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Introduction
Courses offered are selected from the principal texts of the five subjects studied in Tibetan Buddhist monastic colleges from all traditions:
Madhyamika (Philosophy of the Middle Way)
Abhidharma (Phenomenology)
Prajnaparamita (the Perfection of Wisdom)
Pramana (Logic)
Vinaya (Moral Discipline)
Each year the IBA aims to teach one philosophy text and one "pith instruction" text supporting practice. These two courses are designed to complement each other, thus providing a balanced approach between understanding the profound meaning of the Buddha's teachings and applying it in ones life.
The courses cater to students at all levels of academic experience and Buddhist study and practice. This diversity contributes to a stimulating and enriching environment. It is a joy to interact with dharma students from various walks of life, many countries, different traditions and of all ages. Courses are conducted in English and from this year onward we have a Madhyamika course offered in Mandarin. Please contact the office to organize translation from English into other languages.
2008 Program - for a more detailed description click here
Bodhicharyavatara (Bodhisattva’s way of life) - June 3 - 29
Written by the Madhyamika poet and scholar Shantideva in the 7th century CE, the Bodhicharyavatara is one of the great masterpieces of Buddhist literature and the most read and practiced text in all Mahayana Traditions. This text has been quoted so often by the great Tibetan masters due to its clarity and direct presentation of the view and practice of the Bodhisattva path as encapsulated in the Six Perfections. Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin will present a detailed line by line explanation of the first 6 chapters directly in English, relying on Gyalsay Togme Sangpo’s commentary.
Please visit our Shantideva page for a full course description, schedule, biography and to dowload the Bodhicharyavatara.
Abhidharma-kosha (Treasury of Higher Knowledge) - July 16 - Sept. 14
Written in Sanskrit by the monk-scholar Vasubandhu in the 4th century CE, the Abhidharma-kosha is the key text used for the study of abhidharma within the Tibetan traditions, due to its systematic and exhaustive treatment of ontology, psychology, cosmology, causality, states of consciousness and other key topics. It is an indispensable text for all students of philosophy and is considered a vital part of the Buddhist path.
Please visit our Abhidharma page for a full description of the course, schedule and biography of Vasubhandu.
Madhyamakavatara (Engaging in the Middle Way) - July 16 - August 15
only in Chinese - please visit our page in Mandarin for more info. Written by the 7th century CE Indian Buddhist master Chandrakirti, this text is considered one of the most important explications of the philosophical view of the Middle Way. Its chapters describe in detail the ten stages of the Bodhisattva path. This text is an important part of the traditional curriculum of Tibetan religious colleges and a reference for further studies.
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4 Year Program
2008
Bodhicharyavatara (Bodhisattva’s way of life) - June 3 - 29
Written by the Madhyamika poet and scholar Shantideva in the 7th century CE, the Bodhicharyavatara is one of the great masterpieces of Buddhist literature and the most read and practiced text in all Mahayana Traditions. This text has been quoted so often by the great Tibetan masters due to its clarity and direct presentation of the view and practice of the Bodhisattva path as encapsulated in the Six Perfections. Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin will present a detailed line by line explanation of the first 6 chapters directly in English, relying on Gyalsay Togme Sangpo’s commentary.more...
Abhidharma-kosha (Treasury of Higher Knowledge) - July 16 - Sept. 14
Written in Sanskrit by the monk-scholar Vasubandhu in the 4th century CE, the Abhidharma-kosha is the key text used for the study of abhidharma within the Tibetan traditions, due to its systematic and exhaustive treatment of ontology, psychology, cosmology, causality, states of consciousness and other key topics. It is an indispensable text for all students of philosophy and is considered a vital part of the Buddhist path. more...
Madhyamakavatara (Engaging in the Middle Way) - July 16 - August 15
only in Chinese - please visit our page in Mandarin for more info. Written by the 7th century CE Indian Buddhist master Chandrakirti, this text is considered one of the most important explications of the philosophical view of the Middle Way. Its chapters describe in detail the ten stages of the Bodhisattva path. This text is an important part of the traditional curriculum of Tibetan religious colleges and a reference for further studies.
2009
Bodhicharyavatara of Shantideva (Bodhisattva’s way of life) (1 month)
This is a classic Mahayana Buddhist text that is used widely by all the Mahayana Traditions. There is no other text that has been quoted so often by the great masters due to its clarity and direct presentation of the view and practice of the Bodhisattva path, encapsulated in the six perfections. Khenpo Jamyang Tenzin will present a detailed line by line explanation of the last 4 chapters directly in English, relying on Gyalsay Togme Sangpo’s commentary.
General Meaning of the Middle [View] by Kunkhyen Gorampa (2 months)
This is a unique exposition of the Madhyamika philosophy. It consists basically of teachings on base-Madhyamaka, path-Madhyamaka and result-Madhyamaka.
2010
Opening the Door to All Knowable Objects: Aggregates, Spheres of Perception and Sources of Perception, by Kunkhyen Gorampa. (1 month)
This is the commentary on the ‘meaning’ to both the upper and lower Abhidharmas. The study of Abhidharma instills the basic and precise knowledge of all phenomena, which is an indispensable aid to developing wisdom, especially regarding the conventional nature of all knowable objects.
The Entrance Gate for the Wise (Section III): Sakya Pandita (1 month)
This chapter on pramana, elucidated the Indian and Tibetan Traditions of valid cognition, logical reasoning and philosophical debate.
Pramanavartika by Acharya Dharmakirti (second chapter) (1 month)
This work, one of the seven major logic texts composed by Dharmakirti, clarifies the teachings in Dignaga’s Pramanasamuccaya. To this day, it remains one of the most referred to Indian texts on Buddhist logic.
