Dharmakirti College™ (Tucson) and Dharmakirti eCollege™ (Internet)
Curriculum Overview
There are three parts to our curriculum. The Basic Curriculum provides is a complete two-year program for those who wish to learn, but have limited time to practice. For those who wish to pursue further studies, the Advanced Curriculum provides more detailed courses with guided study and practice. Finally, there are selected courses for leading practice, teaching dharma, and leading dharma centers for those seeking to become dharma teachers. This includes a certificate awarded as a Ger Gen or Dharma Teacher. We do also offer a variety of other course options to enrich the understanding and practices of our students. To supplement our curriculum, we also invite master lamas to give empowerments and teach on specialized topics and texts in Tucson.
Basic Curriculum—complete essential practices for most householders (four semesters divided into eight, six-week parts). This curriculum is organized around the teachings of Padmasambhava given in a text on the six bardos translated as Natural Liberation. The practices have been reorganized into a more common order that follows a sequence known as the nine vehicles. This order is a more natural sequence for learning the practices. These are particularly appropriate for householders as most take little time to learn or master and were taught specifically for such practitioners.
Furthermore, the teachings are divided into an introduction and four main paths of practice that are sequential within Vajrayana Buddhism: the Path of Individual Liberation, the Path of Altruism, the Path of Tantra, and the Path of Great Perfection. Within each path, the courses follow a teaching by the Buddha called the Three Trainings: ethics, meditation, and wisdom. Each semester is divided into two parts of 6 weeks each.
Natural Liberation Part 1—Begins with a survey of Buddhism in India and Tibet and the beginning of the Path of Individual Liberation.
Natural Liberation Part 2—Continues the Path of Individual Liberation followed by the Path of the Altruism.
Natural Liberation Part 3—Introduces the Path of Tantra preliminary practices.
Natural Liberation Part 4—Continues the Path of Tantra with the generation stage practices of “deity” yoga.
Natural Liberation Part 5—Continues the Path of Tantra with the completion stage practices of “deity” yoga.
Natural Liberation Part 6—Continues the completion stage practices of the Path of Tantra.
Natural Liberation Part 7—Begins the Path of Great Perfection with the preliminary practices and trekcho meditation.
Natural Liberation Part 8—Concludes the Path of Great Perfection with additional training on trekcho and togal and a discussion of Buddhist views of enlightenment
Advanced Curriculum—thorough examination of Buddhist philosophy and practice for serious practitioners and those who may be interested in learning to teach the dharma to benefit others.
Survey of Tibetan Buddhism—a comprehensive look at the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, along with the principles, practices, and main lineages
Mipham Ngondro—the common and uncommon preliminary or foundation practices
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life—a key text and practice focused on the Six Perfections
Generation Stage Practice—introduction to Highest Yoga Tantra practices
Guhyagarbha Tantra—examination of one of the key tantras
Buddhanature & Madhyamaka— the essence of our true nature and the Middle Way philosophy underlying advanced practices
Introduction to Dzogchen—overview of the principles and practices
Khorde Rushen Practices—focus on the Dzogchen preliminary practices from Yeshe Lama
Improving Your Practice—examination of Buddhist and Western scientific findings
Dzogchen Trekcho—mastery of rigpa, pure awareness, leading to Dharmakaya
Dzogchen Togal—mastery of the four visions of togal to achieve rainbow body of Sambhogakaya in this lifetime
Dharma-Teacher Training Curriculum
The dharma-teacher training curriculum is designed to help advanced students further their study to develop a specialized understanding and realization, as well as best practices for leading practice, teaching dharma, and leading a sangha or dharma center.
