Short Dharma Courses
These courses aim to provide opportunities for learning the Dharma, for students who are keen in gaining a deeper understanding of the Buddha's Teaching but who do not have the time to take up long courses.
Depending on the schedules and availability of teachers, KIBS organizes and hosts courses of varying lengths on regular and holiday weekends. Courses may be introductory or more advanced and can include subjects of Sutra or Tantra, and possibly various initiations or commentaries on specific practices.
All courses are residential with accommodation and food provided. Daily course schedule includes sessions of teachings, discussion and meditation.
Visitors can check the Institute's program for details on individual courses and any prerequisites that may be necessary.
| Program Name | Conducted by | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days Basic Meditation Course | Khenpo Tsultrim Tharchin | 06 Nov - 10 Nov 2010 |
| 7 Days Teaching "Creation (Kyerim) & Completion (Dzogrim)" | Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche | 29 Nov - 05 Dec 2010 |
| Tibetan Language Course | Upon Request |
Archive of Previous Short Dharma Courses
| Program Name | Conducted by | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Golden Kagyu Lineage - Teachings on the Biographies and Songs of the Kagyu Lineage Masters | Ven Shangpa Rinpoche | 15-19 Dec 2009 |
| Teaching Retreat on 'Milarepa Guru Yoga' (includes Empowerment, Oral Transmission and instructions) | Ven Shangpa Rinpoche | 22-25 Dec 2009 |
| 'Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment' (Atisha) | Khenpo Ramesh | 18-22 Jan 2010 |
| Milarepa's Songs on Madhyamika View | Khenpo Ramesh | 25-29 Jan 2010 |
| 7 Days Meditation Course: 'The Stages of Meditation' (Kamalashila) | Khenpo Ramesh | 04-10 Feb 2010 |
| Introduction to Buddha Nature Tathagatagarbha< | Khenpo Ramesh | 11-15 Feb 2010 |
| Program Name | Duration / Date |
|---|---|
| 'The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment' by Lord Atisha and 'The Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra' by HH 3 Karmapa |
24 Nov 08 - 21 Dec 08 |
| 'The Essence of Dependent Origination' by Acharya Nagarjuna | 09 Feb 09 - 15 Feb 09 |
| '37 Practices of Bodhisattva' by Thogme Zangpo | 16 Feb 09 - 22 Feb 09 |
| 'The Stages of Meditation' by Acharya Kamalashila | 05 Mar 09 - 11 Mar 09 |
| Program Name | Date |
|---|---|
| 7 Days Meditation Course on 'The Stages of Meditation' | 18 Oct - 24 Oct 07 |
| Meditation Retreat and Teaching on 'The Seven Points of Mind Training' | 03 Dec - 09 Dec 07 |
| Nagarjuna's 'Letter to a Friend' | 21 Feb - 01 Mar 08 |
| 'Distinguishing the Dharma and Dharmadhatu' | 03 Mar - 09 Mar 08 |
| Program Name | Date |
|---|---|
| The Stages of Meditation | 9 Oct - 19 Oct 06 |
| Introductory Course on Sanskrit | 11 Dec - 16 Dec 06 |
| The Seven Points of Mind Training | 26 Dec - 31 Dec 06 |
| Nagarjuna's Letter to a Friend | 16 Jan - 10 Feb 07 |
| Program Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Distinguishing Between Consciousness and Wisdom (Namshe Yeshe) | 05 Jan - 03 Feb 05 |
| The Stages of Meditation | 12 Sep – 21 Seo 05 |
| The Two Truths and Heart Sutra | 12 Dec – 17 Dec 05 |
| Tathagatagarbha | 02 Jan - 06 Jan 06 |
| The Seven Point of Mind Training | 6 Feb - 11 Feb 06 |
5 Days Basic Meditation Course
“According to the Instruction of Mahamudra Practice”
Date: 06 - 10 November 2010
Taught by: Khenpo Tsultrim Tharchin
Lord Buddha taught that the path to Enlightenment entails three types of training: virtue; meditation and wisdom. The practice of meditation and its integration in our everyday activities is important.
In all Buddhist schools, the practice of meditation comprises two approaches: Shamatha (one-pointedness or calm abiding) and Vipassana (the development of insight wisdom). Shamatha is the key for one to attain one-pointedness, clarity and sharpness in our mind. It forms the foundation of the development of insight wisdom which would ultimately lead one towards the realisation on the true nature of the mind. Particularly, in the Tibetan Buddhism of Mahamudra practice, Shamatha and Vipassana form the base of Mahamudra meditation to mature the fruition of Mahamudra.
