Property:Advstudiesprogsdetails
From Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships
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I have completed a BA and an MA degree from the Rangjung Yeshe Institute. This has entailed both formal academic studies, as well as traditional classes taught by khenpos from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery. During these last six years I have studied the Bodhicaryāvatāra, the Khenjuk (Gateway to Knowledge) by Mipham, the Madhyamakāvatāra, the Uttaratantraśāstra, the Mūlamadhyamakakārika, and Mipham's commentary on the 9th chapter of the Bodhicaryāvatāra; the Norbu Ketaka. +
P
Tara Triple Excellence (Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche Taras program) +
Since moving to the Bay Area in 2010, I have been actively engaged in Buddhist studies, though largely through independent routes, not enrolled in formal programs. I have audited a series of classes with Professor Steven Goodman at the California Institute of Integral Studies from 2010-2014, including Beginning and Intermediate Tibetan, "The Poetics of Enlightenment: Poetic Traditions Within Buddhist and Western Canons," "Buddhism and Shamanism," and "Working With Emotions: A Survey of Psychology Through Buddhist and Western Perspectives." In addition, I participated in an independent study group led by Professor Goodman, centered around the text, "Matrix of Mystery" by Herbert V. Guenther. Participants in the group received the empowerment and lung for Longchenpa's commentary on the Guhyagarbha Tantra at Orgyen Dorje Den in 2015. After receiving this, we worked with additional Guhyagarbha material, including the teachings and translations of Lama Chonam and Sangya Khandro. Lastly, I took a Beginning Tibetan Language course at the Nyingma Institute in 2011 in which we read and worked with the Sems-nyid-ngal-gso, and over the past year I was enrolled in the Ngondro program at Pema Osel Ling. +
A 6 month shedra taught by Khenpo Choga Rinpoche in 2008.
Texts completed:
Shantarakshita's "Ornament of the Middle Way"
Patrul Rinpoche's "Words of my Perfect Teacher"
Khenpo Ngakchung's "Commentary on Words of Perfect Teacher"
Shantideva's "Way of the Bodhisattva" +
Through V. Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche; Guhyagarbha, Tsig Don Rinpoche Dzod and Yeshe Lama Teachings and practices. +
Lama Tharchin specifically requested I attend shedra at POL
I attended the following classes at the now defucnt Shedra:
WIth Khenpo Urgyen Thinley aka Orgyen Chowang (chosen by Thinley Norbu for POL Shedra):
Mipham RInpoche's Beacon of Certainty Dream Yoga & Four ChogZhag SIksum Nedek Rongzom Mahapandita's Black Snake " " Establishing the Divinity of Appearance
21 Semdzins of Mangag +
In 2006-07, I studied the Bodhicaryavatara at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute, Boudhanath, Nepal. The course was seven months long, with five sessions per week, and was taught by Khenpo Sherab Dorje of Namdroling Monastery. The course included two written examinations which were designed and graded by the khenpo, and on both of these I received high marks. During this period I also took a three-month course on Prajnakaramati's Sanskrit commentary to the ninth chapter of the Bodhicaryavatara, and a three-month course on the history of Buddhism. I received high marks in both of these courses as well.
