AN ONLINE COURSE SERIES
In this online course series, Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi and Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye will give an extensive introduction to the view and practice of Mahyana Buddhism. The series consists of eight modules which can also be booked independently.Particular for beginners we recommend to book the entire course, as the modules build on one another.
Mahayana is a Buddhist philosophy that refers to the path of bodhisattvas who aspire to become a fully awakened Buddha for the benefit of all living beings. It is thus also called the “Bodhisattva Vehicle” (Bodhisattvayana). Mahayana Buddhist philosophy also promotes unique theories, such as the Madhyamaka theory of emptiness (shunyata) and the Buddha-nature teachings.
Each of the eight modules covers specific aspects of Mahayana and consists of teachings and meditation. There will also be time for questions. You will receive handouts and recommended readings for each module. Students participating in all modules will receive a certificate at the end.
This course is intended as a live course. We therefore ask you to try, if possible, to attend all sessions live. (The course will be offered live in Zoom; you do not need a Zoom account to attend.)
The series will also be recorded and videos can be made available to those who signed up.
All modules will be taught in English with German translation. Assistants and translators for this course are Brigitte Lause and Arne Schelling. If you have questions regarding the course, please contact Brigitte at online@kamalashila.de.
Please book individual modules in our online campus.
OVERVIEW
Module 1: February 5 to 7, 2021
Exploring the Ground and Motivation: Buddhanature and the Four Reminders
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
Module 2: April 2 to 4, 2021
What is Mind? Mind and Its Functions
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
Module 3: June 4 to 6, 2021
Developing the Heart of a Mahayana Practitioner: Loving-kindness, compassion and Bodhicitta
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
Module 4: July 23 to 25, 2021
Being a Bodhisattva in this Life: Generosity, Disciple, Patience, Diligence and Meditation
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
Module 5: September 3 to 5, 2021
Being a Bodhisattva in this Life: Developing Wisdom and the View of Emptiness
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
Module 6: November 19 to 21, 2021
What’s Enlightenment Like? The Five Paths, 10 Bhumis and the 37 Factors of Enlightenment
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
Module 7: February 11 to 13, 2022
The Real Buddha: Three Kayas and Buddha Activities
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
Module 8: April 1 to 3, 2022
Putting it all into Practice: Mahayana Practice Retreat
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi & Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
COURSE TIMES FOR EACH MODULE
Friday
8 pm to 10 pm Introduction
Saturday
8 am to 8:30 am Meditation
10 am to noon Teaching
3 pm to 5 pm Teaching
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Q & A
Sunday
8 am to 8:30 am Meditation
10 am to noon Teaching
3 pm to 5 pm Teaching
COURSE FEE
Costs per module:
- 120 Euro (Standard)
- 96 Euro (reduced – members of the Karma Kagyü Association)
- 250 Euro (Sponsor – to support the institute)
Course Fee for full course (all modules):
- 800 Euro (Standard)
- 640 Euro (reduced – members of the Karma Kagyü Association)
- 1800 Euro (Sponsor – to support the institute)
Please book individual modules in our online campus.
Questions regarding the course? Please contact Brigitte Lause at online@kamalashila.de.
MODULE 1: Exploring the Ground and Motivation – Buddhanature and the Four Reminders
February 5 to 7, 2021
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
In the first module, we lay the foundation for all of the following modules. We explore the basis of our path to enlightenment: our own buddhanature (tathagatagarbha) or innate potential, which makes the attainment of Buddhahood possible.
We will also discuss the motivation, which is important at the beginning, in the middle and at the end for whatever we do. If we are aware of and clear in our motivation, it will guide us on the way and reaching our goal will become easy.
MODULE 2: What is Mind? Mind and Its Functions
April 2 to 4, 2021
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
On any Buddhist path, we train our mind. But what actually is mind?
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the study of lorik, the classifications of mind, plays an important role. Understanding what mind is in detail and how it functions helps the practitioner move forward on his path. This module is therefore not only of theoretical importance, but also has has a very practical component.
MODULE 3: Developing the Heart of a Mahayana Practitioner: Loving-kindness, compassion and Bodhicitta
June 4 to 6, 2021
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
The central element on the Mahayana path is loving-kindness and compassion – not only for others but also for ourselves. Bodhicitta, the heart that strives for enlightenment, guides us on this path, which is sometimes not easy due to the various circumstances we meet. How can we keep our hearts open and full of love and care for others, especially when we meet difficult circumstances?
MODULE 4: Being a Bodhisattva in this Life: Generosity, Disciple, Patience, Diligence and Meditation
July 23 to 25, 2021
Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
In this module we will explore the first five of the six paramitas. These “perfections” serve as the basis of training for us seeking to achieve enlightenment. By also training ourselves in these in daily live, we bring the Buddhist path from the meditation cushion into the middle of our life in a very simple and practical way.
MODULE 5: Being a Bodhisattva in this Life: Developing Wisdom and the View of Emptiness
September 3 to 5, 2021
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
The last of the six paramitas is the paramita of wisdom. Wisdom is like a guide for the prior five paramitas. And without wisdom, the other paramitas will not be of much benefit. Wisdom here correlates with the view of emptiness which represents one of the most important, but also most complex topics of this course, which is why the sixth paramita is covered in a separate module.
MODULE 6: What’s Enlightenment Like? The Five Paths, 10 Bhumis and the 37 Factors of Enlightenment
November 19 to 21, 2021
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
The path to enlightenment leads us through 5 paths and 10 bhumis. What is it like on these various stages and how do we progress through them? When does one end and the next begin? We will explore the different qualities that will manifest along the path, discussing the 37 factors of enlightenment that are traditionally taught in this context.
MODULE 7: The Real Buddha: Three Kayas and Buddha activities
February 11 to 13, 2022
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi
In this module we will learn about the enlightened qualities of a buddha. We ourselves can develop these qualities and make them fully manifest at the end of our path. We will explore the three kayas (nirmanakaya, sambhogakaya and dharmakaya) and deepen our understanding about their functions and manifestations.
MODULE 8: Putting it all into Practice: Mahayana Practice Retreat
April 1 to 3, 2022
Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi & Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye
The series on exploring Mahayana concludes with a practice retreat that will focus in on meditation and deepen our understanding of what was learned in the prior modules. We will practice together with Acharya Lama Kelzang and Acharya Lama Sönam, who will provide instructions for our ongoing meditation path.
Questions regarding the course?
Please contact Brigitte Lause at online@kamalashila.de.
