abbot’s name and monastic vows received to make arrangements for your registration.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
A Dharma study opportunity of this importance and duration is only possible through the generosity of devoted Dharma sponsors. All those with fortunate means and motivation are invited to share in the great merit of hosting these profound teachings. In addition to the virtuous karma of being a patron of the Dharma, sponsoring this profound teaching cycle is a very special way to strengthen one’s connection with these profound pith instructions.
Patron – $10,000 – Patrons’ generosity covers the considerable costs of hosting the teachings and providing the noonday meals for participants. In appreciation for Patrons’ kindness in making the teaching possible for all, patrons do not need to pay the regular tuition for the program.
Publication Sponsor – $1,500 – Publication sponsors cover the cost of printing the texts, prayers, and materials used during the teachings.
If you would like to become a sponsor or would like more information about sponsorship, please contact sakya@sakyatemple.org. Thank you!
HOUSING
Housing at the temple is available for students choosing the “residential option.” Rooms are basic and bathrooms are shared.
All students enrolled in the course will share lunch cooking duties in rotation, and in addition, those residing at the temple will also share breakfast, dinner, and cleaning duties in rotation. Cooking and cleaning will be undertaken after classes are completed in the afternoon.
If you prefer to arrange your own housing, a list of local options is available on our website. We regret that camping on the temple grounds is not allowed during the teachings and empowerments.
TRANSPORTATION
Please arrange your own transportation. Information on how to get to the temple from local airports is HERE. There is no local public transportation in the Walden area except taxi and uber. Free parking is available at the temple.
WHAT TO BRING
All students: Bring your study materials.
Residential students: Bring your own bedding, pillow, and towel.