Thangkar Dechen Choling Monastery is to offer a Buddhist Practice and Meditation Training Program to those who are interested in Buddhist study and practice. The purpose of the program is to make Buddhist practice more accessible to all kinds of learners, in a systematic manner. Upon graduation from the program, students will have a good understanding of Buddhist practice as a whole, and will be able to apply methods in Buddhism to pursue a happy and meaningful life. The program spans 6 years, focuses on the essential points of both sutrayana and vajrayana, and covers a wide range of Buddhist concepts, practical advice, analytical and single-pointed meditation techniques, deity yoga practice and rituals. Engaged and committed students will get direct instructions along the path.
Classes will run online, one session per week. Teachers include Khangser Rinpoche and other senior masters and geshe lharampa (Ph.D in Buddhism). The program opens for new enrollments on a yearly basis.
Below is the overview structure of the program. More details about the program and registration will be announced.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Year | Contents | Notes |
| 1 | Overview of Buddhist practice and meditation (Lamrim) Text: “Liberation in The Palm of Your Hand” by Pabongka Rinpoche Focus: Preparatory practices, Practices that shared with people in Small Scope, Medium Scope, and Great Scope | |
| 2 | ||
| 3 | Teachings on Mind Training Text: Seven-Point Mind Training or Introduction to the Bodhisattva’s Ways of Life | |
| 4 | Stages of Tantric Practices (basic) Focus: Action Tantra and Performance Tantra (Avalokiteshvara and Amitabha practices) | |
5 | Stages of Tantric Practices (advanced) Focus: Generation stage and Completion stage of Highest Yoga Tantra (secret Yamantaka practice) | |
6 | Basic meditation practice & retreat ● 150 hours of mediation (25 hours per month during 6 months); AND ● 7-14 days meditation retreat at Thangkar monastery. | |
| Advanced meditation practice & retreat ● 150 hours of mediation (25 hours per month during 6 months); AND ● 14-21 days meditation retreat at Thangkar monastery. |