RimeShedra.NYC

Ignorance is the cause of suffering

The goal of the Rime Shedra is to make accessible the vast treasures of Buddhist wisdom to those who wish to progress further in their understanding of the profound principles presented in these advanced Buddhist texts. The understanding of the ultimate nature of reality is the key to liberation. For practitioners this program provides an opportunity to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the nature of reality.  For scholars it provides an opportunity to expand their understanding of Buddhism by cultivating an experiential understanding. The program is based upon the traditional Shedra, or monastic college, curriculum which is the cornerstone of Buddhist education in all of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Meditation and the Progression of the Buddhist Path

#Meditation

The progression of the practitioner is traditionally defined in terms of five paths, which represent stages in the development of insight.  The practices of tranquility and insight meditation are a key component of the paths, in conjunction with cultivation of virtuous conduct and transcendent knowledge, which together comprise the three trainings that lead to liberation: sila, samadhi, and prajna.  
 
This course will provide an overview of the five paths, and will focus primarily on the first two paths, known as the path of accumulation and the path of preparation. In particular, we will explore the development of Shamatha and Vipashyana and their role in those stages of the path.
 
“The gradual degrees of spiritual insight acquired on the whole path correspond to the gradual abandoning of the defilements at the various stages.”
 
Materials have been compiled into a Sourcebook, including excerpts from the following classic texts:  The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma, The Inner Science of Buddhist Practice: Vasubandhu's Summary of the Five Heaps with Commentary, and Foundations of Buddhist Study and Practice:  The Treasury of Knowledge: Book Seven and Book Eight, Parts One and Two.

Core Materials

  1. Sourcebook

Class Recordings

  1. April 18, 2017
  2. April 25, 2017
  3. May 2, 2017
  4. May 9, 2017
  5. May 16, 2017
  6. May 23, 2017
  7. May 30, 2017
  8. June 6, 2017
  9. June 13, 2017
  10. June 27, 2017