2011
Four hundred Verses of Madhyamaka by Aryadeva (1 month)
This text is divided into two sections: the first eight chapters are a detailed commentary on the methods of seeing correct relative truth rather than the false conceptions that plague ordinary persons. The second eight chapters are a detailed commentary on how to study, contemplate and meditate in order to realize ultimate truth.
Two short works by Kunkhyen Gorampa (2 months)
a. Separate Presentation on the Twelve Links of Interdependent Origination
This text provides a thorough explanation of the process by which ordinary sentient beings are bound to samsara through the sequential arising of the twelve links of interdependent origination, and the way in which practitioners develop the ability to relinquish these fetters, one by one, in reverse order.
b. Thoroughly Illuminating Meditative Absorption
This text provides a thorough exposition on the one-pointed mental state, the basic foundation for producing and developing wisdom.
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Tibetan Language
Introduction, intermediate, colloquial and translation
For those seeking a more complete understanding of the study texts, we offer Tibetan Language Instruction at various levels. Our daily classes provide an important opportunity for interested students to immerse themselves in this classical language while pursuing their Dharma studies. The cost of Tibetan Language Instruction is
included in the course fee.
The Tibetan Language classes meet one hour a day, five days a week for up to 3 months each year. The pace of the classes will be determined by the instructors depending on the aptitude and enthusiasm of the students. We generally have 4 levels to accommodate the various students.
The Tibetan classes are ongoing. They begin on June 3rd and continue until September 14. We will have a two week break from July 1 to 14 during our annual retreat.
Students who arrive after the term has begun can join a class in progress that is most appropriate to their level of experience.
Tibetan I
This beginner’s class teaches reading, writing and pronunciation of the Tibetan Alphabet. As the course progresses students will be introduced to basic vocabulary, Tibetan Sanskrit transliteration, fundamentals of Tibetan grammar, sentence structure and short colloquial dialogs.
Tibetan II
This intermediate class continues where the “Introduction Class” left off. After an extensive review of the material that is generally covered in Tibetan I, students are gradually guided to develop in all areas. At this level the instructor emphasizes grammar, syntax, expanding vocabulary, particularly Buddhist terms. A portion of the class is invested in developing colloquial dialogs. The prerequisite for this class is having taken Tibetan I or having an equivalent understanding of the alphabet and basic grammar.
Tibetan III
This class will focus on Colloquial Tibetan, its grammar and usage. The format of the class will be a lively Tibetan dialog between teacher and students interspersed with brief lessons on Colloquial grammar. The prerequisite for this course is the Tibetan II or similar proficiency with basic grammar.
Introduction to Translation
In this class, the instructor really takes into account the level of Tibetan fluency held by the students. This is hands-on learning in a collaborative effort to translate short Dharma texts or sections of the text being taught in philosophy class. The class meets 3 times a week for one hour. Students work on translating sections of the text as homework and meet during class time to compare the students’ translation efforts. The instructor compares different possible interpretations and explains the unique sentence structure of classical Tibetan, the new vocabulary and its usage.
The prerequisite for this course is Tibetan II or similar proficiency in grammar and sentence structure. It is also possible to observe the class silently as a non-participating student absorbing the material.
It is also possible to hire language tutors or conversation companions (approx. 3 US$ an hour) in the Boudhanath area near IBA to maximize one’s study time.
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Annual Ten Day Retreat- July 3 - 12
The ten-day retreat is a wonderful opportunity to delve more deeply into the Dharma and to reconnect with one’s stable center of practice. There will be a combination of group sessions in the main shrine hall and individual meditation sessions in one’s private room. In the group morning session, the retreat master will present a teaching on the meditation topics and techniques. During the afternoon session we will explore the morning’s theory in practice, with guided meditations by the retreat master. The remaining daily sessions will be in one’s private quarters. The total cost for the Ten-Day Retreat is US$108. which covers a room and three meals a day for up to a 14 day stay (July 1 - 14 including 2 extra days before and after).
The retreat starts on Tuesday July 3 but we expect the participants to arrive earlier and be able to attend the orientation on July 2. During the orientation day, students will get settled in their rooms, receive a tour of the school and be introduced to the schedule and rules for the retreat. more...
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Daily Schedule
Lessons are being conducted 6 days a week from Tuesday to Sunday. The courses are intensive requiring students to invest considerable time and energy to prepare for the classes. Mondays are generally left for students to explore the Kathmandu Valley, visit lamas, extend their visas and mingle with the local Tibetan community of Boudhanath. IBA will also organize guided tours of major cultural sites of the Valley.
The regular daily schedule is as follows:
07:00AM Breakfast
08:00AM Philosophy Class
09:30AM Tea break
10:00AM Tibetan language class
11:30AM Lunch Break
02:00PM Revision class
03:30PM Tea break
06:30PM Dinner
During the last week of the term, a final examination will be held to assess the student's understanding of the course material.
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Fees
The 2008 program will run from June 3th to September 14th.
Students are welcome to attend any one of the courses or the entire program. The cost is US$285 per month including tuition, room and three meals a day. Ordained monks and nuns receive a 25% discount. For non-resident students the cost of tuition is $95 per month. The cost of Tibetan Language Instruction is included in the course fee. In other words, the course fee covers both the philosophy and Tibetan Language classes.
The total cost for the Ten-Day Retreat is US$108 which covers a room and three meals a day for a stay of up to 14 days (July 1 - 14 including 2 extra days before and after the retreat to facilitate travel).
You can pay for the course in person at the IBA office. Do to government rules, we can only accept payment in Nepalese currency. Simply exchange money to the local currency once you are in Kathmandu or use your ATM card to take out money at one of the many automatic tellers. You have up to 7 days after arrival to pay the fees.
For more information visit the Registration page
To register for a course please fill this form
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