Short Dharma Courses
These courses aim to provide opportunity 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 include session 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 | 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 |
The Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment by Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana
7 Days Meditation Retreat and Teaching
Date: 24 November 08 - 21 December 08
This one of the most notable texts by Atisha, the eleventh-century Indian Buddhist scholar and meditation master (982-1054). Atisha wrote this text which established the graduated path to enlightenment at the request of the king Jangchub O who wanted to re-establish and spread the Buddha Dharma in Tibet. Jangchub O asked 7 important questions on practice to Atisha, from the most basic to the most advanced and the questions and answers were all recorded in this text.
The text integrates all the teachings of Buddha into a step-by-step practice and sets forth the entire Buddhist path in 68 four-line verses, distilling the essence of all the teahings of the Buddha into a clear, progressive arrangement that makes it easy for any individual to understand and practice the Dharma. Due to the clear aspiration Jangchub had, by listening to, reflecting and meditation on the "Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment" dispels ignorance in one's mind and gives realization and joy. Through this text, many had realized enlightenment in the past.
This text is based on the Prajnaparamita teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and is the source all the teachings on the graduated path to enlightenment of all the schools of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of this precious text and is suitable for all especially those who are aspiring on the path to practice so as to benefit others.
This course continues with ...
The Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra by HH3 Karmapa Rangjung Dorje
Date: 24 November 08 - 21 December 08
The Karmapa, 'he who carries out the activity of all the Buddhas' was the first recognized incarnate lama in Tibetan history. The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (b. 1284 - d. 1339) was an important figure whose influence and benefit to the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism is incalculable.
The Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje composed many text and Doha (songs which arose from his own realization). One of the many important & profound texts and songs that he composed is 'The Aspiration Prayer of Mahamudra'.
The Mahamudra Prayer by the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje, is one of the most famous meditation manuals of all times. In twenty-five verses, the Third Karmapa presents the fundamental and essential points of the entire Mahamudra path in terms of view, practice, and fruition, and which clearly states the key points on the path to recognizing the Buddha nature within us.
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 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: (977) 1-433-1679
Nagarjuna's 'The Essence of Dependent Origination'
9 Days Course
Date: 09 February 09 - 15 February 09
This teaching is based on one of the most precious text by Acharya Nāgārjuna (1st - 2nd century A.D.) that discloses the twelve links of interdependent origination and its essence.
Interdependent origination (Skt., pratityasamutpada) is the law of causality, which Shakyamuni discovered at his awakening. It revealed to him the whole truth of existence, and in penetrating it he became the Awakened One. What he saw was a total vision of how and why all beings throughout space and time are entangled in samsara for countless lives, as well as his own past lives in his progress toward liberation.
Lord Buddha mentioned : "Whoever realize the interdependent origination see the Dharma; and whoever see the Dharma, see the Buddha."
The key to the Buddha's realization and teaching is the understanding of causality, because it is through knowing the causality that one can truly put an end to suffering.
Thus, this is an important text for those who are walking on the path towards liberation and enlightenment. It gives clear & simple explanation on the profound reality that even a beginners in the Dharma would be able to grasp and understand its essence.
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 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: (977) 1-433-1679
Thogme Zangpo's '37 Practices of Bodhisattva'
7 Day Course
Date: 16 February 09 - 22 February 09
“The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva” is written by Ngülchu Thogme Zangpo (1295-1369 CE) on the Mahayana practice of developing bodhicitta and living one’s life as a Bodhisattva.
The root text gives, in thirty-seven short verses, the heart essence of a Bodhisattva's conduct and the essential practices leading to enlightenment into thirty-seven main practices.
The author wrote this text in order to familiarise himself again and again with the practices of the Bodhisattvas and to acquaint others with them. It serves as an essential, inspiring and practical guide for both beginning and advanced spiritual practitioner who is working on developing an enlightened attitude to benefit others.
Ngülchu Thogme Zangpo, a renowned bodhisattva in Tibet is revered for living according to the bodhisattva ideals and practices that he taught. He inspired not only his direct disciples but also generations of practitioners up to the present day.
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 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: (977) 1-433-1679
Kamalashila's 'The Stages of Meditation', (Bhavana Krama)
7 Days Meditation Course
Date: 05 March 09 - 11 March 09
This 7 days meditation teaching cum retreat program is based on a rare text, 'Bhavanakrama' or 'The Stages of Meditation', written by Acharya Kamalashila, a great Indian scholar-yogi of the ninth century and a disciple of the abbot Shantarakshita.
Kamalashila was invited to Tibet by King Trisong Detsen to rectify certain Chinese misinterpretations about meditation through debate. To honor his victory, the King asked him to compose a text on the Stages of Meditation that would clearly lay out the beginning and more advanced methods of meditation that would ultimately lead to enlightenment. This text is a practical guide for the serious practitioner. It is also the basis for a particular system of meditation established in Tibet about twelve centuries ago.
The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the text as well as of the proper meditation techniques. Students will also learn why meditation is such a crucial element of Buddhist practice.
The lecturer for this course is a famous academic in Buddhist Philosophy and an established practitioner in the Vajrayana Tradition of Buddhism.
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 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: (977) 1-433-1679
Short Dharma Courses - 2008/9
| 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 |
Archive of Previous Short Courses
| 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 |
General Information on Short Dharma Courses
Application Proceedures
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: (977) 1-433-1679