When: Sundays, beginning January 11th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm EDT
Where: Online Only
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 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.
We are now returning to the first text in this series that we began last year, Words of My Perfect Teacher.
Words of My Perfect Teacher by Dza Patrul Rinpoche
The great scholar-yogi Dza Patrul Rinpoche (1808-1887 CE) composed it while on solitary retreat. The text begins 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.
Also, a copy of the text can be bought from the publisher or from other book sellers here.
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Praises to the Twenty-One Taras
In addition, Geshe Sonam will give a commentary on The Praises to the Twenty-One Taras.
Sourced from the Kangyur, the volumes of the Tibetan Buddhist canon devoted to the Buddha’s teaching, these praises to Tārā are one of the most beloved prayers in Tibetan Buddhism, memorized by many and renowned for their effectiveness in addressing many different problems.
“All the actions of the buddhas manifest in this female aspect of Buddha, Tārā the Liberator, in order to help living beings accomplish successfully both temporal and ultimate happiness.”
– Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Find a translation of Praises to the Twenty-One Taras by Lama Zopa Rinpoche 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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