Bodhi Path Orientation
Bodhi Path is an international organization of Buddhist centers founded by and under the direction of Shamar Rinpoche (also known as Shamarpa). The Bodhi Path centers offer an open and non-sectarian access to Buddhism. Under the guidance of Shamar Rinpoche, our teachers provide instruction in Buddhist meditation and philosophy and provide guidance for our Buddhist practice.
A sense for a spiritual community is developed through common study and practice. This in turn provides support for our individual studies and Buddhist practice. „Practitioners of meditation will experience two types of benefit. The first benefit is an immediate improvement of daily life. The practice of meditation allows the mind to become more peaceful, calm and more relaxed. Once the mind is more relaxed, occurrences that would usually annoy us, appear to be less important. Furthermore, step by step, through meditation the mind learns to become more independent from outer conditions and circumstances. A mind that is not influenced by outer conditions is capable of recognizing its own stability and calmness. A stable mind – an undisturbed mind – experiences less suffering. These are the two immediate benefits arising from a regular meditation practice.”
Shamar Rinpoche, Founder of Bodhi Path Organization
Bodhi Path – Curriculum
Bodhi Path offers a curriculum for meditation practice and study that has been compiled by Shamar Rinpoche. It is based on the teachings of the Buddhist Master Atisha, who lived in the 11th century, and as transmitted by Gampopa. The curriculum is especially suitable for the needs and conditions of modern day Dharma practitioners.
The curriculum is taught at all Bodhi Path Centers. Instructions are given by qualified teachers that have been appointed by Shamarpa and who live in the centers or visit them. Bodhi Path teachers are both lay and monastic teachers from around the world.
Who is the Shamarpa?
Shamar Rinpoche is the 14th Shamarpa, or Red Hat Lama of Tibet. He was born in 1952 and spent many years in India studying with Buddhist scholars. In 1980, he began to travel and teach in various Buddhist centers throughout Asia and the West. He organized the Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers in 1996.
Rinpoche is the author of several books. In his most recent book, “The Path to Awakening”, (German: ‘Lojong – der buddhistische Weg zu Mitgefühl und Weisheit’), Shamar Rinpoche provides an extensive commentary on Chekawa Yeshe Dorje’s Seven Points of Mind Training.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a Buddhist to attend the teachings?
Bodhi Path is open to all, whether or you are a Buddhist or not. We firmly believe that learning to meditate is of benefit to everyone.
Is there a commitment?
Each individual determines his or her own level of commitment. While participation in some practices and ceremonies requires deeper commitments, each center offers a range of activities and opportunities to learn and practice that require no commitment.
What qualifications do the teachers have?
All Bodhi Path teachers have received extensive training in accordance with traditional Buddhist methods. All teachers have been appointed by Shamar Rinpoche according to their qualifications and are held to the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. Many teachers have completed multiple 3-year meditation retreats.