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 | 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 |
| Tibetan Language Course | Upon Request |
The Golden Kagyu Lineage
Teachings on the Life Stories and Songs of the Kagyu Lineage Masters
Date: 15 - 19 December 2009
Taught by: Ven Shangpa Rinpoche
The stream root-source of Kagyu lineage originated directly from Lord Vajradhara. Our very first glorious forefather, the great yogai Tilopa, who lived in Northern India around the 10th century A.D., received the profound teachings of Mahamudra directly from Lord Vajradhara and attained the supreme realization of Mahamudra. Besides, Tilopa had also received the four special transmissions (Tib.: bka-babs-bzhi) from four great masters and mastered them skillfully, at one time or another.
The first of the transmissions stemmed from Nagarjuna. It consists of two tantras namely the 'Sangwa Dupa Tantra' (Skr.: Guhyasamaya) and the 'Denshi Tantra.' It also encompasses the practices of 'Illusory Body' (Tib.: sgyu-lus) and "Transference" (Tib.: pho-ba). The second special transmission sprung from Nakpopa. It comprises the tantra of 'Gyuma Chenmo' (Skr.: Mahamaya) as well as the practice of 'Conscious Dreaming' (Tib.: rmi-lam). The third special transmission came from Lawapa. It contains the "Demchok Tantra" and the practice of 'Clear Light' (Tib.: od-gsal). The fourth was transmitted from Khandro Kalpa Zangmo, and it includes the trantra of 'Gyepa Dorje' (Skr.: Hevajra), and the practice of 'Tummo.'
He mastered them skillfully and transmitted these teachings entirely to his devoted disciple, Naropa. Naropa had further systematized these teachings into six aspects of Yoga. It is later known as the Six Yogas of Naropa, the precious heart teachings of Kagyu Lineage. Naropa transmitted his lineage to Marpa, the great translator, who risked his life to journey from Tibet to India several times, for the sake of receiving instructions on Dharma, in order to spread the teachings of the Dharma in the great snow land. Milarepa, the extremely renown great yogi, through his perseverance and dedication in the practice of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, achieved profound realization of the ultimate nature of reality.
Gampopa, the physician from Dagpo, the foremost disciple of Milarepa, received the transmission from Milarepa. He skillfully merged the two streams of teachings, from Kadampa and Milarepa, into one. Four of his disciples founded the four major Kagyu schools, and subsequently stemmed into eight minor Kagyu schools.
In this course, Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche will touch on the introduction of the golden lineage, the life stories of lineage masters and some short Dohas (songs or poetries of realization), allowing students to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of our lineage and to inspire and uplift their spiritual practices.
It is our heart-felt wish that all students could enjoy the golden blessings of all our compassionate lineage masters, while recollecting their life stories and Dohas through this course.
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Milarepa Guru Yoga
(includes Empowerment, Oral Transmission and instruction)
Date: 22 - 25 December 2009
Taught by: Ven Shangpa Rinpoche
In Kagyupa, pure Guru-disciple relationship is strongly emphasized, and it is extremely important for the practitioner to develop pure faith and devotion towards one’s root Guru.
In our golden lineage, we acknowledge our glorious root Guru as the supreme source of blessings. A disciple intensively devoted and reverent towards a fully qualified Guru will, by his blessings, instantly realize one’s true mind nature and spontaneously attain the profound fruition of Mahamudra. Without the blessings of the Guru, one will not be on the true path and wander helplessly, circulating without entering the sublime gate of Vajrayana practice.
Milarepa Guru Yoga is a profound practice that will enable the practitioner to develop one’s precious qualities of pure faith and devotion towards Milarepa, one of our greatest lineage masters, as well as directly receiving the warm blessing streams of his realization.
Milarepa (1052-1135) is an extremely renowned tantric yogi in Tibet. He was the heart-disciple of great translator Marpa.
The early stages of his life was no more than a series of sorrowful experiences, emblazened by the samsaric nature of impermanence and sufferings, until he met Marpa, his Guru of affinity. Under the compassionate and skillful guidance of Marpa, he suffered years of testing and extreme hardships, which pained and wearied not only his physical body, but also saddened his heart deeply.
When the time had finally ripened, Marpa bestowed him full transmission of all he had learnt from Naropa and the other great Indian masters. He also prophesied that Milarepa would manifest vast dharma activities and benefit countless of sentient beings timelessly.
