When: Sundays, beginning March 10th, 2024,10:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Where: Online and in-person at 1287 Coric Ave, Burlington, ON L7R 3S4
*** We again 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.
*** We will now include the option of Supplemental Readings and an Online Quiz to our Sunday teachings on Words of My Perfect Teacher. (see below). This is for the fun of testing your own knowledge, and adding your name and email address is optional. The results will be shared with Geshe la to help him know how we are doing.
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 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.
Words of My Perfect Teacher by Dza Patrul Rinpoche
Words of My Perfect Teacher is the most recent of our texts in this series of teachings. The great scholar-yogi Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887 CE) composed it while on solitary retreat. The texts begin with the common preliminary teachings on impermanence, karma, and suffering – topics that lead the mind towards dharma. The topics of refuge and bodhicitta are elucidated with a rich variety of analogies and stories that inspire the mind and heart with their relevance. The second part of the text covers the uncommon preliminaries – gateways to the Vajrayāna such as mandala offerings, Vajrasattva Practice, and the Chod Severance.
The text can be rented by the hour (for free) here on archive.org. You will need to create an account on their site.
A physical copy of the text can also be bought online here.
Session 1 Supplemental Readings, Questions & Answers – March 10th, 2024 – Answers now available
Session 2 Supplemental Readings, Questions & Answers – March 17th, 2024 – Answers now available
Session 3 Supplemental Readings, Questions & Answers – March 24th, 2024 – Answers now available
Session 4 Supplemental Readings & Questions – March 31, 2024– Answers now available
Session 5 Supplemental Readings, Quiz & Immediate Answers – April 7, 2024
Session 6 Supplemental Readings, Quiz & Immediate Answers – April 14, 2024
Amitayus Long Life Sutra
In addition, each Sunday, Geshe Sonam will be giving a commentary on the Amitayus Long Life Sutra. You can find the translation for this sutra here on the FPMT’s website.
Another translation of The Aparimitāyurjñāna Sūtra can be found here.
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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