Program

Foundations of Buddhist Experience

September 20th – December 6th
Participants: 40 people
Language: English 

Our Foundations course presents the core of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It invites participants into intensive study and practice exploring the three pillars of the tradition: awareness, love and compassion, and wisdom. This course represents the first stage of our multi-year program. More information coming later this year.

This course will include rigorous training in Buddhist meditation techniques, close study of traditional texts, and a variety of activities aimed at applying the teachings in real-world situations. Broken into three modules, the Foundations course is the beginning of the participant’s learning journey at the Institute.

Module 1: Awareness
Drawing from Abhidharma literature, during this module we explore the many elements of awareness itself and how it manifests in our experience. This module includes topics such as the five aggregates; karma, cause and effect; the eight consciousnesses; and ethical conduct.

Module 2: Love and Compassion
Inspired by Shantideva’s famed The Way of the Bodhisattva, we explore the relational elements of our experience. This module includes topics such as the four immeasurables; aspirational and applied bodhichitta; the six paramitas; and equalizing and exchanging self and other.

Module 3: Wisdom
During the final module, we look at the unfolding of reality itself. Drawing from the Madhyamaka and Yogacara philosophical schools, this module includes topics such as emptiness; the two truths; resting and analytical meditation; and the twelve links of dependent origination.

In addition to intimate teachings from Mingyur Rinpoche, each module will include commentary from senior monastic leaders from Tergar Osel Ling, classes with international scholars of Buddhism, contemplative sessions with senior meditators in Mingyur Rinpoche’s lineage, and a wide variety of experiential learning activities aimed at bridging the teachings into your daily life.

Pricing

Prices listed below are inclusive of all costs while at the Institute, including: program costs, course materials, room and board, excursions, and celebrations. They do not include: international flights, visas, traveler’s insurance, personal transportation while in Nepal, donations to program teachers and Osel Ling monastery, and miscellaneous items such as gifts, snacks, etc..

Base rate
$4,500 USD

Benefactor/Sponsor rate
$6,000 USD

By paying the sponsorship rate, you directly provide an opportunity for someone to participate who is unable to pay the full rate.

Reduced rate
$3,500 USD

The number of reduced rate spaces will be determined by the number of participants who choose to pay the sponsor price. This number will be finalized by June 20, 2023.

Scholarship rate
~$1,700 USD

(final amount will be determined based on housing costs)

  • 2 spots are available. Additional application materials will be required. 
  • All programmatic costs are covered by the Institute.
  • Please send inquiries to justin@tergarinstitute.org if you would like more information on this application process. 

For more information about pricing and payments, click here.

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