Guided Study & Thesis—focused, in-depth study on a particular deity or practice
Guided Retreat—extended retreat, may be incorporated into daily life of a householder
Leading Practice & Ritual—how to prepare for and lead meditation practice, sadhana and prayer book recitations, and prepare for empowerments by a lama
Teaching Dharma—best practices for teaching in-person or online classes applied to teaching dharma
Teaching Practicum—teaching a course in-person or online under direction of an advanced teacher
Leading Dharma—management and leadership principles applied to leadership for a sangha or dharma center
Additional Courses
A number of additional courses are taught from time to time that are not part of the regular curriculum, but which enrich the practices and understanding of Tibetan Buddhism for our students. These may be taken separately or in addition to the three curricula described above. Examples include:
Chenrezig and White Tara—deity practices based on the male and female Buddhas of Compassion
Manjushri—the Buddha of Wisdom, associated with the Prajnaparamita or wisdom texts, is also a Bodhisattva to help beings on the path to enlightenment
Manjushri Namasamgiti—an advanced text focused on nondual reality, a short text that literally translates as “reciting the names of Manjushri”
Yamantaka—the wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, who also functions as a dharma protector and whose name means the terminator of death
Chakrasamvara—a core generation stage practice in the Mahamudra path
Five-Fold Path Mahamudra—five practices supporting the actual Mahamudra practice
Vajrayogini—key tantric practices that form the basis for completion stage practices
The Six Yogas of Naropa—completion stage practices
Kalachakra—an advanced tantra with associated teachings and practices
See our course listing for more complete descriptions and additional courses.
Dharmakirti College™ (Tucson) and Dharmakirti eCollege™ (Internet)
Plan of Study – Basic Curriculum
Not all classes are available at all times. It is best to plan ahead to begin your course of study at the beginning of fall or spring semesters (September or January). While we recommend that you take the courses in sequence, you may take any of the courses at any time they are available, in any order. However, key concepts and practices are developmental in nature. These courses focus on practice. The content is delivered through online videos. While there are suggested readings, there are no homework or other study assignments. However, students will keep a detailed journal of their practice(s) and experiences to be turned in weekly so that the instructor may answer questions and provide guidance to help you get the most from your practice.
|
Recommended sequence of study |
YEAR 1 |
|
Fall |
Natural Liberation 1 & 2 (6 weeks each) |
Spring |
Natural Liberation 3 & 4 ( 6 weeks each) |
YEAR 2 |
|
Fall |
Natural Liberation 5 & 6 (6 weeks each) |
Spring |
Natural Liberation 7 & 8 (6 weeks each) |
Plan of Study – Advanced Curriculum
Not all classes are available at all times. It is best to plan ahead to begin your course of study at the beginning of fall semester (September). Depending on the number of students and level of courses, these may be taught one-on-one with experienced advanced practitioners mentoring students individually through guided study and practice.
While we highly recommend that you take the courses in sequence, you may take any of the courses in any order, with instructor permission. Recommended prerequisites are included in the course descriptions. NOTE: Some classes require an empowerment or oral transmission. See course descriptions for details.
The Ger Gen – Dharma Teacher – certification is only available to students who complete the entire advanced curriculum through Dharmakirti College and/or eCollege. Students with extensive knowledge and experience may request special consideration, which will require a comprehensive examination and written description of your background with the required practices, including experiences and realizations.
These courses may include required textbook reading assignments, video or audio, written homework, quizzes and/or exams, and daily practices with detailed journal of your practice(s), experiences, and realizations. You may expect each class to take approximately 10 hours per week to complete these assignments. Those with more experience in the class subject and/or practice may take less. Others may find that it takes more.
|
Recommended sequence of study |
YEAR 1 |
|
Fall |
Survey of Tibetan Buddhism parts 1 & 2 (16 weeks) |
Spring |
Mipham Ngondro (16 weeks) |
Summer |
Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (8 weeks) |
YEAR 2 |
|
Fall |
Generation Stage/3Roots (16 weeks) |
Spring |
Guhyagarbha Tantra (16 weeks) |
Summer |
Buddhanature and Madhyamaka (8 weeks) |
YEAR 3 |
|
Fall |
Introduction to Dzogchen (16 weeks) |
Spring |
Yeshe Lama Practices (16 weeks) |
Summer |
Improving Your Practice (8 weeks) |
YEAR 4 |
|
Fall |
Dzogchen Trekcho (16 weeks) |
Spring |
Dzogchen Togal (16 weeks) |
Summer |
Advanced Curriculum Oral Exam* |
* The oral exam is required for those entering the dharma-teacher training curriculum. It may also be taken toward a certificate of completion of the advanced curriculum independent of continuing into the dharma-teacher training program.
