We will continue with our “Fundamental Texts of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism” series by returning to The Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra by Shantideva that we began last year (see description below). Geshe la will also continue his commentary each Sunday on Je Gampopa Sonam Rinchen’s The Precious Garland of the Supreme Path.
*Geshe Sonam will give a transmission of A Prayer to Kindle the Three Kinds of Faith Addressed to the Seventeen Great Paṇḍitas of Glorious Nālandā by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama on the first morning, September 14th, 2025.
When: Sundays, beginning September 14th, 2025,10:00 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.
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 tradition 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 translation that Khedrup la is using.
Another translation translated by Vesna A. Wallace and B. Alan Wallace can be found here.
The Precious Garland of the Surpreme Path by Je Gampopa Sonam Rinchen
In addition, Geshe Sonam will continue his commentary on The Precious Garland of the Sublime Path The Oral Instructions of Lord Gampopa. This text was written by Gampopa who was the pre-eminent disciple of Milarepa and whose teachings and texts are at the core of the Kagyu traditions. It is a pithy text of sayings meant to succinctly lead the practitioner to the correct view, conduct, and meditation.
Please Help Support These Precious Teachings
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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