Bodhi Path Curriculum - Bodhi Path Renchen Ulm

Bodhi Path Curriculum

Curriculum for Practice and Study,

Compiled by Shamar Rinpoche

Bodhi Path offers a curriculum for meditation practice and study that is rooted in authentic dharma teachings and is suited to the needs and conditions of modern-day dharma practitioners.

The Bodhi Path curriculum is based on the teachings of Mind Training (Tibetan: Lojong), a profound system of contemplative practices that helps bring mindfulness, awareness and insight to our experiences, both on and off the meditation cushion. These teachings have been preserved by an unbroken lineage of masters since the time of the Buddha, and are presented at all Bodhi Path centers, along with supporting practices and study topics, according to an approach compiled by the present Shamarpa, Mipham Chokyi Lodrö.

The primary text for the Bodhi Path curriculum is Shamar Rinpoche’s The Path to Awakening: A Commentary on Ja Chekawa Yeshé Dorjé’s Seven Points of Mind Training, which serves as a guidebook to the stages of Mind Training. These Lojong teachings follow in the tradition of Gampopa (1079-1153) who joined the Kadampa instructions of Atisha with Mahamudra teachings from the tradition of the great Indian Mahasiddha Saraha. This oral transmission is known as the “Two Rivers Joined” (bka’ phyag chu bo gnyis ‘dres) tradition of Mind Training.

The curriculum is taught at Bodhi Path Centers and should be undertaken with the guidance of a qualified teacher.

 

1.

The four contemplations that direct the mind towards spiritual practice: the precious human life, impermanence, karma and the suffering of cyclic existence.

2.

Refuge and the qualities of the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha; according to Sutra “Realizing the Qualities of the Three Jewels” and Taranatha’s commentary thereon.

3.

The meditation of peace of mind (Tibetan: Shine, Sanskrit: Shamatha) or the development of wisdom and compassion.

4.

The Meditation of Insight (Tibetan: Lhagthong, Sanskrit: Vipashyana); the meditation on the unborn nature of the mind.

5.

The meditation of “give and take” (Tibetan: Tonglen); the unity of relative and absolute bodhicitta.

Additional points of this mind training, also according to the book The Buddhist Path to Compassion and Wisdom:

  • Transforming Difficulties into the Path of Awakening
  • Integrate mind training into everyday life
  • The standard for the exercise of the mind
  • Mind Training Obligations
  • Advice on mind training

In our book shop you will find interesting book tips on these topics!