Plan of Study – Dharma-Teacher Training Curriculum
The first of the Six Perfections is generosity. The most advanced form of generosity is considered to be teaching the dharma to others. Dharmakirti International is particularly focused on helping you learn how to share your knowledge and experience in the dharma with others through teaching. This curriculum builds upon the advanced training curriculum to further your knowledge and understanding in a specialty, as well as to learn to apply the best practices for leading and teaching in the context of the dharma.
Students planning on entering this curriculum must make arrangements to prepare for and complete the advanced curriculum oral exam. Students must score no less than 80% on this comprehensive exam covering the entire advanced curriculum in order to qualify to take the dharma-teacher training program. The exam may be repeated up to three times as necessary. It is designed to give the College a good sense of the knowledge and ability of the prospective teacher to answer questions of students that they are likely to face as a dharma teacher.
Not all classes are available at all times. It is best to plan ahead to begin your course of study at the beginning of fall semester (September). Depending on the number of students and level of courses, these may be taught one-on-one with experienced advanced practitioners mentoring students individually through guided study and practice.
While we recommend that you take the courses in sequence, you may take any of the courses in any order. The guided retreat may be scheduled at any time. The length will depend on the assessment of the need by the Dharmakirti Retreat master. While full-time retreats are often desirable, as householders we do not require them. This may, however, result in a longer period of time for completing a retreat. Some masters required that students practice in retreat for a specific period of time. Others require a specific number of repetitions. Some require evidence of having mastered the practice(s). We follow the latter model of competency.
The Ger Gen certification as a Dharma Teacher is only available to students who complete the entire curriculum through Dharmakirti College and/or eCollege. Students with extensive knowledge and experience may request special consideration, which will require a comprehensive examination and written description of your background with the required practices, including experiences and realizations.
These courses may include required textbook reading assignments, written homework, quizzes and/or exams, and daily practices with detailed journal of the practice(s), experiences, and realizations. You may expect each class to take approximately 10 hours per week to
complete these assignments. Those with more experience in the class subject and/or practice may take less. Others may find that it takes more.
|
Recommended sequence of study |
YEAR 1 |
|
Fall |
Guided Study & Thesis* (16 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Spring |
Leading Practice & Ritual (12 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Summer |
Guided Retreat** |
Year 2 |
|
Fall |
Teaching Dharma (12 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Spring |
Teaching Practicum 1 (12-16 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Summer |
Guided Retreat** |
YEAR 3 |
|
Fall |
Teaching Practicum 2 (12-16 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Spring |
Leadership (12 weeks); Guided Retreat** |
Summer |
Ger Gen certification |
* Requires comprehensive oral exam on curriculum of study, as well as approval of proposed study & thesis (a deity or practice in which the student wishes to develop specialized understanding and realization). May be repeated.
** The guided retreat is planned with the Dharmakirti Retreat Master to meet the needs of the student. The length of time may vary depending on these needs and the degree of mastery by the student during that time. May be repeated.
Course Structure
The structure of courses will vary by subject and instructor. In general courses include video and/or audio files, reading [text(s) and supplemental reading(s)], homework assignments, quizzes, daily meditation practice, and a daily meditation journal. Courses are structured by week. Most courses are divided into two parts, 6 or 8 weeks each. The Tucson schedule may include days off when local teachings are scheduled with visiting lamas.
