19 05, 2021

The Way Consciousness Apprehends Objects

2021-08-19T12:26:10-07:00Categories: Acharya Sherab Gyaltsen, Blog, Buddhist Studies, Consciousness, Foundation Curriculum, Mind & Its World, Summer Institute|Tags: , , , |

This excerpt is copyrighted material, please do not use or copy without written permission from Nitartha Publications. This is an excerpt from the sourcebook we use in our Mind & Its World II class. Mind & Its World II explores the criteria of valid cognition based on the teachings of the Pramāna tradition, or Buddhist epistemology. We will analyze our consciousness and determine to what degree it is in agreement with its observed object or not; what the difference is between non-mistaken, non-deceiving, conceptual and non-conceptual types of awareness. Practically speaking, this also provides the practitioner with the tools for delineating conceptual and nonconceptual types of mind

15 05, 2021

What is Analytical Meditation ?

2022-03-11T11:59:07-08:00Categories: Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, Analytical Meditation, Blog, Buddhist Studies, Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche|Tags: , , , , |

Manifest & Hidden Phenomena Sign up and receive the detailed instruction on Analytical Meditation: Taming the Mind by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.What is analytical meditation?The first step in a session of analytical meditation thus is the proper attitude and motivation. The second step is to sit in the correct posture. For analytical meditation, the physical posture is straightforward. Simply sit with crossed legs, keeping your back as straight as possible while at the same time staying relaxed. The upper part of the body should feel light, while the lower part of the body should feel more weighty and stable.After taking our seat with good meditation posture, we begin

13 05, 2021

Reissuing Nitartha Series Books

2021-05-27T10:33:12-07:00Categories: Advanced Curriculum, Blog, Buddhist Studies, Karl Brunnholzl|Tags: , , , , |

Shambhala publications is reissuing two of Nitartha series books by Karl Brunnholzl. In Praise of Dharmadhatu Nāgārjuna’s works sit at the heart of Mahāyāna Buddhist thought and practice, but he was renowned in Asia not only for his Madhyamaka work, but also his poetic collection of praises, most famously In Praise of Dharmadhatu. This book explores the scope, contents, and significance of Nāgārjuna’s scriptural legacy in India and Tibet, focusing primarily on this seminal work. The translation of Nāgārjuna’s hymn to buddha nature—here called dharmadhatu—shows how buddha nature is temporarily obscured in the experience of ordinary sentient beings, gradually uncovered through the path of bodhisattvas, and finally revealed

11 05, 2021

How Bodhisattvas Take Birth in Samsara

2021-08-19T12:39:40-07:00Categories: Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, Advanced Curriculum, Blog, Buddhist Studies, Summer Institute|Tags: , , , , , , , |

This excerpt is copyrighted material, please do not use or copy without written permission from Nitartha Publications. This is an excerpt from the sourcebook we use in our Buddha Nature course. This course is part of Level 4, along with Cittamatra. The teachings on Buddha Nature present an overview of the Tathāgatagarbha, or Buddha Nature tradition, the view of the luminous essence of awakening, the heart of goodness shared by all beings. Our exploration will rely on the key section of Uttaratantra of Maitreya (ca. 4th century) which establishes Buddha nature through three reasonings, its ten facets, nine analogies and five reasons why it is necessary to

7 05, 2021

Skandha & Mental Events

2021-08-19T12:41:15-07:00Categories: Acharya Kelsang Wangdi, Blog, Buddhist Studies, Foundation Curriculum|Tags: , , , , |

This excerpt is copyrighted material, please do not use or copy without written permission from Nitartha Publications. This is an excerpt from the sourcebook we use in our Mind & Its World IV class. Mind & Its World IV presents the path and result of foundational Buddhism. Students explore classifications of knowable object into specifically and generally characterized phenomena as well as the Sautrantika’s distinct presentation of the five aggregates. The path consists of calm abiding (samatha) and superior insight (vipashyana). SKANDHA & MENTAL EVENTS ĀCHĀRYA KELSANG WANGDI BENEFIT OF STUDYING Two benefits come from studying the five skandhas as a basis for the practice of

6 05, 2021

A. Wells

2021-05-06T14:06:27-07:00Categories: Testimonials|

This new campus is a real move up for NI. The beautiful environment with sweeping lawns bordered by flowers and shrubs lovingly cared for and the quiet tree lined campus avenues were a perfect container for dharma teachings and practice. Up to date accommodations with AC and full kitchens were really appreciated. The shrine room as well, was spacious, open and inspiring. The Teachers at NI are phenomenal; really engaging and clearly deeply inspired personally by the material they are presenting. And important to say – I am always amazed at how relaxed and accessible Rinpoche is at Nitartha. It’s a great place to be with Rinpoche and

6 05, 2021

Laura H.

2021-05-06T14:06:04-07:00Categories: Testimonials|

I was new to this sangha and to the patterns of the silent Mahamudra retreat. To my surprise and delight along with chanting, lu jong, walking and sitting, we also sang. Though I had sung one or two of the songs of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche with another sangha, the songs had never had the starring role that they did in this retreat. Such an effective (and indelible) way to be reminded of the teachings!

6 05, 2021

Stephanie B.

2021-05-06T14:55:32-07:00Categories: Testimonials|

To put it simply, Nitartha Institute changed my life. I did not realize how much until recently. The program has been invaluable to my studies as an MA in Indo-Tibetan Traditions and my practice as a Buddhist. In only a month I felt like I had transformed. The level of depth and understanding within the shedra and gomdra programs is astounding. For example, the teachers I had the humble pleasure to study with are absolutely amazing. Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, Karl Brunnhölzl, Phil Stanley, and so many others have been integral to my understanding of Buddhism and putting those studies to practice in my life.

6 05, 2021

Diane L.

2021-05-06T14:04:36-07:00Categories: Testimonials|

My experience at Shedra is that the faculty are kind, caring and consider my learning and me. When I was younger than I am now, I never had the opportunity to study a graduated course. One that starts at the beginning and progressively builds stepwise through a cohesive body of knowledge. (This explains why I am good with money, which is numbers and not good at mathematics’ which is also numbers.) When I got the chance, to attend Nitartha Shedra, I took it and I was rewarded then and now for my effort. I still use the source material in my daily practice and path even though four

6 05, 2021

Kate N.

2021-05-06T14:02:48-07:00Categories: Testimonials|

I donate what I can to Nitartha because the teaching material is rich with wisdom and empowers you to work through life’s challenges. I’ve studied a number of courses over the last 6 years, and it is like being handed the keys to your own mental health and well-being. When you find something so valuable it’s natural that you want others to have access to it. By donating I can support the practical work of translating, editing and communicating the teachings of the Buddha which have been so valuable for my own life.

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