Tuesday 7.00 to 8.30pm 2022: Teachings (Advanced Class): Candrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra. Online or in the Gompa. (check calendar for dates)
Wednesday 7.00 to 8.30pm 2022: Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life – (suitable for all) Online or in the Gompa
Sunday 10.30 to 11.30 am: Three Principles of the Path Teachings – Is held in the Gompa, and is every second Sunday (please check calendar). This class is in English and is a basic level to help Geshela learn English.
Sundays Fortnightly 10.30am – 11.30am click calendar for dates
Our dear teacher Geshe Jampa Gyaltsen has kindly agreed to teach Je Tsong kha pa’s the Three Principles of the Path on Sunday mornings. Geshe la has been studying English and Sunday gives him an opportunity to teach in English. This course is ideal for new students as it presents one of the most profound texts in a very simple and easy to understand way. Teaching in English allows Geshe la’s kindness and humour to shine through and these classes are always a lot of fun, as well as creating the causes for Geshe la to be able to teach fluently in English in the future.
The Three Principles of the Path presents the important topics of Renunciation, Bodhicitta and the View of emptiness, in a very succinct and clear way and is a foundational text of Tibetan Buddhism. These teachings are preceded by Sunday Lam Rim analytical meditations, a wonderful way to prepare the mind for the blessing of the Dharma.
Facility Fee: By donation
Tuesdays 7 – 8.30 pm click calendar for dates
During the Tuesday Advanced Class in Buddhist Philosophy, Geshe Jampa Gyaltsen will deepen his teaching of Prāsaṇgika Madhyamaka by presenting Candrakīrti’s “Entering the Middle Way” (Madhyamakāvatāra) in conjunction with Je Tsong kha pa’s “Elucidating the Intent” (Dgongs pa rab gsal). Candrakīrti’s Madhyamakāvatāra is the mainstay of the 4 years of study dedicated to the study of Madhyamaka in the great Tibetan monasteries and is studied in conjunction with: Candrakīrti’s own commentary, the Madhyamakāvatāra-bhaṣya and Je Tsong kha pa’s great commentary on both texts, Dgongs pa rab gsal
Dgongs pa rab gsal is Je Tsong kha pa’s final major work dedicated to the view and is, in more senses than one, his spiritual testament as it was composed in 1418, one year before his passing. It is a particular stroke of good fortune that Thupten Jinpa just published his skillful translation of this great masterpiece in 2021.
As resident translator at TBI since 2008, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the pinnacle of the study program initiated many years ago at TBI.
In particular, to have a fully-qualified Lharampa Geshe from Sera Je and former disciplinarian of Tehor Khangtsen, teach such a work is a unique privilege.
It may very well no longer be possible to receive such a transmission again in the future. We therefore sincerely hope that all the students who have attended the Tuesday class throughout the last years will attend.
The texts we will be relying upon will be:
- Geshe Thupten Jinpa’s translation of the Madhyamakāvatāra which has already been sent to all the students attending this year’s class.
- Je Tsong kha pa: “Illuminating the Intent. An Exposition of Candrakīrti’s “Entering the Middle Way”, transl. by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, The Library of Tibetan Classics, Wisdom Publications, 2021
As a fully-qualified Lharampa Geshe from Sera Je monastery and former disciplinarian of Tehor Khangtsen, Geshe-la is superbly qualified to teach such profound topics.
We hope that all sincere students who are interested in the Buddhist view of emptiness will avail themselves of this marvelous opportunity!
Facility Fee: Non-Members $14.00 Members and Concession $7.00
Wednesday 7 – 8.30 pm click calendar for date When Geshe Jampa Gyaltsen was first invited to teach at TBI by our Teacher, the late Khensur Kangyur Rinpoche, he expressed the wish to teach Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra (“Engaging in the Behavior of the Bodhisattvas”) which he had memorised when he was a young monk and which was very close to his heart. Khensur Rinpoche agreed but he suggested, however, that as a prelude he should teach the Lam Rim in detail, which he has done for almost 10 years. The time has come, at last, for Geshe-la to teach the totality of Śāntideva’s Bodhicaryāvatāra which he will do during the Wednesday class dedicated to general Buddhist teachings.The Bodhicaryāvatāra is the main text H.H. the Dalai Lama relies upon when teaching general audiences. This marvelous work describes the practice of Bodhisattvas from both the method and wisdom aspect of the path: each stanza provides both short-term solace and lasting spiritual sustenance.It is not easy to receive a complete transmission and teachings on this great work by a Lharampa Geshe who has made it the center of his personal practice and we hope many Australian students will attend! These teachings are suitable for beginners and experienced students alike and present a road map to happiness, so we can awaken our hearts and minds to the joy and peace within. All are welcome to come to the teachings and afterwards join together for a chat, cup of chai and biscuits (and cake if we are lucky!) Facility Fee: Non-Members $14.00 Members and Concession $7.00