Certificates and Titles Awarded
Dharmakirti College offers a certificate of completion for those who complete the advanced curriculum. This requires successful completion of the comprehensive oral exam. In addition, those who successfully complete all courses and practices in the advanced curriculum and the dharma-teacher training curriculum, will be awarded the title of Ger Gen, Dharma Teacher. Higher-level titles such as Acharya or Khenpo/Khenmo may be awarded by our Spiritual Director, Khenchen Lama, as deemed appropriate through practice, understanding, realization, and teaching.
Portfolios
Portfolios are highly recommended. Students should keep copies of their homework and daily practice journals for review. These will be particularly helpful for those who wish to pursue the certificate of completion and Ger Gen titles in preparation for the comprehensive oral examination, as well as a resource for helping others. The easiest way for most students is to keep electronic versions of these records. Dharmakirti College does not keep copies of these documents for students.
Dharmakirti College Course Descriptions
Prerequisites are based on the recommended path of instruction for most effective learning and practice. These generally follow a path of increasing complexity with concepts and terminology that have been described in one or more of the prerequisite courses. Even long-term practitioners sometimes have gaps in their knowledge or understanding that may necessitate additional research or instruction. However, these prerequisites are not “strictly” enforced, in order to provide some flexibility for the benefit of students. If you are not sure about whether your background is sufficient for a particular course, please email us at admin@dharmakirti.org to obtain instructor permission.
Transmissions provide a blessing of the lama for doing a particular practice. Transmissions are highly recommended, but not always required. Generally, these are given for texts that do not require an empowerment (see below), though some courses may include both a transmission and an empowerment. Transmissions may be given at a distance. Students should request transmissions for future classes so that arrangements can be made for them.
Empowerments are generally required for practices of Highest Yoga Tantra and must be done in person. In some cases a similar empowerment may be acceptable with permission. However, these are essential for the advanced practices where they are stipulated. Students will need to explain when, where and from whom they received the empowerment. Dharmakirti will make every effort to provide the required empowerments in Tucson, Arizona, USA, each year for our continuing students. Students in other locations may receive empowerments by travelling to Dharmakirti College or taking advantage of empowerments from teachers at other centers near their home.
BASIC CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
201-208 – Natural Liberation: A very complete cycle of teachings from preliminary practices through Highest Yoga Tantra and Dzogchen Trekcho and Togal based on the root text of Padmasambhava on the six bardos of (1) this life, (2) dreams, (3) meditation, (4) dying, (5) Dharmata, and (6) becoming. This series of courses prepares practitioners with a solid background in practice to advance to the highest levels of practice in this lifetime. No other practices are needed. Prerequisites: None. Transmission: Natural Liberation recommended. Empowerment: Shitro (100 Peaceful and Wrathful Buddhas of the Bardo) recommended.
201 – Natural Liberation Part 1— A survey of Buddhism in India and Tibet, an overview and introduction to key Vajrayana principles and practices, and the first part of the Path of Individual Liberation: ethics and shamata meditation – single-pointed calm abiding. Available early fall.
202 – Natural Liberation Part 2—Continues the Path of Individual Liberation with vipassana meditation (special insight) regarding self and other and the early view of wisdom; followed by the Path of the Bodhisattva (altruism): ethics, practices of the Six Perfections, Tonglen (giving and taking) and Metta (lovingkindness) meditations, and the Bodhisattva view of wisdom – the Perfection of Wisdom literature, Buddhanature, and the Middle Way. Available late fall.
203 – Natural Liberation Part 3—The Path of Tantra begins with the ethical view of tantra and the “common” preliminary practices: precious human birth, impermanence, suffering of samsara, and karma; followed by the “uncommon” preliminary practices: refuge and bodhicitta, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, and Guru Yoga. Available early spring.
204 – Natural Liberation Part 4—Continues the Path of Tantra with the generation stage practices of “deity yoga” – generating yourself as the “deity” (a buddha). Available late spring.
205 – Natural Liberation Part 5—Continues the Path of Tantra with the completion stage practices: inner heat, channels-winds-drops, illusory body, and dream yoga to become a buddha in this lifetime. Available early fall.
