| |
As of 2009, the Basic Program is temporarily suspended due to the illness of resident teacher Geshe Tsulga. We hope that his health progresses so that he can resume teaching in the spring of 2009. When Geshe Tsulga does begin teaching, he will continue with Chapter 1 (The Tathagata Essence or Buddha Nature) of the Great Vehicle Treatise on the Sublime Continuum by Maitreya, one of the final topics in the mulit-year Basic Progam curriculum.
Until the Basic Program classes resume, we offer an on-going review of the Tathagata Essence text that meets on Sundays from 12:15 to 1:15 pm beginning Sunday, February 8, 2009. We will recite the root text, read through the commentary, review notes from Geshe-la's classes and discuss among ourselves any questions that come up. If you did not previously attend the class but are interested in doing so when Geshe-la starts teaching again, please consider joining the review session. We will start from the beginning of the text and go as far as we can. Email Tdebrat@verizon.net if you need a copy of the root text or commentary or have questions.
The Tathagata Essence text is highly influential and explains why high states of understanding and even enlightenment are possible for every sentient being. It serves as a bridge between the sutrayana or shared teachings and the more esoteric and restricted vajrayana teachings. The topic is of great consequence for all Buddhist practitioners regardless of one’s background. When we understand that all of us without exception possess buddha-nature, the inherent purity of the mind with the potential to be free from defiled mental states, we gain the confidence that with effort we can evolve to a state of enlightenment. This insight prevents us from either the arrogance that we are superior to others or the self-loathing that doubts our own abilities.
|
