The Library has eight departments: research and translation, publication, oral history and film documentation, reference (reading room), Tibetan studies, Tibetan manuscripts, a museum, and a school for thangka painting and wood carving. It has a team of Tibetan scholars who are engaged in research, translation, instruction and the publication of books.

Since its founding, the Library has acquired a reputation as an international centre for Tibetan studies. To date, more than five thousand scholars and research students from over thirty countries have benefited from this unique educational institutions. It offers regular classes in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language.

Centre for Tibetan Studies

Courses in Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Language

March - December 1998

Buddhist Philosophy

Note:

Teacher: Geshe Sonam Senge (affectionately known as Geshe Dawa) Time: 09 -10 a.m. Translator: Sonam Tsering

(March 15 - March 31)
Preliminary Practices

From Sakya Pandita's Thub-pa dgongs-gsal (Chapter 1 & 2) This teaching will give an overall view of Buddhist preliminary practices. Based on Sakya Pandita's text Thub-pa dgons-gsal, Geshe la will explain the means of cultivating an interest and inclination towards the teachings of Buddha. It will also guide you in taking the first formal step in Buddhist practice_refuge in the Three Jewels.

(April 1 - May 15)
Actual Path and Practices

From Sakya Pandita's Thub-pa dgongs-gsal (Chapter 3 to 7)
This teaching covers a wide range of topics explaining the spiritual path and the related practices. Explained are the means of cultivating the two types of Bodhicitta_aspirational and engagement. Also included are the six perfection and the four social activities needed for the accomplishment of ones personal purpose and the welfare of other sentient beings. These chapters give a presentation of the five paths and the modes of accomplishing them.

(May 16 - June 15)
Enlightenment

From Sakya Pandita's Thub-pa dgongs-gsal (Chapter 8)
The eighth chapter of the text provides a comprehensive exposition of the qualities of the Buddha. It gives a synopsis of the highest attainment_Buddhahood, and elucidates the thirty two supra-mundane qualities of the Buddha. The text explains how the state of Buddha far surpasses other high attainments and goals.

(July 16 - Aug 15)
Presentation of Buddhist Tenets

Based on Konchog Jigme Wangpo's Grub-mtha' rin-chen 'phreng-ba
This text provides a brief presentation of the tenets and the philosophical views as established by the four major Buddhist schools (Vaibh ika, Saut ntrika, Cittam trin and Madhyamaka). It also presents the philosophical views and positions of the minor Buddhist schools. The text presents the basis, the path and the accomplished goals of Buddhist practice as asserted by these major and minor schools.

(August 16 - September 15)
A Compilation of Sayings

From Gampo-pa's Zhal-gdams lam-mchog rin-po-che'i 'phreng-ba
The text is a written revelation of the great Kagyudpa master Je Gampopa. In a refined manner, the author details the essence of all the teachings given by the great Kadampa master Atisha Dipamkara. Also included are the teachings of the great Indian masters Naropa and Maitrepa and the great yogi Milarepa. These teachings were further classified in divisions of common topics.

(September 16- November 15)
Stages of the Path

Based on Kongpo Lama Yeshe Tsondue's Lam-rim bdud-rtsi snying-po
A Lamrim is the graduated path to enlightenment. Here, Lama Yeshe Tsondue gives a vivid explanation of the paths and the stages practised by an individual in pursuit for enlightenment. It also presents many other means followed in Buddhist tradition_ a tradition to cultivate the basic human qualities. It provides an opportunity of benefitting oneself and others in attaining the ultimate goal. Training the Mind

Based on Geshe Chekhawa's Blo-sbyong don-bdun-ma
Lojong_the mind training instructions of the Kadampa masters. The practice mainly concerns the training of the mind to overcome the two afflicted attitudes of self-grasping and self-cherishing. Lojong also guides us in the two-fold practice of equalizing and exchanging oneself with others. It also teaches us how to give our happiness to others and take others suffering. The teaching shall be based on Blo-sbyong don-bdun-ma (Seven-point Mind Training) composed by the Revered Geshe Chekhawa during the twelfth century.

(December 16 - December 31)
Heart Sutra

Text: Prajñap ramitah dayas tra (Heart Sutra)
The Heart Sutra, a discourse taught by the Buddha is the quintessence of all the Prajñap ramita Sutras. The very heart of the Buddha's teachings on emptiness are expressed briefly. The Sutra exists in the form of dialogue between the great Bodhisattava Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra with a blessed approval by Buddha Himself at the end. The text explicitly teaches the means towards gaining perfection in the wisdom of understanding the ultimate nature of all phenomena_ emptiness.

Teacher: Geshe Sonam Rinchen Time: 11.12 a.m. Translator: Ms Ruth Sonam

(March 15 - April 15)
Birth, Death and Intermediate State

Based on -kya Yongzin Yangchen Gawae Lodoe's gZhi'i sku-gsum lam-'khyer
Every sentient being, in their ceaseless cycle of rebirth must enter the three states of birth, death and the intermediate state. Geshe La will give teachings on how a sentient being enters all three states. Geshe La will also explain the means of transforming the ordinary aspects of birth, death and intermediate state into the three purified aspects of Buddha's bodies_ Emanation body, Truth body and Complete Enjoyment body respectively, thereby attaining liberation from Samsara. The teaching shall be based be based on A-kya Yongzin's text gZhi'i sku-gsum lam-'khyer (Transforming the Three Basic Bodies into Path).

