Exploring Buddhism: An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism (PHX-EB2)

This course has been cancelled due to low registration. We will let you know when we are able to offer the course in the future.

An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism

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 systematic approach to meditation, spiritual study, and ethical living embodied in the “three vehicles” of Buddhism: the Foundational Vehicle, Great Vehicle, and Vajra Vehicle. These three vehicles teach basic Buddhist principles like non-violence, impermanence, and interdependence, as well as profound meditations that lead to an experience of the dream-like nature of reality and the open-hearted intention to help all beings achieve enlightenment. This seminar explores these traditions, providing an overview of the rich history, philosophy, and meditative traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

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.

The detailed outline for this course is as follows:

• The Early Transmission of Buddhism to Tibet and the Nyingma Lineage
• The Later Transmission of Buddhism to Tibet and the Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelug Lineages
• The Philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism: Core Teachings of the Foundational Vehicle
• The Philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism: Core Teachings of the Great Vehicle
• Meditation in Tibet: Mind Training and the Preliminary Practices
• Meditation in Tibet: Working with Perception, the Subtle Body, and Pure Awareness

There are no prerequisites for this class.

Classes will include presentations by Tergar Facilitator Justin Walker, as well as guided meditations and discussion. Video teachings by Mingyur Rinpoche will be made available online.

When:
Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22

Cost:
Base fee: $90
Reduced Fee (Student/Senior 65+/those with limited resources): $60

This event for the Tergar Phoenix community will be offered via GoToMeeting. You will need to download GoToMeeting software/app onto your computer or other device in order to take part. Log in details will be emailed to confirmed registrants. You will also receive a link to download the Student Guide for the course.

Contact:
If you have any questions, please email phoenix@tergar.org.