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February
8 & 9 2003
Intermediate
Level I
The
Four Great Immeasurables (brahmaviharas) - loving-kindness, compassion,
sympathetic joy, and equanimity - are qualities of our being that are
necessary to develop in order to benefit both ourselves and others. Traleg
Rinpoche will present the Four Immeasurables, discuss their benefits,
and show how they are interconnected with each other.
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March
1 & 2 2003
Intermediate
Level I
Buddha-nature
(tathagatha-garba) is a Mahayana Buddhist concept associated with the
Yogacara school which posits that all sentient beings have the seed or
potential to obtain enlightenment. Traleg Rinpoche will discuss the varying
perspectives of the concept of Buddha-nature and how it can bring tremendous
inspiration and encouragement on the spiritual path.
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27 April 2002
Depression is a common and sometimes overwhelming mental state that affects
many of us at some stage in our lives. Often we reject this state as being
completely barren as well as a hindrance, not only in our everyday life,
but also in our spiritual life.
This course will explore the Buddhist understanding of these so-called
negative states of mind and will discuss the role they have within the
path to enlightenment.
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29 March - 2 April 2002
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16 February 2002
"All
that we are is the result of what we have thought…If one speaks or
acts with unwholesome intentions, pain will follow, as the wheel of a
cart follows the hoof of the ox…If one speaks or acts with wholesome
thoughts, happiness follows, like a shadow that never leaves."
Dharmapada ch. 1, vrs 1 & 2
In this one-day course the Ven. Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche will discuss how
the theory and practice of the Buddhist path guides us towards a way of
being that ultimately transforms the mind. First, we need to experience
a stilling of the mind that enables us to begin the process of understanding
how this mind functions - as it is - apart from how we may think that
it 'should' be. With this awareness as our basis we recognise how this
very mind, the source of both bondage and liberation, can be transformed.
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March 2001
This
series of 8 lectures will investigate the differences and similarities
of the approach of Zen Buddhism and that of Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings
within the Tibetan system. Such a course has not been conducted before.
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April 1-2 2000
4 tapes
This course covers the theory and practice of Buddhism, the benefits of
which can be used in everyday life.
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February 5 1999
13 tapes
Buddhism, in its broad approach, caters for the varying dispositions of
mind and therefore has developed the system of the three yanas or vehicles
- Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. This course comprehensively covers key
aspects of Buddhism.
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Buddhist Summer School '99 - January 9-14
3 tapes
This course investigates the two approaches to enlightenment - whether it
is achieved in a sudden way or as a gradual process. The different approaches
of Buddhism reflect the diversity of its methodology and yet those differences
do not necessarily suggest any contradiction.
Whether enlightenment is spontaneous or progressive
has been the cause of much misunderstanding and debate over the centuries.
This course explores the differences between sudden and gradual perspectives
and how relevant the concepts are to each other.
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12 April 1998
6 tapes
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12 April 1998
2 tapes
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February 21 1998
4 tapes
Meditation of tranquillity is one of two techniques of meditation in Buddhism.
The purpose of shamatha or meditation of tranquillity is to stabilise the
mind. A mind that is not stable or focused is a mind that is undisciplined
and vulnerable to adverse effects of emotional instability and conceptual
confusion.
This weekend course explores the significance and
importance of meditation and provides the opportunity to practise by learning
the techniques of meditation of tranquillity and meditation of insight
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22 November 1997
8 tapes (can be broken up)
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June 7 1997
5 tapes
This course explores Tibetan Buddhism both from the theoretical and practical
perspective, as presented by the four lineages (i.e. Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya
and Gelug). Tibetan Buddhism is unique in that it contains teachings of
Hinayana, Mahayana and vajrayana, which gives it a depth and richness that
makes it suitable for all types of individuals. This course is suitable
both for newcomers and experienced students
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February 10 1996
2 tapes
In Tibetan Buddhism, understanding and applying the theory and practice
of meditation is fundamental to the quest for enlightenment. It is the primary
process by which one frees oneself of the habitual patterns of emotional
conflicts and conceptual perplexity that perpetuate dissatisfaction. Recognising
the nature of dissatisfaction and its causes develops a desire to not only
free oneself but also others from the bondage of samsara (conditioned existence).
