We will continue with our “Fundamental Texts of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism” series by beginning a new text Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra by Shantideva (see description below). Geshe la will also give a brief commentary each Sunday on the Heart Sutra Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya, the distilled essence of the Buddha’s teachings on emptiness.
When: Sundays, beginning September 8th, 2024,10:00 am – 12:00 pm ET
Where: Online and in-person at 1287 Coric Ave, Burlington, ON L7R 3S4
*** We welcome you to attend the teachings in person! However, given the small size of the room, and that we are broadcasting live on Zoom and Social Media, please arrive more than 10 minutes before the beginning of the session, and please do let us know one day prior by emailing us at [email protected] that you are attending in person, so we know to expect you.
On Sunday, September 15th, the class will be only online.
To watch the teachings online on Zoom please register here. (this is a very simple and quick registration process by email), or watch the sessions live-streamed on Facebook or YouTube.
Fundamental Texts of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
In this series, Geshe Sonam will introduce key texts of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition in chronological order from most recent to most ancient. These texts are “fundamental” because they offer foundational teachings in the key aspects of Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Each text will be taught in around two-month increments by Geshe la, not rushing, but covering it thoroughly and explaining it, and then later alternating to the next volume. Once students understand the breadth and depth of the texts, we may choose to complete the entire series of texts from beginning to end, returning to each until it is finished, or embark on a topic from the FPMT Basic Program. You can learn more about the full series here.
A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Śāntideva
Śāntideva (c. 8th century CE) is perhaps the most well-known of the great scholars of the ancient Indian Buddhist Monastery Nālandā. He composed the beautifully poetic text of the Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra in around the year 700, and its influence on Indo-Tibetan Buddhism cannot be overstated. In beautifully poetic verse with rich analogies, the treatise presents the journey of the bodhisattva from the first initial wish to arise the mind of bodhicitta, through the cultivation of the six perfections, to the result of perfect and complete enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This seminal text of the Mahāyāna traditions will provide students with a rich understanding of the bodhisattva practices and how they can be cultivated in view, meditation, and conduct.
You can find the translation of Śāntideva’s text by Stephen Batchelor here. This is the that translation that Khedrup la is using.
Another translation here that was translated by Vesna A. Wallace and B. Alan Wallace can be found here.
And another translation that is being offered freely can be found at this link: A Guide To the Bodhisattva Way Of Life (dalailama.com).
The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra
In addition, Geshe Sonam will give a commentary on The Heart Sutra each Sunday. You can find a translation for this prayer here from the FPMT and another from Lotsawa House here.
Mentioned in the Teachings
Khedrup la kindly translated this verse of Sutra for Geshe Sonam’s class on Sunday, October 20th. He has gone over the translation once again and here is his current translation.
ཉན་ཐོས་ལ་བསྟན་པའི་མདོ།
The Sūtra of the Discourse to the Śrāvakas
Form is like a mass of foam,
Feelings are like bubbles,
Discrimination is like a mirage,
Formations are like a plantain tree,
Consciousness is like an illusion.
The Kinsman of the Sun (Śākyamuni Buddha) has proclaimed it thus.
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Our programs are given freely, and we also rely on your generosity – this is the traditional and pure way of the Buddha Dharma. Offering support for the Dharma can be a limitlessly powerful act. This is the highest, most long-term form of generosity, which is to share with others the path to full awakening. When we support the Dharma we create causes for us to encounter the Dharma frequently, and we create the merit to be able to integrate the teachings in our minds easily. Offering support deepens our connection to Dharma teachers and connects us as a community.
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