(April 16 - April 30)
Liberation from Basic Intermediate State

Based on Panchen Losang Choegyen's Bar-do 'phrang-sgrol
The sentient beings caught in cyclic existence undergo various sufferings, miseries, pains and agonies while experiencing the process of birth, death and the intermediate state. Geshela will specifically deal with the nature, aspects and attributes of the intermediate state. The text also teaches the practice of transforming the ordinary aspects of the intermediate state into the purified aspects of Complete Enjoyment body of Buddha, thereby gaining freedom from this cyclic existence.

(May 1 - June 15)
Generosity

From Chandrakirti's Madhy mak vat ra
(Chapter 1) Acharya Chandrakirti presents in his Madhy mak vat ra, the Supplement to the Middle Way, the complex philosophical views as explained by Acharya Nagarjuna in his text M lamadhyamakak rik , Root Treatise on Madhyamaka View. The first chapter of the text gives a complete view of Mahayana practice and vividly explains how an aspirant enters it through the cultivation of compassion and Bodhicitta. Chapter one focuses on the Bodhisattava's practise of giving. It guides us in the practice of giving material help, teachings and protection to others in worldly as well as in trans-worldly ways.

(June 16 - July 15)
Freedom From Four Attachments

Based on Sachen Kunga Nyingpo's Zhen-pa bzhi-bral
Parting from the four attachments, popularly known as Zhen-pa bzhi-brel, was taught by Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, the great Sakyapa master who received it from Bodhisattava Manjushri. This basic instruction on mind training provides a clear understanding of the path of enlightenment. It incorporates the complete practice into a brief instruction on the parting from four objects of attachment_ this life, the world of existence, one's own purpose, and a strong grasping.

(July 16 - August 15)
Discipline and Patience

From Chandrakirti's Madhyamak vat ra
(Chapter 2 & 3) The perfection of discipline, in Buddhism, is seen as the foundation of all the higher attainments; and the perfection of patience, the armour that guards us from all the adverse factors that impede our spiritual practice. Geshe la will teach how to practice these two perfection and their impact upon our daily behaviour. The instructions on practising discipline and patience will be taken from the second and the third chapter of Madhyamak vat ra.

(August 16 - September 15)
Effort and Concentration

From Chandrakirti's Madhyamak vat ra
(Chapter 4 & 5) The perfection of effort, in Buddhist context is a genuine interest and enthusiasm towards virtue and virtuous action. And, the perfection of concentration is a practice intended for training the mind in seeing the ultimate reality of all phenomena. The teaching covers the fourth and the fifth chapter of Acharya Chandrakirti's Madhyamak vat ra.

(September 16 - October 31)
Dependent Arising

From Nagarjuna's M lamadhyamakak rik
(Chapter 26) Acharya Nagarjuna in his philosophical treatise M lamadhyamakak rik, establishes the Madhyamika or middle view of avoiding the two extremes_ nihilism and eternalism. This teaching, based on the 26th chapter, also presents a brief analysis of the twelve limbs of dependent arising. It explains on how sentient beings conditioned by various factors, conditions and causes, are bound to the ceaseless cycle of birth and death are still wandering in this cyclic existence. The means to bring it to an end, are also included.

(November 1 - November 30)
Conscientiousness and Introspection

From Shantideva's Bodhic ryavat ra
(Chapter 4 & 5) Bodic ry vat ra written by Acharya Shantideva is one of the most important guides to the Bodhisattava's deeds and practice. In this text, the great Indian master Shantideva gives an extensive and enlightening discourse on Bodhisattava's practice of the ten perfection. This teaching will be based on the fourth and the fifth chapter concerning conscientiousness and introspection.

(December 1 - December 31)
Selflessness of Person

From Chandrakirti's Madhy mik vat ra
(Chapter 6) All suffering, misery and dissatisfaction arise from our misconception of self objects_ person and phenomena other than person. And it is only through gaining an insight into the selflessness with regards to these objects that we destroy the two obstructions and bring an end to all the sufferings. Of the two selflessness, Geshela shall will give teachings on how to establish the view of selflessness of person as taught in the text Madhy mikak vat ra.

In addition, we invite visiting Lamas to teach brief session from time to time. On Mondays, there will be a meditation class which consist of chanting prayers, followed by a brief instruction from the teacher and a short meditation.

The prayer book for this and the textual classes, entitled 'Daily Recitation', is available in Tibetan with an English translation from the LTWA bookshop and its authorised distributors.

The Dharma teachers may be consulted privately by appointment.

