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Spring 2011 Classes - Descriptions

The following classes are described on this page:

Seven Point Mind Training

Meets Mondays, 6:30-7:50 PM
Instructor Ven. Tenzin Gephel
Prerequisites None - This course is suitable for both beginning and intermediate-level students
Suggested Reading The Seven-Point Mind Training by B. Alan Wallace (Snow Lion Publications)
Tuition $250 for the semester, payable in full or in two $125 installments
Description This is a classic Buddhist text by the great master Atisha for training the mind to generate loving kindness and compassion towards other beings, transform difficult circumstances and recognize the true nature of reality. The text lays out a set of 59 statements that are concise instructions one uses to train ones mind to relate to persons, events and experiences in a more constructive, beneficial and joyful manner. The class will provide an explanation of these instructions and how to apply them in ones daily life.

The Stages Of The Path To Enlightenment (Lam Rim) Part One

Meets Tuesdays, 6:30-7:50 PM
Instructor Venerable Tenzin Choesang with Palden Oshoe, translator
Prerequisites Prior knowledge of the subject is helpful but not required
Suggested Reading The Great Treatise on the Stages Of The Path To Enlightenment by Tsong-Kha-Pa, Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee (Snow Lion Publications); Guided Meditations on The Stages of the Path by Thubten Chodron (Snow Lion Publications)
Tuition $250 for entire semester payable in full or in two $125 installments
Description The Lam Rim is a fundamental text in Tibetan Buddhism that details all the teachings and practices of the complete path for the attainment of enlightenment. Part One covers the initial stage of the path when one first seeks relief from ones own suffering. Topics that are covered in this stage include: how to rely on a spiritual friend, basic meditation instruction, reflections on impermanence and death, the characteristics of karma, and going for refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

Open Heart And Mind: Essential Topics Seminar In Conjunction With The Practice Of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig)

Meets Wednesdays, 6:30-7:50 PM
Instructor Sidney Piburn
Prerequisites None - This course is suitable for both beginning and intermediate-level students
Suggested Reading Images of Enlightenment by Jonathan Landaw and Andy Weber (Snow Lion Publications); The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra by Rob Preece (Snow Lion Publications); Comfortable with Uncertainty or any other book by Pema Chodron (Shambhala Publications); and The World of Tibetan Buddhism by the Dalai Lama (Wisdom Publications).
Tuition $250 for entire semester payable in full or in two $125 installments
Description This course will explore the fundamental topics of Tibetan Buddhism, wisdom and compassion, within the method of tantric practice. The Avalokitesvara (Chenrezig) method will be practiced in a way such that both those with and without initiation may attend this course. The course will be informal and involve much class participation. It is open to individuals of all levels of experience and will be tailored to those actually taking the class. There will be an attempt to bridge tantric perspective with practical everyday life situations. Manuals for practice will be provided. Students will be encouraged to obtain a bell and dorje set and a mala, though not required.

The instructor, Sidney Piburn is co-founder of Snow Lion Publications and Namgyal Monastery, Ithaca, and has lectured and taught widely at universities and Buddhist centers.

The Buddhist Philosophical Tenets: Sautrantika (Sutra School)

Meets Thursdays, 6:30-7:50 PM
Instructor Venerable Tenzin Choesang with Palden Oshoe, translator
Prerequisites Prior knowledge of the subject is helpful but not required
Suggested Reading Knowledge and Liberation by Anne C. Klein (Snow Lion Publications); Knowing, Naming & Negation by Anne C. Klein (Snow Lion Publications); Cutting Through Appearances by Geshe Lhundup Sopa & Jeffrey Hopkins (Snow Lion Publications).
Tuition $250 for entire semester payable in full or in two $125 installments
Description In Buddhism, the cultivation of limitless wisdom is inextricably linked to the concept of selflessness. The Buddhist philosophical tenets represent different views and interpretations of the meaning of selflessness. Progression through the tenets takes one to more and more subtle understandings of selflessness. Thus, for one to fully realize wisdom, one must develop an understanding of selflessness through listening to, contemplating and meditating on each of the tenet views. This class focuses on the early Buddhist philosophical school of the Sautrantika (Sutra School).

Beginning Colloquial Tibetan

Meets Mondays, 8:00-9:15 PM
Instructor Palden Oshoe
Prerequisites None - This course is very suitable for beginners
Suggested Reading Fluent Tibetan, Vol. I, Snow Lion Publications
Tuition $150 for each 5-week session, or $300 for entire semester
Description This course is an introduction to the modern Tibetan language in both its spoken and written forms. Students will learn the Tibetan alphabet and basic grammar, and develop speaking and comprehension proficiency through extensive use of drill and conversational practices. Fluent Tibetan, Vol. I will be used as the main text for the course, and will be supplemented with selected handouts from the instructor.

Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan

Meets Tuesdays, 8:00-9:15 PM
Instructor Venerable Tenzin Choklang with Palden Oshoe, translator
Prerequisites Completion of Beginning Colloquial Tibetan
Study Materials Fluent Tibetan, Vols. I & II, Snow Lion Publications
Tuition $150 for each 5-week session, or $300 for entire semester
Description In this class students will continue to develop speaking and comprehension proficiency through extensive use of drill and conversational practice. Fluent Tibetan, Vols. I & II will be used as the main texts for the course, and will be supplemented with selected handouts from the instructor.

Advanced Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan

Meets Thursdays, 8:00-9:15 PM
Instructor Ven. Tenzin Thutop
Prerequisites Completion of Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan
Study Materials Handouts will be provided by the instructor
Tuition $150.00 for each 5-week session, or $300.00 for entire semester
Description The instructor will conduct Tibetan-only conversation with those who wish to move on to more advanced colloquial Tibetan. Handouts from the instructor will be used as the basis of the course material for study and practice.
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