REL 472R/ RLAR 797R

Mahamudra: A Tibetan Buddhist

Contemplative Science of Mind

 

A Six-Week Seminar offered by the Tibetan Lama Kaybje Lochoe Rinpoche, translated and assisted by Geshe Lobsang Negi (2 credits)

 

Kaybje Lochoe Rinpoche, Th (Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, Apr 8, Apr 15, Apr 22) 4:00-6:00, Max 20 (Permission of Instructor Required)

 

Content: In this seminar, Kyabje Lochoe Rinpoche will present one of the most sophisticated meditative technologies, known in Sanskrit as Mahamudra, or The Great Seal. Based on the First Panchen Lama’s classic text, The Gelug Tradition of Mahamudra, this seminar will present a comprehensive understanding of mind and its fundamental nature. Through the contemplative methodology, Rinpoche will introduce the students to the ancient meditations for accessing one’s natural awareness that is the union of bliss, radiance and emptiness. The indivisible presence of these features of the mind is what is referred to as the Great Seal that permeates throughout all spheres of experience and existence.

 

Following the Tibetan pedagological approach, each seminar will consist of a presentation, meditation, and discussion.

 

Texts: The Gelug/Kagyu Tradition of Mahamudra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mind in Buddhist Psychology, Herbert V. Guenther, translator.

 

Particulars: Requirements include regular attendance and active participation in discussions. The main method of evaluation will be an oral final exam conducted in the traditional Tibetan style of debate. Students will be expected to prepare for this exam as rigorously as they would for a written exam.

 

Instructor Bio:  Kyabje Lochoe Rinpoche is one of the highest-ranking living spiritual teachers in the Tibetan tradition. He was born in Tibet in the early 1930s and at a young age was recognized as the reincarnation of one of the most luminous spiritual leaders of Tibet, Denma Kyorpon Rinpoche of Drepung Loseling Monastery. Lochoe Rinpoche received his education in meditation, psychology, philosophy and the other Buddhist sciences at Drepung Loseling Monastery in Tibet and then, as a result of the Chinese communist takeover of Tibet in 1959 he went into exile in India. His leadership has been crucial to the continuation and preservation of the Tibetan spiritual tradition in exile. Rinpoche was appointed Abbot of Namgyal Monastery in Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery, and served in that position for six years. As one of the main disciples of Kyabje Ling Rinpoche, the senior tutor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lochoe Rinpoche is the holder of most of the rare teachings and transmissions descending from Ling Rinpoche. A universally respected teacher in the Tibetan spiritual communities, he is called upon to teach at all of the major monasteries in exile. In addition, he has traveled extensively in Europe and North America on teaching tours. 

 

This course is co-sponsored by the Department of Religion, the Graduate Division of Religion, the Walter Candler Fund and the Hightower Fund.

 

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