206 – Natural Liberation Part 6—Continues the completion stage practices of the Path of Tantra with clear light, the application of sexual yogas, the bardos of dying, dharmata, and becoming, and the transference of consciousness; followed by the tantric view of wisdom. Available late fall.
207 – Natural Liberation Part 7—Begins the Path of Great Perfection with the ethical perspective, the preliminary practices for separating samsara from nirvana called khorde rushen, and the practice of trekcho. Available early spring.
208 – Natural Liberation Part 8—Concludes the Path of Great Perfection with additional training in the practices of trekcho and togal, as well as the view of wisdom of the Great Perfection and a summary of the Buddhist views of enlightenment. Available late spring.
ADVANCED CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The advanced curriculum is available in-person or online. Courses may be taught through individual mentoring or small groups. Please contact Khenpo.Drimed.Dawa@gmail.com to discuss scheduling these courses. Students are normally expected to take the courses in sequence in order to have the necessary background to understand and practice the content of subsequent courses. While exceptions can be made, if you intend to attain the Ger Gen teaching certificate, you will need to complete all of the courses through Dharmakirti College or eCollege, or otherwise provide supporting documentation of equivalent mastery and successfully pass a comprehensive exam on the course content.
101/102 – Survey of Tibetan Buddhism I/II
This course is designed to provide newcomers and advanced practitioners without a comprehensive background an overview of Tibetan Buddhism. The course includes background and history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, basic principles, and the practices of the main lineages within the tradition. There is a daily meditation practice as well. This course is a prerequisite for many of the other advanced courses at Dharmakirti College. Prerequisite: None.
301/302 – Mipham Ngondro I/II
These are the incomparable foundational or preliminary practices upon which all others are based. Essential to establishing our attitude and motivation are the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind. Our mental obscurations, afflictive emotions and other mental fixations are systematically addressed through refuge, bodhicitta, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, and Guru Yoga. In addition, these practices provide a solid understanding for advanced Vajrayana practices. Prerequisites: 101/2. Transmission: recommended. Empowerments: refuge ceremony, bodhicitta blessing, Vajrasattva & Guru Yoga recommended. Bodhisattva Vows also recommended.
303 – Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
Bodhichitta, the altruistic wish to help all sentient beings attain enlightenment, is at the heart of all Buddhist practices. The most highly regarded and popular text for these is The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva, which is supplemented by the practice text “The Sun of Brilliant Clarity: A Step-by-Step Guide to Meditating on the Bodhicaryavatara” by Patrul Rinpoche. These include the core practices of the Six Perfections: generosity, ethical discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration and wisdom. Prerequisite: 301/302. Transmission: Bodhicaryavatara recommended.
401/402 – Generation Stage I/II
In the generation stage practices of highest yoga tantra, one mentally generates oneself as the deity and one’s surroundings as the mandala of the deity. Although all deity practices include generating the deity, this class of practices includes those with very complex visualizations as the principle focus. Chakrasamvara and Hayagriva are examples. This course provides a detailed understanding for these visualizations applicable to all generation stage deity practices and uses the Three Roots sadhana for practice (empowerment required). Prerequisites: 301/302. Transmission: required. Empowerment: Three Roots empowerment required.
403/404 – Guhyagarbha Tantra I/II
Guhyagarbha, the Tantra of the Secret Essence embodies the essence of tantric practice. This text has been a central scripture in Tibetan Buddhism for well over a thousand years. The omniscient Mipham Rinpoche has said, “Even if the meaning is not perfectly understood, to just hear the words of this tantra or see the sacred scripture the benefits are supreme as these are indications of the power of exceptional accumulations of previous merit and positive karma.” The Guhyagarbha Tantra summarizes the heart of the eighteen great Mah?yoga tantras and is the general tantra of the category of enlightened mind. This tantra is one of the most advanced and extensively studied tantras within the Nyingma lineage, explaining how to correctly view the ground, traverse the path, and ultimately reach the result—fully enlightened buddhahood. Prerequisites: 401/402. Transmission: required. Empowerment: Guhyagarbha required.
