by admin | Nov 5, 2024
8-week course online, in English.
In this course, we won’t just learn about compassion: we will instead practice the techniques to cultivate it.
Every Saturday from the 26th of April to the 14th of June (+ an additional session on the 21st of June)
All Dates: April 26th | May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st | June 7th, 14th (+additional 21st)
2.00 p.m. (Vienna Time)
A Proven Program with Global Reach
An 8-week program for the general public, Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) draws on insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice. This course integrates evidence-based meditation techniques, interactive discussions, and lectures as well as real-world exercises to put learning into practice. CCT™ is designed to help participants understand, experience, and nurture our compassionate warrior nature.
Secular Approach
Although the root of this course is based on Buddhist teachings, CCT™ is designed for the general audience within a secular framework. This is the perfect course for you to give as a gift or to recommend to your non-religious friends. Moreover, if you are already a dharma practitioner, this course is a precious opportunity for you to refresh the altruistic motivation that should be the flame holding your spiritual practice. This is an approach without dharmic language, focusing more on creating an experience by exploring the topic’s inspirational, emotional, and cognitive aspects. Offering this course for the first time, our Dzokden community welcomes you and your friends to join us!
Free Public Introduction Online: Saturday, 5th of April, 2 p.m.
This public introduction is designed for those who wish to learn more about the course before committing. Through this live interaction, you can experience the course’s energy, get to know the course leader, connect with potential classmates, and ask questions. Registration is not required, simply join us directly via the Zoom Link below (Meeting ID: 856 4640 8028 | Passcode: 708742):
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85646408028?pwd=QLnF5374ak5aTiHN9Ob869oAn432UO.1.
Course Description
Compassion is a feeling that arises from witnessing a being’s suffering which then ignites an intention to bring relief to that suffering. As such, it is also an expression of the capacity to care. Compassion has the power to transform suffering. It can fuel our efforts to improve ourselves, our surroundings, and the world. By wisely applying compassion in our specific circumstances, we can use suffering as a tool to raise our consciousness. This works only when we recognize the power of compassion within us and continually practice its application.
In this course, talking about compassion is important, — how to unfold it, apply it, and share experiences — but this is just a map. While this map will help us plan our direction, stay aware of where we are on the path, and avoid getting lost, the journey itself is made by moving forward — by experiencing, trying, doing, and reflecting. In other words, by practicing. The weekly two-hour group sessions are designed with this in mind.
Overview:
- .Weekly 2-hour class — including lecture, discussion, and in-class exercises
- .Daily meditation practices
- .Real-world assignments for practicing compassionate thoughts and actions.
We’ll follow a step-by-step “training plan” and experiment with its various elements. Research indicates that eight weeks is sufficient to begin experiencing the initial positive effects of this training plan. This can provide the motivation to gradually and persistently shape our lives and personalities in a more compassion-centered direction.
The 8-Week CCT Journey:
Week 1 — Settling and focusing the mind
Week 2 — Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one
Week 3 — Compassion for oneself
Week 4 — Loving-kindness for oneself
Week 5 — Embracing shared common humanity and developing an appreciation for others
Week 6 — Cultivating compassion for others
Week 7 — Active compassion practice
Week 8 — Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice
What effects can I expect
While everyone will have their own unique experience, research has shown CCT™ can lead to:
Increased:
Happiness, Calmness, acceptance of emotions, self-acceptance, job satisfaction, self-caring behavior, compassion for self and others, and openness to receiving compassion from others.
Decreased: Worry and anxiety, anger, wandering mind, emotional suppression, reports of chronic pain severity.
Main Author of this Training
Compassion Cultivation Training™ (CCT™) was developed at Stanford University under the guidance of Geshe Thupten Jinpa. Jinpa trained as a monk at Shartse College and holds the prestigious Geshe Lharampa degree. He also earned a B.A. in philosophy and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Cambridge University. Since 1985, Jinpa has served as the principal English translator for H.H. the Dalai Lama and has collaborated on numerous works with him. His own notable publications include A Fearless Heart: How the Courage to Be Compassionate Can Transform Our Lives, as well as translations of key Tibetan Classic texts. Among these translations is the Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kālachakra Tantra. Jinpa is currently working on translating the Ocean of Definitive Meaning by Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen.
