| LIBRARY OF TIBETAN WORKS & ARCHIVES DHARAMSALA |
The Library has eight departments: research and translation, publication, oral history and film documentation, reference (reading room), Tibetan studies, Tibetan manuscripts, a museum, and a school for thangka painting and wood carving. It has a team of Tibetan scholars who are engaged in research, translation, instruction and the publication of books.
Since its founding, the Library has acquired a reputation as an international centre for Tibetan studies. To date, more than five thousand scholars and research students from over thirty countries have benefited from this unique educational institutions. It offers regular classes in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language.
Centre for Tibetan Studies
Courses in Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Language
March - December 1996
BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY
Classes are taught by qualified lamas in Tibetan and translated into English, taking specific topics of Buddhist philosophy and practice as their theme, or specific texts of Tibetan or Indian origin.
There are two classes of one hour's duration.
Note:
Dates and times may change due to scheduled or unscheduled public teachings given by H.H. The Dalai Lama. Such changes will be announced in advance if possible. Sometimes even the topics of classes may also change if and when required. There will be no classes on Saturdays (the 2nd & 4th of every month) and Sundays and Tibetan holidays.
| Teacher: Geshe Dawa Time: 09 -10 a.m. Translator: Ngawang Namgyal, Acarya |
March 15 - May 15
Merit Accumulation, Pure Morality & Bodhisattva Conduct:
From Nagarjuna's Rin chen phreng ba (chapters 3.4 & 5)
Merit accumulation, pure morality, and bodhisattva conduct are essential for a dharma practitioner: merit accumulation for attaining the Buddha body of bliss; pure morality for taking rebirth in the higher realm; and bodhisattva conduct for accomplishing Buddhahood. Based on Rin chen phreng ba (chapters 3.4 & 5), our teacher will give detailed explanations as well as instructions on these practices.
May 16-June 20
Renunciation, Bodhicitta & Profound View:
The determined wish to be free from the bonds of samara, altruism and the profound view of emptiness are called, respectively, renunciation, bodhicitta and. profound view on the innermost essence of Buddhism. Lam gtso mam gsum, a remarkably brief but pithy poetic work, deals with this innermost essence. Based on this text, our teacher will give detail explanations as well as instructions on how to develop these qualities.
June 21 - August 20
Correcting the Four Misconceptions & Learning to Tread the Bodhisattva Path:
From Arya Deva's Four Hundred Verses (chapters 1-8)
Unenlightened individuals regard themselves as permanent, joyful, pure, and truly existing entities, but they are mistaken. This is what Arya Deva observes in his Four Hundred Verses (chapters 1-4); and teaches us bodhisattva conduct, eradication of the afflicted emotions, and the elimination of the desire for sensual pleasures etc. (chapters 5-8). Our teaching will be based on these chapters.
August 21 - October 15
Lamrim Practice
From Lamrim gser zhun
Lam rim is a set of spiritual instructions, which covers the entire foundation and preparation for the various methods for realizing one's fullest potential, so as to become totally clear-minded. It is arranged in the course of graded path practices for persons of lesser, middle and greater scope. There are several lamrim texts written by Indian as well as Tibetan masters. Lamrim gser zhun is one such text, which is remarkably concise and to the point; hence it is named "Lam rim refined gold." Our teaching will cover the entire text.
October 16 - December 31
Mind Training:
The Mind Training tradition emphasizes seeing the equality between self and others, exchanging self with others and practicing gtong ten, meaning to give others one's happiness and take their suffering upon oneself. This tradition is particularly well known among the Kadampa (the school founded by Atisha). adepts. There are a number of mind training texts written by Kadampa masters and are actually the spiritual instructions based on their inner experiences. Bio sbyong mtshon cha 'khor to is one such text; based on Yamantaka tantra. Our teaching will cover the entire text.
| Teacher: Geshe Sonam Rinchen Time: 11.12 a.m. Translator: Ms Ruth Sonam |
March 15 - April 15
Compassion, Bodhicitta & Profound View:
From Chandrakirti's Madhyamika-avatara (chapter 1)
Compassion enables a person to feel fur others pains; bodhicitta to act; and profound view to distinguish right from wrong. There are two levels of these practices: that of the non-arya-bodhisattvas and the arya-bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas who are undergoing the training in the first and second stage of the path--Accumulation and Preparation-- are the non-arya-bodhisattvas: whereas the ones, who have already entered the third--Seeing --are the aryas. Our teaching will cover the first level of these practices, i.e.. that of the non-arya-bodhtsattvas.
