Student Testimonials
Malik Hermansen
Course attended : Namshe Yeshe - January 2005
First of all, I like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ven. Shangpa Rinpoche. In completing his vision in Kirtipur he have made a great contribution for the future of this precious lineage, the Karma Kagyu tradition.
After my personal experiences at KIBS, during the one month course in January 2005, I feel certain that this place will lead many sentient beings towards the ultimate goal, the enlightened stage. I'm sincerely recommending this place.
Khenpo Ramesh, the kind master of wisdom, is constantly making the greatest effort in guiding his students out of the darkness of samsara. Khenpo's vast knowledge and his history is self proven. I feel great happiness to have shared much time with Khenpo Ramesh, thereby being able to receive his profound teachings.
Sometimes I think it is a shame that Khenpo is not teaching direct in English.
I feel that the evening meditation class is of most importance, since it creates the direct link between studying and practice.
Shangpa Rinpoche gave a few days dharma teachings, which all students greatly enjoyed. I really hope that Rinpoche will continue to do even much more of this at KIBS. Thank you!
In January the course was held with 6 days a week program. For the long term program, I suggest KIBS to consider if this should be reduced to a 5 days schedule.
Also I hope that KIBS in the future will set up courses of different schedule, such as short programs for 1 or 2 weeks. I think many Kagyu followers from various parts of our samsaric world could have possibility and interest in this.
I know that Rangjung Yeshe Institute under Chokyi Niema Rinpoche have made some co-operation arrangements with university's in Europe / US, which are benefiting there students at RYI in Boudhanath.
Padma
Course attended : Namshe Yeshe - January 2005
This important teaching is quite deep and can be difficult to grasp. However, thanks to Khenpo's special, skilful style of teaching, he makes this most profound teaching accessible and understandable for students of all levels.
Khenpo is committed to teaching the root text, clarifying it with teachings and quotations from many different sutras and commentaries by various great masters. He also includes teachings on the Vajra Songs of Milarepa that are related to the topic being discussed. Khenpo said, "My duty is to share my knowledge with everyone here, and to present the teaching for your clear understanding."
Because listening (to the Teaching of the Dharma), contemplation and meditation are three extremely important practices for a practitioner, all three aspects are emphasized in the course here.
The daily timetable starts at 9am with 2 sessions of teaching on the main text, followed by Tibetan and Sanskrit lessons in the evening.
One cannot gain a direct understanding and taste of the Dharma without meditating, thus an important aspect of the course is meditation. The practice of meditation helps make our mind sharp and more and more subtle; it is only with a subtle and sharp mind that one can penetrate, understand and realize the Dharma, the development of wisdom which leads towards liberation from Samsara and enlightenment. We have a meditation session daily; the day doesn't end until after the evening meditation session at around 8:30pm.
It's great to see everyone happily dwelling in the Dharma: listening, reflecting on the teachings, as well as meditating together in the evening meditation session. Time just passes by so quickly.
I really enjoy the meditation session; it enables me to silence, relax and sharpen my mind. The instructions on meditation are quite direct and are good reminders. The teachings based on stories related to the life of Buddha encourage our mind to relax after a long day of serious sessions.
We are also very fortunate that we have an excellent Khenpo, Khenpo Ramesh and two very good translators: Tony Duff and Pamela White. Khenpo-la not only teaches the theoretical aspect of the text, but also the practical aspect of the path.
Andre and Natasha
Course attended : Certificate in Buddhist Studies - 2005/06
Our experiences have been very positive and it is hard to find criticism.
Going through Gampopa's Jewel Ornament proved to be a profound and necessary basis. It was a good thing to have shorter courses woven into the program.
First of all because it is good to have a variety of teachings and second it was nice with a change every now and then. This goes also for the the special events (like the Kagyu Monlam, the lungs given by Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche, as well as the celebration of the one-year anniversary).
Although the teachings or the stay in general never got boring, the changes in the program once in a while were appreciated. The evening classes were fine and it was great to meditate together. The Lotus Cafe was an important meeting point during the breaks, as well as the internet cafe. It is these facilities that give KIBS such a rounded feeling where everything is at hand that one basically needs.
The one thing that really is outstanding, besides all the things that we mentioned before, is the strong feeling I got of being a family while we were in KIBS.
Though we will not be able to do so this coming year due to my other commitments, we do however want to come again and plan to come again and continue the program.
All the best and wishing we will soon be able to meet again!
Andre and Natasha
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tan Tiong Hai, Ong K.C, Tan Liang Xian, Ong Kok Hong and Ong Jian Bo
Course attended : The Seven Points of Mind Training - 2006
During our stay in the Institute, we were very much well taken care of by so many beautiful people. We wish to extend our appreciation to Shangpa Rinpoche for providing such a wonderful and peaceful environment with comfort. We also wish to thank Khenpo Ramesh and Lama Samten for all the Supreme Dharma teaching.
Special thanks also to Chief Cook Mr. Harke and his assistants who prepared for us his creative and delicious foods daily. Last but not least, thanks for all the beautiful smiles from Anis and friends. All of you have made our stay here an unforgettable one.
Thuk Je Che
Yuriy Orel
Course attended : The Seven Points of Mind Training - 2006
I came here from Ukraine, more than 5000km away, in order to accumulate Dharma teaching. I feel very deeply that it is my way. On the way to Kathmandu I felt strong conviction that these teachings must be very important to me. However, all that I had learnt went over all my expectations. These are really precious teachings that can be applied in our daily life. The calm and well-wishing atmosphere in the Institute help us become as comfortable as we can.
I am really very grateful to Venerable Shangpa Rinpoche. Because of his activity' this outstanding Institute arises and we are able to study Dharma teachings within this Institute. My exceptional thanks, respect and gratitude to dearest Khenpo Ramesh. He is a teacher who truly gives teachings not by words but by heart.
I am grateful for all Dharma sisters and brothers for their help and warm attitude during my stay. Many thanks to our administrator for his help who did his best to make us feel comfortable during our stay at KIBS.
Anonymous Student
Course attended : Namshe Yeshe - January 2005
The teachings are very good; in just one week, I learnt as much as in one month elsewhere. Not only that, the place is truly conducive to learning. I really enjoy being here - and the food is excellent!
Amit Ratna Shakya
Course attended : The Seven Points of Mind Training - 2006
Food and lodging is excellent. Khenpo will teach you to balance the light and heavy side of the Buddha dharma. It's totally worth it to give it a try. And by the way, the rest of the staff and other students are hilarious.