Sessions & Recordings
This course is an experiential introduction to compassion. All 8 sessions will be recorded and will be accessible for later viewing. However, due to the guided experiential nature of this course, if you will be unable to attend the majority of live sessions, we generally do not recommend your participation. The recordings are only intended for those who absolutely cannot avoid missing one or a few sessions.
Additional session: after the completion of the 8 main sessions, an additional optional session will be offered. This session will provide an orientation on how to move forward should you want further perspective or advice on how to deepen yourself within this profound subject.
Registration
Registration Costs
We offer flexible offering levels to accommodate participants in different economic, life, and geographical contexts. REGISTER BELOW.
Sangha Supporter Registration Fee: 500,- Euro
Normal Registration Fee: 250,- Euro
Early Bird Reduced Registration Fee: 200,- Euro
Scholarship Reduced Registration Fee: 125,- Euro
Note: Registration costs for Dzokden Kalapa do not cover any time and effort of the course leader Tamás Schieszler. We are very grateful for his kind offer to guide this program. Should you wish to show your gratitude to Tamás during or after the course, you are welcome to make an online donation (Dana) to him. Details will be forthcoming as the course begins.
by admin | Oct 8, 2024
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and starting are possible because the sessions are recorded.
MODULE 8: Innate Kālachakra
Weekend Webinar: 28th – 30th March
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 28th March
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 29th March
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
VIENNA TIME (CEST — Summer time from 30th March on)
SUNDAY 30th March
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Additional Sessions with Practice (Wednesdays: April 2nd and 9th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday April 16th (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
Module 8 — Innate Kālachakra
The previous preliminary practices are common across various Vajrayāna traditions and although they may be practiced slightly differently, the intended result is generally similar. Innate Kālachakra Practice is considered one of the Unique Preliminaries as it is specific to the Jonang-Kālachakra Ngondro system.
In this practice, we visualize ourselves in the enlightened form of the two-armed Kālachakra deity, known as Innate Kālachakra. This is the first of the two unique preliminaries for the Six Vajra Yogas according to the Jonang Tradition and is also known as the Generation Stage in Highest Yoga Tantra. We should only engage in this practice if we have previously received a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment, preferably in accordance with the Kālachakra Tradition.
When you “generate yourself” as an enlightened deity, you are not generating a fabricated, make-believe reality, but instead, using an extraordinarily skillful method to bring you closer to the non-dual reality of enlightenment that is your most profound nature. With this method you learn to view the universe as pure and all beings in it as enlightened, even though they may appear to ordinary minds as having many defilements that have not yet been overcome. By seeing through conventional reality and embracing its ultimate nature, you are able to experience all levels of reality with a much clearer and more compassionate view.
Note regarding pre-requisites: for participating you need to have received a Kālachakra Empowerment / Initiation. If you have not, make sure you attend the concise Innate Kālachakra Empowerment that Rinpoché will bestow in December 2024: https://dzokden.org/events/2024-innate-kalachakra-jenang-and-kalachakra-mandala-generation-stage-retreat/
If you have not received the Kālachakra Empowerment but have received previously another empowerment in Highest Yoga Tantra from any authentic lineage holder and are keeping its commitments and practice, you can also register. If you did not receive any of these, you should wait until you have got the necessary prerequisites.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kālachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kālachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kālachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kālachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kālachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kālachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kālachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kālachakra Ngondro.
General Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for the previous Modules 1 – 7. (Pre-requisite for Module 8: please read above).
Generally speaking, the Kālachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kālachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kālachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kālachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire.
In case you want to have access to these previous Modules, please find them here:
MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4, MODULE 5, MODULE 6, MODULE 7
We encourage all participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path, and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kālachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kālachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us to shape the module for registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s), or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates, etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kālachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | Sep 1, 2024
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. There are no formal prerequisites for Module 7 but we strongly encourage that you attend at least Modules 1, 3, and 4 before Module 7 if you are new to Vajrayāna Buddhism. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them here:
MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4, MODULE 5, MODULE 6.