This one day course presents a comprehensive explanation of the theory and
practice of meditation.
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Buddhist Summer School '96 - January 13-18
3 tapes
The concept of purification is discussed within the context of Mahayana
and Vajrayana teachings. The discussion covers the basis of purification
(Tibetan, jang shi), that is, the basis on which the process of purification
takes place. The objects of purification (Tibetan, jang ja) which are the
defilements of the mind, i.e. the adventitious defilements and the result
of purification (Tibetan, jang dray) which refers to the outcome of purificatory
practices.
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February 1995
4 tapes
It is often said the emotions cloud our judgment and cause us to behave
irrationally. This course discusses how emotions are understood in relation
to Buddhist theory and practice of meditation.
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February, March 1994
12 tapes
This course is based on Gampopa's classic spiritual manual known as "Jewel
Ornament of Liberation". The text gives a complete description of spiritual
life - commencing with the point of departure, the journey and the goal.
The topics covered are presented in the following order:
1. The motive is Buddhanature.
2. The basis is the precious human body.
3. The cause of awakening is the spiritual friend.
4. The method is spiritual instructions.
5. The result is Buddhahood.
6. The Buddha activity is working for others.
This course is suitable for beginners and advanced students.
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September 26 1993
2 tapes
Buddha Nature is innate in every human being but it is obscured by ignorance
or dualistic thinking. This ignorance binds us to a conditioned way of thinking
and behaviour. Meditation is the method used to peel away the ignorance
in order to rediscover our potentiality, which is Buddha Nature.
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August 21-22 1993
4 tapes
Our sense of self-centredness conditions and obscures our perception and
understanding of our world. The Seven Points of Mind Training is a method
of dismantling our habitual self-centredness or ego clinging, allowing development
of a more encompassing way of viewing the world based upon compassion and
intelligence. This weekend course covers the practices involved in the Seven
Points of Mind Training as well as the reasons behind those practices.
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February-March 1993
16 tapes
The diversity of Buddhism caters for individual dispositions or inclinations
allowing the development of genuine understanding of oneself and the world
we live in. This 6 week course examines the entire spectrum of Buddhist
theory and practice as a method of spiritual development.
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Buddhist Summer School '92 - January 11-16
4 tapes
Questions such as, "Is there life after death? If so, what sort of
existence should one expect in the next life?" are just as important
as questions about the meaning or purpose of life. This course looks at
the Buddhist view of death and survival of death (if that is the right word)
in comparison with the Christian views. It also draws on modern research
into spontaneous recall and near death experiences, and evaluates these
research findings against a background of traditional Buddhist teachings.
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(lectures)
VENERABLE TRALEG KYABGON RINPOCHE AND DR ERIC RYAN
Buddhist Summer School '91 - January 12-17
9 tapes
In this course the two speakers cover the differences between Christian
theological ideas and Buddhist philosophy and psychology. Important spiritual
notions such as sin, sexuality, morality, race and redemption are explored
as well as karma, suffering, samsara and nirvana. The topics are discussed
in detail from both the philosophical and experiential points of view.
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September 1990
4 tapes
The process of mental development is aided by meditation. The meditative
methods employed are shamatha and vipassana. With shamatha meditation, the
mind is stabilized or quietened of its incessant activity and through concentration,
mindfulness is developed. Vipassana meditation is uniquely Buddhist in application.
Through this technique of analytical investigation, insight or direct understanding
into the nature of the mind, is achieved.
This course examines the process of shamatha and vipassana meditations
which are both broad in scope and presentation.
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3 June 1989
3 tapes |
13 August 1988
2 tapes |
1 April 1988
6 tapes
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Buddhist Summer School '88 - January 16-21
6 tapes
Mahamudra or "Encompassingness" is the essence
of all the major Tibetan Buddhist traditions, although this unique philosophy
originated in India and the lineage transmission was passed on in Tibet.
In this course Mahamudra and its philosophy is examined in detail, whilst
at the same time the historical richness of various Buddhist practices and
philosophies are presented. |
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1
October
1987
3
tapes
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