Preserving and Sharing the Tradition of Buddhist Yogis

Ngakpa Seminary

April 18, 2015

Date and Time Details: April 18, 8am pst

Ngakpa Training

The Ngakpa Training offers in-depth study of Vajrayana Buddhism. The five year curriculum focuses on a study of Vajrayana Buddhist history, philosophy and practice, focusing on the Inner Tantras of the Nyingma Tradition, also known as MahaYoga, AnuYoga and Dzogchen. These studies alternate with one on one dialogues with the Lama in phone classes, private meetings and Vajra Sangha retreats.Becoming a Student  

Course Format

The class meets once a month via the web, in addition to reading assignments, practice requirements, oral presentations and debates on Buddhist philosophy.

Topics Covered Include:

  • Sakyamuni Buddha’s Life as told variably in the 3 Yanas
  • Intro to Tibetan Buddhism
  • The 4 Noble Truths & Vajrayana
  • Path of Buddhist Yogis; Historical Overview
  • Freedoms & Advantages
  • Impermanence of Life
  • Defects of Samsara
  • Actions to be avoided and cultivated
  • Benefits of Liberation
  • The Spiritual Friend
  • Yogācāra & Madhyamaka & 2 Truths;
  • MahaYoga
  • Ati Yoga: Definition
  • Understanding Mind
  • Buddhist Answers to the Big Questions
  • Introduction to Dzogchen
  • Buddha Nature in Dzogchen
  • Play of Experience
  • Abandoning Hope & Fear
  • Dzogchen Lineage
  • Dzogchen Base, Path & Fruit
  • Ati Yoga: Divisions;
  • Dzogchen and origins of dissatisfaction and freedom from it
  • Nyingma Misconceptions
  • Longchenpa’s Mirror Revealing Crucial Points
  • Treasure Revelation, the Visionary History of Nyingmapas
  • Yidam Practice Essentials
  • The Five Certainties
  • Gender in Buddhism
  • The Vajra Relationship
  • Dharma Protectors

Stages of Study

  • Most students of Pema Khandro take the Ngakpa Training on an ongoing basis as a support for serious long term study of Buddhism and as a source of connection to the Lama, the sangha and the wisdom of the path. For students who also wish to take on leadership roles, the following stages of accomplishment are recognized.
  • Upon completing the two years of the curriculum, the students are qualified to act as mentors in the Vajrayana Training and as long as they are continuously enrolled, they are qualified to lead the community classes and an Introduction to Buddhism curriculum composed of eight sections.
  • Students who have: completed five years of the curriculum, completed ngondro, acted as mentors in Vajrayana Training for at least two years and have completed an oral exam are entitled to wear the three panel red and white Ngakpa shawl, representing the lineage of Tibetan Buddhist Yogis.
  • Students who have earned their Ngakpa shawls may also eligible to apply for ordination in the Ngakpa Tradition, taking vows of life long service and practice. Application for ordination is a personal and individualized path left to the discretion of the Lama.

Pre-requisites

This class is open to the registered personal students of Pema Khandro. These students are known as the “Vajra Sangha,” the long-term personal students of Pema Khandro. Entrance to Vajra Sangha depends on application and interview. For new students, a period of six months in Vajrayana Training or attending two to three retreats is the suggested preliminary before applying but is not required in all cases.

Commitments

Vajra Sangha membership has many benefits including a personal connection with the Lama. Many of the members have been Pema Khandro’s students for over a decade. Vajra Sangha members maintain an ongoing commitment to sustain the activities of the school through a service, monthly pledge and maintaining the five precepts, the fundamental Buddhist vows.

Becoming a Student 

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