MODULE 7: Guru Yoga
Weekend Webinar: 31st January – 2nd February
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 31st January
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 1st February
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 2nd February
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Additional Sessions with Practice (Wednesdays: February 5th and 12th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 19th February (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
The practice of Guru Yoga is essential if you wish to follow the tantric path to enlightenment, as it is the Lama’s blessing that allows you to develop pure perception and open the door to all other tantric realizations. We start by focusing on the outer qualities of the Guru in order to inspire the mind, then focusing on the inner reality of the Guru as being inseparable from Buddha nature. Finally, we recognize that our own Buddha nature is inseparable from the Guru’s Buddha nature and therefore there is no Guru “out there” that is separate from us. Through working with the Guru, we create a bridge that connects us to our inner nature and helps us unlock its limitless capacity.
We will present the practice step by step explaining its meanings, its relevance for the Kālachakra Path, and how to put it into practice in the daily life. We will learn four Guru Yoga texts for Guru Yoga Meditation: the two Guru Yogas from the Kālachakra Sādhanas “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart” and, additionally, two wonderful texts of the Jonang Tradition that are an essential part of the practice of Guru Yoga practice, “Rain of Blessings for the Six Yogas of the Vajra Lineage” — the Guru Yoga practice written by Dolpopa, and “The Anchor for Collecting Siddhis,” written by Tāranātha.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje received extensive teachings on Guru Yoga by Rinpoché and will kindly offer this course.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path, and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us to shape the module for registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s), or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates, etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | May 22, 2024
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. Moreover, there are no prerequisites for Module 5. You can register directly even if you did not participate in Modules 1, 2, 3, or 4. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them at the learning center: MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4, MODULE 5.
MODULE 6: Mandala Offering
Weekend Webinar: 1st – 3rd November
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 1st November
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 2nd November
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 3rd November
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: November 6th and 13th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 20th November (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
To overcome grasping onto phenomena, we practice offering the universal mandala to the enlightened beings. In this way we are reminded of the illusory nature of all things and that they are inseparable from our own mind. By offering these appearances we generate vast stores of merit that energize our practice and help us access the most profound layers of our experience.
The purpose of the practice of offering mandalas is to accumulate merit by making the most expansive and vast offerings possible with the best possible motivation. We direct these offerings toward the best possible recipients—the sublime Three Jewels. This combination of action, motivation, and support makes mandala offerings an extraordinarily effective method for accumulating vast quantities of merit in a relatively short period of time. Merit is the positive energy that is generated when engaging in virtuous actions. This positive energy habituates your mind to virtue and therefore provides the basis for happiness to arise in the future.
We will present the practice step by step explaining its meanings and relevance for the Kālachakra Path. Two Kālachakra Sādhanas, “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart” will be used.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, the modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
by admin | May 22, 2024
ONLINE. This program will be in English. We will not be able to offer live translations in any other language, however, we can offer access to the practice texts in various languages. Please send in your registration at the bottom as soon as you decide to register so that we can plan accordingly.
Later registration and start is possible because the sessions are recorded. Moreover, there are no prerequisites for Module 5. You can register directly even if you did not participate in Modules 1, 2, 3, or 4. In case you want to have access to these previous Modules (recommended), please find them at the learning center: MODULE 1, MODULE 2, MODULE 3, MODULE 3, MODULE 4.
MODULE 5: Vajrasattva Purification
Weekend Webinar: 4th – 6th October
VIENNA TIME (CET)
FRIDAY 4th October
18.30 – 20.00
SATURDAY 5th October
10.00 – 11.30
14.00 – 15:30
18.30 – 20.00
SUNDAY 6th October
10.00 – 11.30
+ 2 Practice Sessions (Wednesdays: October 9th and 16th, 18.30 – 20:00)
+ Homework
+ 1 Group Discussion on Wednesday 23rd October (18.30 – 20.00)
DESCRIPTION:
Vajrasattva Purification Practice: in this practice, we work with the enlightened deity Vajrasattva as a support for dissolving our gross self-grasping. Through various visualizations and the recitation of the long Vajrasattva Heruka mantra, we are reminded of the innate purity of our mind and that everything we identify with is merely an imputed reality with no inherent existence.
