The Five-Year Rigpe Dorje Meditation Program
(2017 - 2021)
Overview
A Curriculum for Progressing towards Liberation
The doctrine of our teacher, the mighty Shakyamuni — celebrated as akin to a single white lotus amidst the thousand Buddhas of this privileged age — is distinguished by its integration of both sutra and mantra. The way to learn this approach is the very method of all the sutra teachings, namely the study of renunciation, bodhicitta, and correct view, by which we likewise enter into secret mantra.
Renunciation means letting go of the mindset of compulsive attachment, due to seeing that the seeming pleasures of samsara’s bountiful charms is, in fact, an illusory bliss. Bodhicitta that is kind, compassionate, and loving overturns the destructive mindset of self-importance. Authentic view realizing emptiness, the true nature, cuts through the compulsive fixation of taking things to be real.
Studying these three renders our mindstream fit for the path of mantra. Next, empowerment serves as the entryway, introducing us to the recognition that our own three gates are the vajra body, speech, and mind of the yidam. Then, traversing the path of mantra requires our exerting ourselves in the creation and completion stages with pure view.
To harmonize with this enlightened understanding, Rigpe Dorje Institute has crafted the following five-year curriculum for the practice program, grounded in the Seven Points of Mind Training, the prime teaching on the complete and unmistaken practice of the Sutrayana.
FIRST YEAR
2017 November 22 to December 2
The Four Preliminary Foundations
The first-year program presents the method for reorienting the mind away from samsara, taken from the preliminaries of the Seven Point Mind Training, namely the essential pre-requisites of the Four Preliminary Foundations or Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to Dharma.
SECOND YEAR
2018 November 20 to November 30
Bodhicitta
In the second year, we move to the main body of the practice of Seven Point Mind Training. Ultimate bodhicitta counteracts the fixation that takes things to be real. Here, it is taught implicitly, through the principal practice of meditative habituation to conventional bodhicitta, itself the method for overturning our self-importance.
THIRD YEAR
2019 November 12 to November 22
Creation and Completion, Part I
For the third-year program, we will undertake the very essence of Mind Training — creation and completion stages — applied to the practice of Chenrezig, the Arya Avalokiteshvara, supreme yidam and embodiment of the enlightened compassion of all the buddhas.
FOURTH YEAR
Creation and Completion, Part II
The fourth year continues with creation and completion stage practice, this time applied to Buddha Amitabha, lord of the family of the Protector Avalokiteshvara.
FIFTH YEAR
Mahamudra
The fifth year will round out the presentations of the completion stages of these two yidams and ultimate bodhicitta from the Mind Training. Principally using Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thaye’s key instructions from the Treasury of Knowledge for progressive meditation in the Vajrayana, we will listen, contemplate and meditate on Mahamudra, the definitive meaning, the path whereby the three prajnas free us naturally from our minds' fetters.
THE RIGPE DORJE Program REQUIREMENTS
Teachings in Tibetan with English translation. Students in the philosophy program are required to attend all teachings and at least the scripture and / or one language class. In addition to class time, students of philosophy are encouraged to arrange time for personal reflection and meditation on the teachings. Students in the meditation program are required to attend all the teachings and practice sessions.
Residency in Pullahari is an integral part of the program experience. In exceptional circumstances, alternative residency may be acceptable but a non-residential surcharge is required.
Correct Conduct is encouraged throughout the period of the programs as right ethical conduct is the basis of all the qualities of knowledge. A respectful attitude towards the monastic environment and others in the assembly is essential. Use of intoxicants is strictly prohibited.
Scripture and Tibetan Language classes are conducted in English, Tibetan, or both, as specified in the individual class descriptions outlined in the program. Intermediate and advanced classes require extensive study, including required homework, and examinations.
Personal interviews with Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal will be arranged and scheduled.
CONTACT FOR INFORMATION
Rigpe Dorje Program Coordinator
Khenpo Chokey Gyaltsen
Pullahari Monastery
Jagdol, Budhanilkantha-11
P.O. Box 11015, Kathmandu
NEPAL
Tel: +977 (1) 6201550
Email: pullahari@jamgonkongtrul.org
Website: www.jamgonkongtrul.org