405 – Buddhanature and Madhyamaka
In the Third Turning of the Wheel, the Buddha taught Buddha Nature—our innate, Buddha essence. While this is among The Buddha’s most advanced teachings, Gampopa said that when it is taught early in one’s development one will advance more quickly. The course examines Maitreya’s Uttaratantra, the classic Buddhist text on Buddha Nature.
The Buddha first taught the middle way between the extremes of indulgence and asceticism. Later, he taught the middle way between the extremes of permanence and nihilism. This latter teaching is the basis for what became the Middle Way in Buddhism. The highly influential Madhyamaka or Middle Way school of Indian Buddhism was based on the teachings of the great
Nagajuna, and were further elaborated upon by Chandrakirti (Prasangika) and Shantarakshita (Shentong). This philosophical approach emphasizes the negation of independent phenomenal reality (inherent existence) through logical reductionism in order to arrive at a true understanding of emptiness. This approach is comparable to that of Mahamudra and Dzogchen for understanding the ultimate nature of reality, void of all particular characteristics. Developmental meditations on emptiness are included. Prerequisite: 403/404. Transmissions: Uttaratantra, Madhyamakavatara, and Madhyamakalankara required.
501/502 – Introduction to Dzogchen I/II
Dzogchen or the Great Perfection is the highest level of the Vajrayana teachings. It deals directly with self-liberation into our innate Buddha Nature, abiding in the state of rigpa. This overview describes the three branches of Dzogchen teachings—the mind series, the space series, and the special instructions (including trekcho and togal). Prerequisite: 405.
503/504 – Khorde Rushen I/II
Khorde Rushen is the separation of samsara (delusion) from nirvana (non-delusion). These are a series of practices designed to help the yogi realize and directly experience the difference between samsara and nirvana by transforming the mind, i.e., our way of seeing the world. Khorde Rushen is sometimes referred to as the Dzogchen preliminary practices. Prerequisite: 501/502. Transmission & Empowerment: Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required.
505 – Improving Your Practice
This course draws from traditional Buddhist views of mind and Western scientific research, reflecting recent interest in the exchanges and collaborative research between Western scientists and Buddhist scholars. The class will address the difficulty of staying focused and other common obstacles to successful meditation and ways to deal with them through the theory and practice of attention, emotion and consciousness from Western scientific and traditional Vajrayana Buddhist points of view. Prerequisite: Advanced-level practice.
601/602 – Dzogchen Trekcho I/II
The trekcho instructions are part of the special instruction series. This course will examine these instructions, particularly through the writings of the highly regarded master Longchenpa. Students will also further develop their actual practice. Prerequisite: 503/504. Empowerment: Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required.
603/604 – Dzogchen Togal I/II
Togal is the advanced and often secret teaching of the special instructions of Dzogchen. This practice leads to attaining the Rainbow Body, enabling one to help other beings achieve enlightenment. Students will learn the practices of togal and how to apply them. Prerequisite: 601/602. Empowerment: Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required.
DHARMA-TEACHER TRAINING CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
701 – Guided Study and Thesis (may be repeated)
Students in this course study a specific area of Buddhist philosophy or practice under the guidance of one of the faculty. This is an opportunity to go into greater depth in an area in the curriculum or to investigate areas not included in the curriculum that are particularly meaningful to the student. It may be an area suggested by one’s own lama. Students should contact a faculty
member about writing a proposal that must be approved by the faculty as a whole prior to beginning this study. The study will culminate in a master’s level thesis. Prerequisites: Completing the full advanced curriculum and faculty approval of the proposal. The proposal for guided study and thesis may be developed during the last semester of prescribed study.
703 – Leading Practice & Ritual
Students will receive instruction in how to set up and lead meditation practices based upon use of a sadhana. Practical guidance will be provided in working with groups, effective communication, chanting, answering questions and dealing with difficult students. Students will gain practical experience leading practice groups with feedback from the instructor. Prerequisite: Completion of advanced curriculum courses.
