Cyber-Shedra Distance Learning Program
- Offered by
- Khenpo Tenzin
Norgey and Namdroling Montana
Curriculum
- The first text to be studied in Cyber-Shedra
Sessions 1 and 2 is Santideva's classic treatise, the Bodhisattvacaryavatara.
Santideva, an eighth-century Buddhist monk, is among the most
renowned and esteemed figures in the entire history of Mahayana
Buddhism. The Bodhicaryavatara is structured around the six perfections
- generosity, ethical discipline, patience, zeal, meditation,
and wisdom. In Session 1 we study in depth the first eight chapters
of the BODHISATTVACARYAVATARA. Students are asked to purchase
the translation by Vesna A. Wallace and B. Alan Wallace entitled
A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. Also, Khenpo Norgey
will be referring to Khenpo Kunpal's commentary on the BODHISATTVACARYAVATARA
available at http://www.tibet.dk/pktc/bodhicaryavatara1.htm
-
- Session 2 teaches Chapter 9, The Perfection
of Wisdom, in depth. This session may seem more technical and
philosophical because of the arguments between non-Buddhist and
Buddhist tenet systems. These arguments must be seen as an inner
spiritual battle. To understand Emptiness, which is the ultimate
truth, we must cut through all the boundaries of conceptualization.
So any views that contradict emptiness have to be refuted, and
eventually even the concept of emptiness must be abandoned. The
antidote to all afflictions and craving is the realization of
emptiness. When our minds rest in emptiness, which is the mind's
true nature, all conceptualization will cease, and the inner
qualities can be manifested. So in the Sutras it is said that
emptiness is the only path to complete enlightenment.
-
- There may be other recommended texts
throughout the eight-month session as Khenpo Norgey deems necessary.
- Beginning October, 2007, Sessions 3
and 4 will study PERFECT CONDUCT: Ascertaining the Three Vows
commentary by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. This ancient exposition
explains the three levels of moral codes in Tibetan Buddhism:
the vows of individual liberation, the vows of a bodhisattva,
and the vows of tantra, outlining in detail the meanings of these
vows and giving practical advice on maintaining them as tools
for spiritual practice and daily life.
-
- After the fourth year, we will study
The Treasury of Knowledge, Book 6, Part 4: Systems of Buddhist
Tantra. This session will be a book study. Students can ask
question at any time for for two years.
- The sessions should be taken in sequence
- a student should take Session 1 before taking Session 2, and
take Sessions 1 and 2 before taking 3 or 4, etc.
-
- In all sessions, Khenpo Norgey will
send students lessons that will to prepare them for and further
explain concepts from the texts. He will also send assignments
that will help students to explore the texts more deeply. Students
are asked to email their assignments back to Khenpo and to email
questions as they arise. Also, specific practices will be given
to help to deepen the teachings.
Program Details
- Each enrolled Cyber-Shedra student
will receive teachings and assignments via email from Khenpo
Norgey for eight consecutive months, beginning October, 2007
- Students will email questions and completed
assignments back to Khenpo Norgey
- Khenpo will mentor and guide students
as a group and individually
- Specific practices will be given to
help deepen the teachings
- Around the completion of the session,
there will be an optional retreat scheduled with Khenpo Norgey
for all Cyber-Shedra students
- Cyber-Shedra will enroll the first
50 students who register in full
Cyber-Shedra Student
Commitment
- As a Cyber-Shedra student, your commitment
will include the following:
Required
- Each student must have a computer and
email
- Each student must commit to the
full eight-months of study, practice, assignments, due dates
and fees
- All correspondence must be in English
Study, Practices, and Due Dates
- All current and enrolled Cyber-Shedra
students will receive an average of 1 to 6 teachings per month
- Questions may be emailed to Khenpo
Norgey throughout the month
- Beneficial questions and answers will
be circulated to all students
- Written assignments will be emailed
back to Khenpo Norgey
Fees
- A sliding scale fee of $40.00 to $108.00
per month is required by the first day of each month during the
eight-month period. You determine your monthly fee, between $40
and $108. If you are able to offer more than $108 a month, this
is greatly appreciated.
- 100% of all monies will be used to
support Khenpo Norgey in his teaching activities, Namdroling
Montana, the longevity of the Cyber-Shedra Distance Learning
Program, and Palyul International. In Khenpo Norgey's small village
in Bhutan, about 20 ngapas (lay practitioners) are learning to
read and write Tibetan so that they can better understand all
the rituals that they are practicing. Part of the Cyber-Shedra
fees will go to the support of these practitioners.
- Payment must be up-to-date in order
for the participant to receive the current month's teachings
via email.
Recommended
"It will be great to meet everyone
in person during the retreat. The main focus of the retreat will
be to give the Lung, the aural transmission of the text, which
is very important, and passed on from Shantideva to the present
day. Missing the Lung would be the only flaw in this distance
learning program," Khenpo Norgey.
- All students are highly encouraged
to attend the Cyber-Shedra Retreat at the conclusion of the eight-month
period. If you cannot attend the retreat, Khenpo Norgey recommends
that you try to arrange to get the Lung from another lama.
Enrollment
- If you are seriously interested, we
encourage you to register promptly.
- To be included in this eight-month
Cyber-Shedra session, you must be fully enrolled by October 15,
2007
Your enrollment will be confirmed by
email after registration and your first payment are received
- For additional information,
please contact us
- Namdroling
- Cyber-Shedra
- Email: cyshedra@namdrolingmt.org
- PO BOX 10807,
BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59719
- Phone: 406-587-2907