April 16 - June 15
Bodhipathparadipam of Atisha:
Bodhipathparadipam has been the primary source for almost all the lamrim-texts the Tibetan masters have written over the centuries from the 10th century A. D up to the present day, including Lamrim chen mo of Tsong Khapa ( 14th cent.). It has an auto-commentary too. Our teaching will cover the entire book.
June 16 - July 15
The Thirty-Seven Bodhi-factors:
From Abhisamaya-alamkara (chapter 4)
The Thirty-seven Bodhi-factors are the ways of contemplating the stages leading to bodhi; and bringing an end to the negative elements. Bodhi is the achievement of the profound wisdom, the complete perception of emptiness and lack of inherent production, which is in the mental continuum of the Hearers, Solitary Realizers and Bodhisattvas. The Thirty-seven Bodhi-factors are: the four close contemplations; the four perfect abandonments; the four legs of miracles; the five powers; the five forces; the seven auxiliaries to bodhi; and the eight fold noble path. Based on chapter 4 of the Abhisamaya-aIamkara, our teacher will give instructions. on how to develop these factors through meditation.
July 16- July 31
The Heart Sutra:
A short, concise and to-the-point teaching on selflessness taught by Buddha Shakymuni himself, the Heart Sutra is in the form of a dialogue between Buddha and one of his closest disciples, Shariputra. It is actually a rcsume of Buddha's entire teaching on the profound view of emptiness: Prajnaparamita-sutra. In addition to his explanations from the text, our teacher will give instructions on the meditation on selflessness.
August 1 - October 31
Conscientiousness, Introspection and Mind-stability:
From Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara
For doing dharma practice, conscientiousness, introspection and mind-stability are essential: conscientiousness for preventing the recurrence of disturbing factors, such as lethargy, excitement and so forth; introspection for keeping oneself alert against those factors; and mind-stability for gaining deeper understanding Based on the Bodhisattvacharyavatara (chapters 4, 5 & 8), our teacher will give instructions on how to develop them.
November 1 - November 30
Calm Abiding Meditation:
From Tsong Khapa's Lamrim chen-mo
Calm abiding meditation enables a practitioner to accomplish the high level mind-tranquillity-a state of mind where no disturbing thoughts of any type are present to cloud the mind; the clarity of the mind shines forth and the physical body becomes as light as a small piece of wool. To complete this meditation process, there are nine stages to cross. Based on the part dealing with calm abiding in Lamrim chen-mo, our teacher will give instructions on this meditation.
December 1 - December 31
The Seven Points for Mind Training:
From Geshe Ched-khawa's Blo sbyong don bdun
The seven points are: (i) the fit vessels for dharma practice; (ii) bodhicitta cultivation; (iii) the summary of one lifetime's practices; (iv) the undesirable circumstances taken as the path; (v) the stage of accomplishment; (vi) the vows; and (vii) the instructions. Based on Blo sbyong don bdun, our teacher will give a point-by-point explanation followed by practical instructions on Mind Training meditation.
In addition, we invite visiting Lamas to teach brief sessions from time to time..
On Mondays, there will be a meditation class, which consists of longer chanting of prayers, a brief instruction from the teacher followed by a short meditation.
The prayer book for these and the textual classes is available in Tibetan with an English translation, entitled 'Daily Recitation', a booklet front LTWA. The teachers may be consulted privately by appointment
TEACHERS
Venerable Geshe Sonam Sangye also known as Geshe Dawa, who will teach the first class, comes from Kongpo in central Tibet. He began his religious education when he entered Jangtse College of Ganden Monastic University at the age of 16. He received the Lharampa Geshe degree in 1978. He taught debate and philosophy at Namgyal Monastery, Dharamsala, from 1980 until 1987, when he was appointed to teach at LTWA by H.H. the Dalai Lama. He also taught in the universities in South Korea.