705 – Teaching Dharma
Students interested in or requested by their lama to teach the dharma will examine the theoretical constructs of adult learning theory and practical applications from the best of Western research and practice. These will then be applied to traditional approaches used to teach the dharma. Students will plan and prepare a course to be taught under the supervision of a teaching professional and dharma faculty member in course 707 – Teaching Practicum. Prerequisite: 703.
707 – Teaching Practicum 1
The teaching practicum is an opportunity for students to prepare and teach a complete dharma class. This may be an in-person or web class. The content may involve a major revision or upgrade to an existing class or an elective offering. The practicum will be under the direction and guidance of a lead faculty member and completion will require approval of an education committee. Prerequisite: 705.
709 – Teaching Practicum 2
A second teaching practicum. See Teaching Practicum 1. Prerequisite: 707.
711 – Leading Dharma
Students learn management and leadership principles applied to leading a sangha or dharma center. Prerequisites: 703, 705, 707, 709.
799 – Guided Retreat (may be repeated)
Students may participate in an extended retreat under the guidance of one of the faculty or another lama acceptable to the faculty. Extended retreats are an important part of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and may extend to three years or longer. Most Western students may not be able to complete a retreat of this length, so the retreat plan is flexible to meet the needs of advanced students for longer guided practice in the tradition. Prerequisite: Faculty approval of a retreat plan.
OTHER CLASS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
103 – Chenrezig
Chenrezig (Tibetan) or Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit) is the Buddha of Compassion. This course is an introduction to Chenrezig practice, one of the most beloved of the Tibetan Buddhist practices, as well as Buddhist deity meditation practice generally. Students wanting to know more about Tibetan Buddhist meditation practices will find this course to provide a solid introduction. There are no prerequisites for this course. However, the Survey of Tibetan Buddhism or some
background with Buddhism is highly recommended. Prerequisites: none. Empowerment: Chenrezig recommended.
104 – White Tara
Tara is the female Buddha of Compassion and the most popular among the female deities in Buddhist practice. Her color represents purity and truth. Her practice is also connected with longevity. This course teaches the practice as well as expanding on the deity generation-stage practices and ritual introduced in the Chenrezig course. Prerequisite: 103 recommended. Empowerment: White Tara recommended.
105 – Manjushri
Manjushri manifests as an ordinary human being, a bodhisattva, a deity, and as an enlightened Buddha. In each of these roles he brings a special kind of awareness called gnosis, jnana in Sanskrit, yeshe in Tibetan. In his most familiar form, he holds a book of Prajnaparamita, the Perfection of Wisdom scriptures, and a flaming sword which cuts through discriminations, obscurations, and confusion among other things. His activity is described in the sutras, tantras, and treatises of Dzogchen. Prerequisite: 104 recommended. Empowerment: Manjushri required.
210 – Yamantaka
Yamantaka is the wrathful form of Manjushri. His name means terminator of Lord Death. He rids us of our fear of death and introduces us to the clear light nature of mind. Prerequisite: 105 recommended. Empowerment: Yamantaka required.
211 - Manjushri Namasamgiti
This class will study the Manjushri Namasamgiti using the translation of Alex Wayman, or other version, called Chanting the Names of Manjushri. This is the precursor text to the study of tantra in most Tibetan Buddhist schools and is particularly important for understanding the Kalachakra Tantra. In addition, several of its verses encapsulate the complete teachings of Dzogchen as demonstrated in a commentary by Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, which will also be consulted. Prerequisites: 105 recommended. Transmission: Manjushri Namasamgiti recommended.
307 – Kalachakra Warrior Tradition
This course examines the Kalachakra prophecy of a great war in the Age of Aquarius, the traditions surrounding the kings of Shambhala, and the great warrior hero Gesar. Prerequisites: 301/302 recommended.