In the spring of 2008, I studied Maitreya's Uttaratantra Shastra, together with its commentary by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye, at Pullahari Gompa, Kathmandu, Nepal. The course was two months long with daily session, and was taught by Drupon Khenpo Lodro Namgyal. +
If you mean 3 year retreat, then I am just beginning. Attended several dzogchen retreats. Have done about 50 one week Zen sessions. Have done several vipassana retreats. +
No chedra (if that's what you mean) +
Is Guru Yoga "advanced buddhist studie"? "Yes, I think so" +
When Rinpoche started Shedra here I participated in the first year. +
I've done Phowa retreat in India with Lama Ayang Rinpoche and 9-10 Dzogchen (Trekchod ) Retreats with Lama Tharchin Rinpoche. Have also received some Mahayoga and Tsa-lung instruct. from LTR. I've also studied Situ Rinpoche's and Khenpo Karthar's Teachings on Mahamudra as well as receiving personal instruction from various Kagyu Lamas. Also, Rushen retreat with LTR. +
Drubdra 2005-2009: All aspects of Meditation & Ritual, Tibetan Language & Archiving Teachings
Dharma Apprenticeship Program, Tulku Thubten Rinpoche 2003-2005, SF Bay Area, Training in the Three Vehicles of Buddhism, through Sutrayana & Tantayana +
Dzogchen Teachings; Rushen; Trekcho +
Tara Triple Excellence - (Drolma Zabtik) - Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
Online Study Since 2010 +
I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language. +
âJewel Ornament of Liberationâ (Dakpo Targyen), âThe Mahamudra, Eliminating the
Darkness of Ignoranceâ (Chakchen Marik MuÌnsel), âMahamudra, Ocean of True Meaningâ
(Ngedön Gyamtso), âThirty-seven Practices of a Bodhisattvaâ, âMahamudra Wishing
Prayerâ with commentary (Chakchen Mönlam), âComletely Clear Manifestationâ (Rabsel
Nangwa), âLadder to Akanishtaâ, âThe Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of
Phenomenaâ (Chöying Dzö), etc. +
• 1999 – 2001 and 2006-2009 : I did twice a 3 years Buddhist studies curriculum in 9 units (a kind of condensed Chedra taught by Lama Denys) covering the main aspects of comprehension : Dharma History, Buddhist phenomenology, Philosophical Views, Subtle body, …
• 2008 : She bya dzö transmission and teaching by Situ Rinpoche in Sherab Ling +
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I completed the following courses at Rangjung Yeshe Institute and received a B.A. Honors in Buddhist Philosophy and Himalayan Language:
Language Courses:
Classical Tibetan TLAN 101
Classical Tibetan TLAN 102
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 103
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 104
Classical Tibetan TLAN 201
Classical Tibetan TLAN 202
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 203
Translation Theory TRNS 301
Buddhist Philosophy Courses:
BSTD 101 History of Buddhism in Asia
BSTD 102 Bodhicharyavatara
BSTD 103 Bodhicharyavatara
BSTD 201 Madhyantavibhagha
BSTD 202 Sutralamkara
BSTD 203 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (9th Chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara from root Sanskrit text)
BSTD 204 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Indian Yogacarin Thought)
BSTD 301 Gateway to Knowledge
BSTD 302 Gateway to Knowledge
BSTD 303 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Foundations of Dharmakirti's Philosophy)
BSTD 304 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Buddhist Ethics)
BSTD 305 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (kunzang lama'i shelung untranslated)
BSTD 306 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (kunzang lama'i shelung untranslated)
BSTD 307 Buddhism and Development
BSTD 401 Madhyantavibhagha
BSTD 402 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Indian Philosophical Systems)
BSTD 404 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (dwags po'i thar rgyan untranslated)
BSTD 407 Methodology
BSTD 408 Thesis Dissertation +
I completed the following courses at Rangjung Yeshe Institute and received a B.A. Honors in Buddhist Philosophy and Himalayan Language:
Language Courses:
Classical Tibetan TLAN 101
Classical Tibetan TLAN 102
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 103
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 104
Classical Tibetan TLAN 201
Classical Tibetan TLAN 202
Colloquial Tibetan TLAN 203
Translation Theory TRNS 301
Buddhist Philosophy Courses:
BSTD 101 History of Buddhism in Asia
BSTD 102 Bodhicharyavatara
BSTD 103 Bodhicharyavatara
BSTD 201 Madhyantavibhagha
BSTD 202 Sutralamkara
BSTD 203 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (9th Chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara from root Sanskrit text)
BSTD 204 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Indian Yogacarin Thought)
BSTD 301 Gateway to Knowledge
BSTD 302 Gateway to Knowledge
BSTD 303 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Foundations of Dharmakirti's Philosophy)
BSTD 304 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Buddhist Ethics)
BSTD 305 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (kunzang lama'i shelung untranslated)
BSTD 306 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (kunzang lama'i shelung untranslated)
BSTD 307 Buddhism and Development
BSTD 401 Madhyantavibhagha
BSTD 402 Specialized Studies in Buddhist Doctrine (Indian Philosophical Systems)
BSTD 404 Buddhist Philosophical Discourse (dwags po'i thar rgyan untranslated)
BSTD 407 Methodology
BSTD 408 Thesis Dissertation +