Venerable Geshe Sonam Rinchen, who will teach the second class, was born in the Trehor region of Kham in Eastern Tibet. He ran away from home at the age of 12 to join Dhargyey Monastery, the largest local monastery, where he remained with his parents' consent for the next seven years. Having completed basic studies in logic there, he made the two and a half month journey on foot to central Tibet to enter the monastic university of Sera at the age of 19. He continued his studies there until he was forced to flee Tibet in 1959. In India he completed his studies for the degree of Geshe Lharampa which he received in 1980. He also holds the degree of Acarya from the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath. He has taught at LTWA since 1978 and has also taught in Japan, Australia, Great Britain, Ireland and Switzerland.
TRANSLATORS
Mr. Ngawang Namgyal holds a master's degree (Acarya) in Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan studies from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi, India. He joined LTWA's Research and Translation Bureau in 1994.
Ms. Ruth Sonam holds an M.A. degree from Oxford University and has lived in Dharamsala since 1976. She has an extensive knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and practice and has been active as an interpreter and translator since 1981
TIBETAN LANGUAGE
There will be three terms of three months each: Spring (March-May); Summer (June-August); and Autumn (September-November). Two classes - Beginners and Advanced of one hour duration will be held six times a week from Monday to Saturday, except that the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month will be a holiday.
BEGINNERS (10 - 11 a.m.)
Beginning with the alphabet, vowels and combination of letters, students will learn the fundamental structure of the language; how to make simple sentences; use of tenses and so forth. The overall aim a~ this level is for students to learn general reading and conversation skills.
TEXTBOOKS
Modern Tibetan Language Vol.1
A Basic Grammar of Modern Spoken Tibetan
Modern Tibetan Colloquial Conversations
(All published by LTWA)
ADVANCED (10 - 11 a.m.)
Students will reinforce and extend their command of Tibetan grammar and idiom, Aspects of Tibetan culture and religion will be introduced to provide the basis for students to discuss Buddhism in Tibetan, The principal aim of this class is to help students become confident and fluent in speaking Tibetan.
TEXTBOOKS
Modern Tibetan Language Vol.11
Lectures on Tibetan Religious Culture Vol. 1 & 11 (Both published by LTWA).
These will be supplemented by other grammar texts and story books.
TEACHERS
Ven. Tenzin Lhawang, holding a bachelor's degree (Shastri) in Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi, will teach the beginners class.
Mr. Sangye Tendar Naga, holding a master's degree (Acarya) in Tibetan language and Buddhist Philosophy from Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Varanasi, will teach the advanced class,
REGISTRATION FEE
Students are required to obtain a registration card before attending any course. Course fee(s) should be paid at the time of registration, either for the whole course or on a monthly basis.
FEES
Registration Rs .20/-Buddhist Philosophy Rs. 100/-per month each class Tibetan Language Rs.200/-per month each class
ACCOMMODATION
A limited number of rooms, usually with an attached Kitchen, are available for research scholars and general students on rent subject to periodical revision. Rents range from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 2000/- per month. Rooms will be rented only to the bona-fide research scholars and students who attend a minimum of two classes. No advance booking will be made. Rooms will be rented only when the students arrives here and registers for classes. If no rooms are available at the time of their arrival, their names will be kept on the waiting list.
Research scholar refers to those scholars who come with a letter of recommendation from their university/institution and who need to use the books. manuscripts and other facilities available in this institution for their research works. Research scholars are required to subscribe to Library Membership. Membership fee per month is Rs. 150/-
OTHER FACILITIES
Foreign Language Reference Library - 6,000 titles in English and other language concerning Buddhism, Tibet and related subjects, as well as reference material.
Manuscript Department - 70,000 Tibetan titles (books and manuscripts) dealing with Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, psychology, history, medicine, etc. Museum - houses about 1,000 Buddhist object d'art from Tibet.
Book store - All the books and journals published by LTWA are available from the sales counter on the first floor of the main building.
Reprography Service - written and tape copying services are available at nominal charge.
For further information please contact:
The Secretary
(Centre for Tibetan Studies) Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala - 176215 (INDIA) Phone: 0091-1892-22467