2008 Annual Summer Program
| "Incredible. It's a study program but at times felt like a retreat. It surpassed my expectations." |
| Summer Program student |
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche has opened his course
to students who want to attend those talks alone.
Please click here for more info.
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Session 1: July 12 - 26
Session 2: July 26 - Aug. 9
Western Washington University (WWU)
Bellingham, Washington
(One may attend for one two-week session or both. First-time students should attend the first session if not attending both).
July 12, 26, and Aug 9 are travel days. |
WWU is about one hour and 30 minutes from Seattle and Nalanda West, North American seat of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, our Spiritual Director. It is the Institute’s intention to be easily accessible to Nalanda West if the need should arise for students to visit there during or after the program. There are shuttles available direct from Seatac airport to WWU, about 2 to 2 ½ hours, depending on traffic.
The facility at Western Washington is secluded and beautiful, perfect for the Nitartha program. The area has grand forests, mountains and ocean all within easy driving distance.
For all summer sessions, an optional main course is offered to all students which may be drawn from any of the Foundation, Intermediate, or Advanced material. The main course will be taught by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche on the 7th Karmapa’s Ocean of Reasoning (Rigshung Gyamtso). The text is a commentary on the valid cognition teachings of Dharmakirti.
Most courses are taught six days a week, for a total of twelve classes over a two-week session. Supporting discussion, debate and analytical meditation groups bring the subject matter to the laboratory of experience. These not only allow students to probe more deeply into their understanding but also provide a forum for the sharing of insight amongst the students.
There are two two-week sessions each summer, designated as Session 1 and Session 2. The curriculum is modular and designed so that students can attend one two-week session annually. For example, if a student takes Session 1 courses one year, s/he can return the next year and attend the Session 2 courses. One can also go on to complete subsequent sessions after first completing one or more of the 9 Day Program. For example, one may do Module 1 at a 9 Day Program and then complete Module 2 at the Summer Program.
First-time students will take Mind & Its World I and Clear Thinking I, in addition to the optional main course. Returning students will re-enter at their level of the curriculum. For course descriptions please click here.
Classes—cover the range of the eight great texts of the Kagyu lineage, including studies in the Hinayana schools and Abhidharma, Cittamatra/Mind Only school, Madhyamaka/Middle Way school, Buddha Nature and Vajrayana studies. The courses are offered in a gradual format over a number of two-week sessions.
Body Training (Lujong)—Each day begins with optional participation in a series of exercises developed by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, based on the yogic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The exercises bring body and mind together in an energetic and joyful way.
Analytical Meditation—Students apply their studies in a detailed and thorough investigation into their immediate experience. Insight is thus actualized in a practical way.
Debate (Comprehensive and Advanced Program students only)—Through dialogue with one's teachers and fellow students, one's understanding is sharpened and increased. The tone is gentle, with a focus on new discovery, rather than being competitive.
Discussion Groups—are a time for students to explore questions they have about the material, and to bring together their understanding.
Optional Classes—are offered for those who want to go further with studies in Advanced Debate, Tibetan language or the Compassion in Healing module.
Meal Times— if one so wishes are a time to further engage one’s teachers and fellow students in spirited dialogue.
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