407/408 – Chakrasamvara I/II
Chakrasamvara is a comprehensive mother tantra practice that is the second part of the Fivefold Path Mahamudra. The practice further develops one’s skills in visualization, contemplation and meditation, as well as more detailed symbolism and significance of the generation stage of practice. Yidam practice is a very special tantric practice in which one transforms one’s normal, samsaric experience of reality into an extraordinary experience of the true state of all phenomena. The practice of Yidam is a special and profound method to quickly transform ordinary appearances into enlightened appearances. Prerequisites: 401/402. Empowerment: Chakrasamvara or Fivefold Path Mahamudra required.
409 – Kalachakra Goddess Tradition: TBA
410 – Kalachakra Generation Stage: TBA
507/508 – Fivefold Path Mahamudra I/II
Fivefold Path Mahamudra is a comprehensive practice that includes (1) the common and uncommon preliminary practices, (2) Chakrasamvara practice, (3) Four-Kaya Guru Yoga, (4) Mahamudra itself, and (5) dedication of merit. The four kayas are the nirmanakaya, sambhogakaya, dharmakaya, and svabhavikakaya. In this context, the first three are considered relative truth and the fourth is ultimate truth. In the practice the guru is visualized in the form of Shakyamuni Buddha, then as Vairochana, followed by Vajradhara. Finally, the guru is meditated on without any form, color, name or shape. Mahamudra is the uncontrived, natural state completely devoid of fabrication of meditation and meditator, non-attached and non-separated, free from hope and fear, grasping and letting-go, rejection and acceptance, meditation and post-meditation. Prerequisites: 407/408. Transmission: recommended. Empowerment: Fivefold Path Mahamudra required.
605/606 – Vajrayogini I/II
Vajrayogini is a principle mother tantra practice leading into the completion stage practices of channels, winds and drops and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Students will examine the important role of the dakini in the development of the tantric yoga practices as well as the specific application of completions stage practices. Prerequisites: 507/508. Transmission: recommended. Empowerment: Vajrayogini required.
607/608 – Six Yogas of Naropa I/II
The Six Yogas of Naropa are tummo, illusory body, dream yoga, clear light, bardo, and phowa. These advanced completion-stage practices enable one to transform one’s body into the actual body of a buddha. Students will develop skill and understanding in each of these practices. Prerequisites: 605/606.
609/610 – Kalachakra Gnosis: Shentong
TBA Empowerment: Dzogchen Kalachakra required.
611/612 – Kalachakra: The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen
TBA Empowerment: Dzogchen Kalachakra required.
Admission & Registration
Anyone interested in taking classes at Dharmakirti College or eCollege may do so. There is no separate admission process. Fall courses normally begin in September. Spring courses begin in January. Summer courses begin in June.
To register for courses, simply go to our website at www.dharmakirt.org to sign up for available courses or you may register in person at the first class in Tucson. Be sure to check the prerequisite recommendations. Although prerequisites are not vigorously enforced, following them ensures that students have sufficient background to understand the material and practices based on expectations regarding learning in previous classes. The curriculum is very linear in this regard and does not repeat a lot of material. Requests for prerequisite overrides should be made to admin@dharmakirti.org and are subject to instructor permission. Please explain the reason you are requesting the override.
Most books may be purchased at Shambhala/Snow Lion or Amazon.com. Some are available or may be ordered at local bookstores.
Payment for online classes is made via PayPal by credit or debit card. The cost is currently $50 per course for the Basic Curriculum and $60 per course for the Advanced Curriculum. Books are purchased by students separately either at local bookstores or online.
A limited number of scholarships are available. If approved, we normally award 50% of the tuition. To apply for a scholarship, please send an email describing you financial situation to admin@dharmakirti.org . Scholarships may be continued during your course of study as needed.
For any other questions or information, please contact us at the above email address.
Thank you for your interest in Dharmakirti College’s program of study in Tibetan Buddhism. We sincerely wish you great success in your path to enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings!
Bodhicitta, the excellent and precious mind,
Where it is unborn, may it arise.
Where it is born, may it not decline
But ever increase higher and higher!
OM AH HUNG HRI
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