General Buddhist Studies Course 2012

Due to some circumstances, Patrul Rinpoche will not be able to teach as initially foreseen. Khenpo Thubten Lodru Nyima will teach in his place. Please read the following letter from Patrul Rinpoche.

The General Buddhist Studies Course has been designed for those who wish to be guided through their study of Buddhism, but who do not wish to commit themselves to a programme of continual study and practice. It is open to all and will be be followed in future years by other teachings which will enrich students' understanding of diverse aspects of Buddhism. It is a rare and excellent opportunity to receive an introduction to the fundamentals of  Buddhist philosophy, while meeting an authentic and qualified Buddhist lama.

During these two days and a half, Khenpo Thubten Lodru Nyima will give a commentary on “An Instruction on the View of the Mahayana - Clarifying the Two Truths”, a profound and inspiring text written by the first Patrul Rinpoche in the 19th century. The author defines for us the Two Truths: the relative which is, due to habit, how we view the environment, other living beings and ourselves. Due to our strong attachment to this relative truth, we don't know how to recognise it as a false reality and as the cause of our suffering. The second is the absolute truth which is inexpressible and inconceivable, permeating the relative truth and inseparable from it like the palm and back of a hand. Understanding and realising this absolute truth liberates us from the hold of the relative truth and the suffering it engenders, whilst developing our capacity for empathy and compassion.

     Are absent from before the mind,

The course will be preceded by the Altruistic Activity Retreat, also taking place in Dharma City. More information can be found here.