BUDDHIST STUDIES
Discover the Essence of Buddhism
an online five week course
Join us for a transformative journey into the heart of Buddhism through an enlightening series inspired by Traleg Kyabgon's profound work, "The Essence of Buddhism." Delve into the core teachings and practices that have guided countless seekers on their path to inner peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
This comprehensive series will explore the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche's revered book. Each week, we will navigate through key concepts, practical insights for our daily life, and powerful meditation techniques that encapsulate the essence of Buddhism.
Why does Buddhism teach that there is “no self?”
Are Buddhist teachings inherently pessimistic?
What is the true meaning of Tantra?
Is it possible to attain enlightenment in this lifetime?
All of these questions are answered in detail as Lodro Rinzler, who had the good fortune to study with Traleg Rinpoche before his passing, unpacks this incredible book.
Who Should Attend
This series warmly welcomes somewhat experienced and seasoned practitioners alike. If you have done previous Buddhist studies of some sort, this is for you. (Hesitant to do something labeled “intermediate?” Reach out to Lodro to see if this is a good fit).
Dates
You can attend this program live and online (recommended) or via recording. The in-person meetings will take place Thursday nights from 7-8:30pm, October 17th - November 14th
Curriculum
Week 1. The Fundamentals
In this class we explore the earliest teachings of the Buddha - the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as well as seemingly advanced concepts like Karma and Rebirth
Week 2. The Mahayana Path
Building on the foundation of the first yana, or vehicle, that the Buddha taught we explore the Way of the Bodhisattva, or open-hearted being, a path of realizing Wisdom and Compassion and explore the Nine Stages of Shamatha
Week 3: The Philosophical Schools of Buddhism
We delve into the Madhyamaka School, Yogachara School and how we can realize our own Buddha-Nature
Week 4: Making Spiritual Progress
What does it look like to see “progress” on the Buddhist path? We look at the traditional Five Paths and Ten Stages of the Bodhisattva as well as the Three Kayas of Buddhahood
Week 5: Tantric Buddhism
An introduction to the tantric levels of attainment, becoming a total person and the advanced teachings of the Six Yogas of Naropa and Mahamudra Meditation
All classes are recorded for anyone who is unable to attend live and released the day after the live class
Text: The Essence of Buddhism by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche - expect ~30 pages of reading a week
Price: Sliding scale, based on what you would like to offer. If none of the options below feel right for you, please email lodrorinzler@gmail.com and we will arrange for what does.
REGISTRATION:
“For the four years I've been studying with Lodro, he always pushes me towards more compassion and sensitivity for myself and others. In his teaching, Lodro consistently provides the perfect mix of traditional wisdom and contemporary experience, showing that what we think are our oh-so-modern problems are really pretty much the same as the ones humans have always been encountering.”
— Sharon