Milarepa displayed perseverance and dedication in his dharma practices. In return, his diligence and endurance earned him the supreme fruition – profound realization of Mahamudra.
His exceptionally remarkable life story and accomplishment in Mahamudra inspired countless of practitioners. The wonderful field of His warm blessings is still vividly manifested and completely fills the air of this world till this very day.
The 5 days retreat includes empowerment on Milarepa, oral transmission, instructions and group meditation practice on Milarepa Guru Yoga. In addition, participants will also learn how to prepare the offerings and torma for the Milerapa puja.
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
The Lamp of the Path to Enlightenment by Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana
Date: 18 - 22 January 2010
Taught by: Khenpo Ramesh
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.
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Milarepa's Songs on Madhyamika View
Date: 25 - 29 December 2010
Taught by: Khenpo Ramesh
Jetsun Milarepa (1052- 1135), is a famous yogi and a renown Kagyu lineage master, who attained profound realization of the Mahamudra within one life time through his unwavering faith, perseverance and dedication in his practice.
In his youth he had been a magician, but having seen the futility of that pursuit, he became a yogi under the strict guidance of the great translator, Marpa of Lhodrak (1012-97). Through years of dedicated meditation and related practices in the solitude of the mountains, he attained profound realization that enabled him to guide numerous disciples.
He wandered from village to village, teaching the path through his spontaneously composed songs. Wherever he went, crowds of people would gather to hear his heart-capturing and sweet-sounding voice "singing the Dharma". He was naturally endowed with the wondrous ability to express the essence of the Buddha's Dharma spontaneously arisen out of his realization, in the most comprehensive ways, that could be understood by all calibers.
Many songs of Milarepa expressed his realization based on the Madhyamika view of emptiness; which illuminates the emptiness and selflessness’s nature of all phenomenal existences.
It is extremely crucial for a practitioner to develop the right view that based on Madhyamika, as it is not only the ground for meditation practice, and by itself is also the ultimate fruition state of realization and liberation.
In this course, selected important songs of Milarepa, which skillfully elucidate the essence of the Madhyamika, will be presented and taught to the students. Through that, may all students gain the great inspiration in practice, and ultimately realize the true nature of one's mind.
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Kamalashila's 'The Stages of Meditation', (Bhavana Krama)
7 Days Meditation Course
Date: 04 - 10 February 2010
Taught by: Khenpo Ramesh
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.
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. It is the key for one to experience peace, calmness, clarity and sharpness in our minds, leading to the development of wisdom through which one ultimately attains realization of the true nature of the mind.
In this 7 days meditation teaching cum retreat program, students will be taught the proper practical meditation techniques on Shamatha (one-pointedness) meditation as well as Vispassana (the development of insight) meditation.
Besides practical meditation sessions, there will teachings to clarify misconceptions based on the important quotations extracted from the text 'The Stages of Meditation' taught by Kamalashila, as well as other important sutras on meditation as taught by the Buddha.
This course is suitable for people who are new to meditation, as well as those who wish to further their practice and understanding. Personal guidance will be given according to individual capability. The teacher for this course is a famous academic in Buddhist Philosophy and an established practitioner in the Kagyu and Nyingma 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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Introduction to Buddha Nature
Tathagatagarbha
Date: 11 - 15 February 2010
Taught by: Khenpo Ramesh
During the Third Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, Buddha conferred the teaching of the 'Mind Only School' and 'Tathagatagarbha' which discloses that all beings have the 'Buddha Nature' from the beginningless time. It resides in each and every being and because of this heart nature; there is the possibility of us in attaining Buddhahood. As long as a being is not enlightened, the Buddha nature is covered by the obscurations. When the obscurations are purified, the quality of the Buddha will manifest and naturally take place.
This course will provide an overview and introduction on the 'Uttara Tantra Shastra', a important treatise by Maitreya which elucidates the nature and qualities of Buddha nature.
To a tantric practitioner, a correct understanding of the Buddha Nature is essential and of utmost importance, since it is the ground and forms the base of Vajrayana meditation, especially Mahamudra practice. Through the identification of one‘s own Buddha Nature, both in meditation and daily life, the realization would unfold effortlessly.
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)
Short Dharma Courses - 2009/10
| 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 |
| Tibetan Language Course | Upon Request |
Archive of Previous Short Dharma Courses
| 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 |
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: (65)-9811 3936 (Singapore) / (977) 1-433-1679 (Nepal)