TEACHERS
Venerable Geshe Sonam Senge (Geshe Dawa), who will teach the first class, was born in Kongpo, Central Tibet. He began his religious education when he entered Jangtse college of Gaden Monastic University at the age of 16. He received the Lharampa Geshe degree in 1978. He taught debate and philosophy at Namgyal monastery, Dharamsala, from 1980 until he was appointed to teach in 1987 at LTWA by H.H. the Dalai Lama. He has also taught at various universities and Dharma Centres in South Korea and the United States respectively. Presently, he teaches Buddhist philosophy at the Library as well as Nechung monastery, Dharamsala.

Venerable Geshe Sonam Rinchen, who will teach the second class, was born in the Tehor region of Kham in Eastern Tibet. With the parent's consent he began his religious studies at Dargye monastery, the largest local monastery in Kham Dargye, at the age of 12. He pursued his studies for the next seven years there and completed the basic studies in logic. He then made a two and a half month journey on foot to central Tibet to enter the monastic university of Sera at the age of 19. He continued his studies at Sera until he was forced to flee Tibet in 1959. In India he completed his studies for the degree of a Geshe Lharampa which he received in 1980. He also holds an Acharya from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Saranath. He has taught classes at LTWA since 1978. Geshe La has also taught in Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland and Switzerland. Several books of his teachings have been published.

TRANSLATORS<
Mr. Sonam Tsering holds an Acharya degree (equiv.to Master's degree) in Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan studies from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Saranath, Varanasi. He joined LTWA's Research and Translation Department in the fall of 1996.

Ms. Ruth Sonam holds an M.A. degree from Oxford University and has lived in Dharamsala since 1976. She has an extensive knowledge on Buddhist philosophy and practice and has been active as an interpreter and translator since 1981. She had translated and edited several books of Geshe Sonam Rinchen's teachings.

TIBETAN LANGUAGE
There will be three terms of three months each: Spring (March-May); Summer (June-August); and Autumn (September-November). Two classes_beginners and advanced_of one hour duration will be held six times a week from Monday to Saturday, except for the second and the fourth Saturday of every month which will be holidays.

BEGINNERS (10-11 a.m.)
Beginning with the alphabet, vowels and combinations of letters, students will learn the fundamental structure of the language, how to make simple sentences and use of tenses and so forth. The overall aim at this level is for students to learn general reading and conversation skills.

TEXTBOOKS:
Modern Tibetan Language Vol.I
A Basic Grammar of Modern Spoken Tibetan
Modern Tibetan Colloquial Conversations
(All published by LTWA)

ADVANCED (10-11 a.m.)
Students will reinforce and extend their command of Tibetan grammar and idiom. Aspects of Tibetan culture and religion will be introduced to provide the basis for students to discuss Buddhism in Tibetan. The principal aim of this class is to help students become confident and fluent in speaking Tibetan.

TEXTBOOKS:
Tibetan Reader IV & V (Both published by Tibetan Cultural Printing Press, Dharamsala.) Lectures on Tibetan Religious Culture Vol I & II (Both published by LTWA) Elegant Sayings of Sakya Pandita (Sa-skya legs-bshad) by Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyaltsen (Chapter 1 & 2) These will be supplemented by other grammar texts and story books. If deemed necessary, slight changes in textbooks will be made to suit the learners. And the changes will be announced in advance if possible.

TEACHERS
Ven. Tenzin Lhawang, holding an Acharya degree (Master's degree) in Tibetan language and Buddhist Philosophy from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi will teach the beginners' class.

Mr. Sangye T. Naga, holding an Acharya degree (Master's degree) in Tibetan language and Buddhist Philosophy from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi will teach the advanced class.

REGISTRATION FEE
Students are required to obtain a registration card before attending any course. Course fee(s) should be paid at the time of registration, either for the whole course or on a monthly basis.

FEES
Registration Rs.20/-
Buddhist Philosophy Rs.100/-
per month each class
Tibetan Language Rs.200/-
per month each class

ACCOMMODATION
A limited number of rooms, usually with an attached kitchen, are available for research scholars and general students on rent subject to periodical revision. Rents range from Rs.500/- to Rs.2,000/- per month. Rooms will be rented to only the bona-fide research scholars and students who attend a minimum of two classes. No advance booking shall be made. Rooms will be rented only when the students arrives here and registers for classes. If no rooms are available at the time of their arrival, their name will be kept on a waiting list.

Research scholar refers to those scholars who come with a letter of recommendation from their university/institution and who need to use the books, manuscripts and other facilities available in this institution for their research works. Research scholars are required to subscribe to Library Membership. Membership fee per month is Rs.150/-.

OTHER FACILITIES Foreign Language Reference Library_ 6,000 titles in English and other language concerning Buddhism, Tibet and related subjects, as well as reference material. Manuscript Department_ 70,000 Tibetan titles (books and manuscripts) dealing with Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, psychology, history, medicine, etc. Museum_ houses about 1,000 Buddhist objects d'art from Tibet.

Book store_ All the books and journals published by LTWA are available from the sales counter on the first floor of the main building.

Reprography service_ written and tape copying services are available at nominal charge.

For further information please contact:

The Secretary
(Centre for Tibetan Studies)
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives
Dharamsala - 176215 (INDIA)
Phone: 0091-1892-22467

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Last updated: 10-Nov-97