In the Jonang Tradition, this section of the Ngondro focuses on the powerful form of Buddha Vajrasattva in union with the wisdom consort Vajratopa to clear away any negative deeds (and their propensities) from our minds. We will present the practice step by step explaining its meanings and its relevance for the Kālachakra Path. Two Kālachakra Sādhanas, “Divine Ladder” and “Enlightening the Heart” will be used.
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
About the KALACHAKRA NGONDRO PROGRAM
The Kalachakra Ngondro Program is a 2-year long program created for students who want to deepen themselves in the Kalachakra Path in a structured, step-by-step guided process.
The Ngondro — also called the “Preliminary Practices” — prepares you to uncover your own Buddha nature. If you want to completely unveil this perfect nature, the Kalachakra Ngondro prepares you for the very subtle and profound yogic practices of the Completion Stage called the ‘Six Vajra Yogas’ of the Kalachakra Tantra. You can benefit by doing the Kalachakra Ngondro even if you do not aspire to engage in serious meditation practices of the Kalachakra Completion Stage in this lifetime.
Shar Khentrul Rinpoché offers a flexible approach in order to embrace a variety of practitioners because being fixed on only one traditional way may not be a match for everyone. Developing familiarization with the Kalachakra Ngondro practices can be adjusted individually according to your own personal inclination.
Rafa Lobsang Dorje from Kalapa received 2018 Rinpoché’s encouragement to teach the Kalachakra Ngondro and will kindly lead this program.
Requirements
The program is open to all. There are no formal prerequisites for Modules 1 – 7.
Although we encourage step-by-step participation, you are allowed to directly register for any module (except modules 8 and 9).
Generally speaking, the Kalachakra Ngondro Program is for you if you wish for long-term and regular support in your dharma practice, regardless if you are starting now or if you have been practicing previously. More specifically, modules 1-7 are shaped to help you prepare for receiving the 1st set of Kalachakra Empowerments (“Seven Empowerments of a Growing Child”), also known as the Kalachakra Initiation, and for receiving in the future the “Kalachakra Four Higher Empowerments” if you so aspire. That being said, you are more than welcome to just drop in to make a first connection and see how the practice reverberates with you — in this case, the modules 1 – 4 may be more suitable.
We encourage all new participants to get a copy of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché’s books; Unveiling Your Sacred Truth 1-3, The Hidden Treasure of the Profound Path and the Practice Book The Profound Path of Vajra Yoga, as these will be the main references for our program.
Optionally, in case you are waiting for the module to start, you are encouraged to read Rinpoché’s other books, such as Ocean of Diversity and The Realm of Shambhala.
Structure of the Modules
The program follows the structure of the Kalachakra Path as presented by the Jonang-Kalachakra Tradition of Tibetan Buddhsim. It is divided into Outer Preliminaries (2 modules), Inner Preliminaries (5 modules), and Unique Preliminaries (2 modules).
Each module includes a weekend-webinar of teachings and practice led by an authorized Ngongdro Teacher and by practices guided by other senior students approved by Rinpoché, followed by two group practice sessions of ca. 90 min. each and one Dharma discussion session where questions can be addressed to the Ngondro Teacher and where you can exchange with other participants. The schedule of the weekend-webinar may vary slightly from module to module.
Registration
Register below. Before the module starts, please make sure to send an e-mail to [email protected] briefly answering the following questions (only in case you did not yet send them when registering for another previous module). Your registration will be automatic and do not depend on the answers provided. The questions below are just for us shaping the module to registered participants.
1. What are your Motivations for participating in this program? What are your goals?
2. Do you have the aspiration to participate in more than one module or in all of the modules?
3. Are you a student of Shar Khentrul Rinpoché? If yes, which online empowerment(s), retreat(s) or course(s) have you completed with Rinpoché or with one of his authorized Teachers? Please include details about them, including dates etc. if applicable.
4. This program is open also to beginners. You can join even if you never practiced any spiritual path at all. Just in case you have something to share about your previous spiritual path, including both Buddhist Studies or Practices and from other traditions as well, please write them in a summarized form, if applicable.
5. Do you have any specific questions or doubts about the Kalachakra Ngondro Program?
