Date(s) - October 3, 2016 - November 7, 2016
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Exploring Buddhism
Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
With Senior Tergar Instructor Edwin Kelley
Assisted by Steve Tibbetts
Tergar Minneapolis / St. Paul
For over a thousand years, the people of Tibet have preserved a unique form of Buddhism that was originally taught and practiced in ancient India. The hallmark of the Tibetan tradition is a graded approach to meditation, spiritual study, and ethical living embodied in the “three vehicles” of Buddhism: the Foundational, Great, and Vajra Vehicles. The Foundational Vehicle stresses basic principles like non-violence, impermanence, and interdependence, while the Great Vehicle builds upon these principles by leading the meditator to an experience of the dream-like nature of reality and the open-hearted intention to help all beings achieve enlightenment. The Vajra Vehicle provides an array of meditation techniques designed to strip away the causes of suffering and uncover the radiant awareness that underlies all experience. In Tibetan Buddhism, these three vehicles are practiced as a unity.
In this six-class seminar, we will explore the rich history, philosophy, and meditative traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The first two classes will focus on the history of Tibet and the development of the four main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. In the third and fourth classes, we will discuss the practical philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism and the four schools of thought that form the core of its philosophical traditions. In the final two classes, we will explore the main forms of meditation practiced in Tibet, paying special attention to Path of Liberation teachings taught by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.
Each class includes guided meditation, periods of discussion, and video teachings by Mingyur Rinpoche. The sessions will be led by Senior Tergar Instructor Edwin Kelley.
This seminar is open to anyone with an interest in Buddhism, including both novice meditators and experienced practitioners.
When:
6 Consecutive Mondays – October 3 through November 7, 7pm–8:30pm
Course Outline:
October 3: The Early Transmission of Buddhism to Tibet and the Nyingma Lineage
October 10: The Later Transmission of Buddhism to Tibet and the Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug Lineages
October 17: The Philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism: Core Teachings of the Foundational Vehicle
October 24: The Philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism: Core Teachings of the Great Vehicle
October 31: Meditation in Tibet: Mind Training and the Preliminary Practices
November 7: Meditation in Tibet: Working with Perception, the Subtle Body, and Pure Awareness
Cost:
Base (This level covers the actual cost of the program.) – $90
Sponsor (This level allows us to offer a reduced price level for seniors, full-time students, and those on a limited income.) – $120
Reduced (Reduced fee for seniors (65+), full-time students, and others with limited incomes.) – $60
Limited work/study opportunities are available for those who qualify. Contact [email protected] to inquire.
Contact:
Tergar Meditation Community of Minneapolis/St. Paul
612-460-8837
[email protected]
Location
Tergar Meditation Center, Minneapolis MN, United States