The focus of this 5-day meditation teaching cum retreat program, is on the Shamatha and basic meditation training according to instruction of Mahamudra practice. The daily sessions include group teachings, instructions on the proper practical meditation techniques and practical meditation, as well as private interviews with the meditation teacher to clarify doubts.
This course is ideal for beginners as well as those who wish to further their practice and understanding of meditation. Personal guidance will be given according to individual capability.
The teacher for this course, Khenpo Tsultrim Tharchin, the Chief Abbot of Vikrama Shila Buddhist Institute, is a knowledgeable practitioner and qualified lama. He has proven himself to be a good teacher who conducts excellent teachings that benefit followers who are serious about their practice.
Registration and Enquiries
Registration must be made via the application form (word doc) which can be submitted via email.
General Information on Short Dharma Courses is available at bottom of this page.
If you want further information about the course, please contact us at: info@kirtipur.org or admin.kibs@gmail.com
Tel: (65)-9815 0386 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Creation (Kyerim) and Completion (Dzogrim) Meditation
Essential Points for Approaching the Tantric Meditation
By Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche
29 Nov – 5 Dec 2010
The entire path of the Vajrayana Tantra practice has two phases to it: The creation stage (kyerim), at the very beginning, in which one creates the visualisation of the deities, recites mantras and so forth; and the completion stage (dzogrim) in which one dissolves the visualization deity and mandala into emptiness.
The creation stage is the practice of method, and the completion stage is the practice of wisdom. In order to attain Buddhahood, one has to combine the two stages together, to realise the relative truth and the ultimate truth, and to accomplish the perfect enlightenment.
The practice of creation and completion corresponds to all the events and experiences of one life from birth to death and the experiences of Samsara and Nirvana etc. The tantric approach is to use whatever we have, whatever we are doing, as the method. It was through these skillful Tantric methods of creation and completion that innumerable beings were led to spiritual awakening and realization.
To a tantric practitioner, a correct understanding of these two stages of meditation is essential and of utmost importance. It offers great opportunity to clarify doubts on the Tantric practices and arouse faith and confidence in the path.
In this retreat, Rinpoche will be teaching this profound topic based on the text written by the 1st Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. The essential points and theory of the development stage will be presented. Students are also offered with a detailed description of the various elements of the development stage meditation and their significance in one’s spiritual path towards the realization of the Buddha nature. The focuses would be on the practical application through deity visualization, including how to identify and overcome obstacles; and how to progress in the path.
Registration and Enquiries
Registration must be made via the application form (word doc) which can be submitted via email.
General Information on Short Dharma Courses is available at bottom of this page.
If you want further information about the course, please contact us at: info@kirtipur.org or admin.kibs@gmail.com
Tel: (65)-9815 0386 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
General Information on Short Dharma Courses
Application Procedures
Please submit the completed application form (word doc) via email to info@kirtipur.org or admin.kibs@gmail.com.
Every section in the application form must be completed (a nil return is necessary). All applications will be processed on a 'first come, first served basis'. Please note that an incomplete application form will delay the processing time.
Acknowledgement and Payment of Fees
Successful applicants will be issued an Acceptance Letter, and a request to make payment of the course fees.
The full fees are due upon receipt of the confirmation of your application.
Closing Date
One week before commencement of the course, *or* when maximum number of participants is attained.
Cancellation, Withdrawal and Refunds
The Institute reserves the right to make any amendments or changes to the programme including delay the commencement of the programmes or withdraw all the programmes altogether if warranted by circumstances beyond its control. In the event of such withdrawal of the program by the institute, you will receive a full refund of the course fee paid.
However, should you decide to withdraw from the course for any reasons, a notice of withdrawal must be given in writing, either by email or post. Please note that we are unable to give any cash refund for such cancellations. However, if the notice of cancellation is received by us at least one weeks before the commencement of the course, you can use the amount to set off against fees due for future course taken at KIBS. Request for withdrawals and refunds will be treated on a case-by-case basis, and subjected to approval by the Institute.
We have this general information here as a Word document for your convenience.
For further information, please contact us at: info@kirtipur.org or admin.kibs@gmail.com
Tel: (65)-9815 0386 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)