Nalandabodhi Study Curriculum: Vajrayana (VAJ 401–404)
5-6:30 p.m. (Pacific) on Wednesdays, Sept. 8 through May 4
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The Vajrayana curriculum is the culmination of Nalandabodhi’s Path of Study. It offers a wide-ranging overview of Tibet’s tantric lineages, the power of symbolism and pure view, and the entire progression of the Vajrayana path, from the preliminaries through empowerment, the generation and completion stages, Mahamudra and Dzogchen.
All four courses of the Vajrayana curriculum (VAJ 401–404) will be offered in sequence, beginning Sept. 8 (just after Labor Day) and continuing through May 4, 2022.
The cost is $60 per course, or $240 for all four courses. Recordings will be available but please do not share them with others who not registered for the class.
The courses will be taught by Karunika Dan Hirshberg, PhD, along with occasional special guests, the course is extended to allow more time for historical context, detailed commentary and discussion.
The Vajrayana is treated as an independent division of studies.
Participants must meet these four prerequisites:
- Completion of all preceding Nalandabodhi study courses
- Full membership in Nalandabodhi
- Be a personal student of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
- At least started Ngondro Track A or B (newer prereq: not listed in VAJ binder)
The sourcebook for the courses is available through the Nalanda Store. You will be asked for the name of your practice instructor in order to purchase the sourcebook.
If you have questions, please contact Steve Burden at sherablt@gmail.com.
Syllabus:
VAJ 401 The Eight Practice Lineages of the Dharma of Symbols ($60)
Sept 8: Understanding the Dharma of Symbols
Sept. 15: The Nyingma Lineage
Sept. 22: The Kagyu Lineages
Sept. 29: Sakya, Kadam, Geluk, and Other Lineages
VAJ 402 Glimpses of Pure Vision ($60)
Oct. 6: The Teacher-Student Relationship
Oct. 13: Sacred Outlook and the Mandala Principle
Oct. 20: Buddha Nature, Families, and Kayas
Oct. 27: Abhisheka and Samaya
Nov. 3: NO CLASS
Nov. 10: The Four Common Preliminaries, and Uncommon Refuge and Bodhicitta
Nov.. 17: Vajrasattva, Mandala, Guru Yoga
Nov. 24: NO CLASS
Dec.1: Four Tantra Classes, Creation and Completion Stages
Dec. 8: Six Dharmas of Naropa
VAJ 403 Mahamudra ($60)
Dec.15: Mahamudra as Pinnacle
Dec. 22: Lineage and Sutra Mahamudra
(Winter Break)
Jan. 12: Ground Mahamudra
Jan. 19: Path Mahamudra
Jan. 26: Four Yogas and Fruition Mahamudra
Feb. 2: Tantra Mahamudra and Essence Mahamudra
Feb. 9: Mahamudra in Four Letters: Heart Essence
Feb. 16: Mahamudra in Four Letters: First Letter
Feb.23: Mahamudra in Four Letters: Second Letter
March 2: Mahamudra in Four Letters: Third Letter
March 9: Mahamudra in Four Letters: Fourth Letter
VAJ 404 Dzogchen: Pure Awareness in its Natural Glow ($60)
March 16: Nine Yanas
March 23: NO CLASS
March 30: Atiyoga: Mind Section
April 6: Atiyoga: Expanse and Pith-Instruction Sections
April 13:Three Words in View, Meditation, and Conduct
April 20: Three Words: First Vital Point
April 27: Three Words: Second and Third Vital Points
May 4: Three Words: Concluding Summary
