Nitartha Summer Institute

Nitartha Institute a division of Students from Hong Kong Nitartha international are invited to participate in Sandra Roscoe, Ph.D A Summer Immersion Program VP for Operations in Buddhist Studies, in the United States Email: [email protected] Ph: 206-947-6018 with The Ponlop www.nitarthainstitute.org Two weeks or one month On the campus of Western Washington University Near the cities of Seattle July 17 - August 14, 2010 and Vancouver, B.C. Session I: July 17 – July 31 Session II: August 1 - August 14

Under the direction of The

Register by May 31, 2010 Nitartha Institute is a division of Nitartha international, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, Tax I.D. # 13-3812598 www.nitarthainstitute.org Telephone: 206-947-6018 Email: [email protected] Students from Hong Kong are invited to participate in the Nitartha Institute’s source books What students are saying . . . 15th Nitartha Summer Institute and curriculum materials are a under the direction of powerful resource for the serious “Brilliant classes, supportive staff, and The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. student of Buddhism. They will excellent company. Nitartha’s summer continue to be a valuable far beyond program was a powerful experience and About Nitartha Institute the time frame of the Summer the highest form of fun.” Nitartha is a place of study for both Institute. Additionally, many classes scholars and practitioners. One does not The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche is a Tibetan are recorded and available online for “I have a much deeper understanding need to be a Buddhist to participate, and master who is renowned for his exceptional ability to present key Buddhist teachings on post-program study and review. there is no membership. The Institute and appreciation of Buddhadharma and the nature of mind. Rinpoche is a frequent the training at Nitartha has given me offers a systematic education spanning visitor to Hong Kong. In 2010 he is a visiting Students from Hong Kong have tools to think more clearly. These I have the foundational through the advanced faculty member of the Centre of Buddhist the opportunity to continue to texts taught in the Tibetan monastic Studies, University of Hong Kong, where he applied to all areas of life with some colleges known as shedras. A key point in will teach a Master’s level class on Tibetan study with The Dzogchen Ponlop success. I have also met and gotten to the way classes are taught is to introduce Buddhism: History and Doctrines. Rinpoche Rinpoche during his visits there. know wonderful people (both students in-depth study to practitioners, and practice, will be teaching the main course at this Attending the Nitartha Summer and teachers).” particularly analytical meditation, to scholars. year’s Summer Institute. Institute provides an unrivalled foundation in the rigorous Rinpoche travels widely and teaches in “This class was very beneficial in terms Throughout the year, Nitartha’s rich pedagogical tradition of Tibetan of both my practice and study of the curriculum is offered in several formats North America, Europe and Asia. In North America he is the founder of , Buddhist scholarship, benefiting . The contemplations were very (weekend, 9-day, and semester) in the United an association of centers for study and both the practitioner of Buddhism helpful in integrating the material in both States, Canada and Mexico. The Summer meditation practice in the tradition of the and university students at the formal practice and post meditation. I Institute is an immersion opportunity that and . undergraduate, graduate and post- also felt that the class helped a great allows students to attend multiple classes In 1996 Rinpoche, together with Venerable graduate levels in the disciplines of throughout the day with renowned Buddhist Thrangu Rinpoche and Tsultrim deal in developing a beneficial overall scholars. The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche Gyamtso Rinpoche, founded Nitartha Philosophy, Religion, and Buddhist approach to studying Dharma in general will be teaching the main course this year. Institute, an educational organization offering studies of all traditions. and in particular.” In some cases, university students enrolled Buddhist studies covering the core teachings in Buddhist Studies may apply for credit with of Buddhism, and the main commentaries their educational institutions, although this is of the Tibetan masters of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages. Nitartha Institute welcomes you at the discretion of their departments. for a month of unparalleled teachings Nitartha presents philosophical analysis in a beautiful setting When based on the Tibetan monastic college July 17 - August 14, 2010 (shedra) tradition. In addition to offering close to nature and close to the The month long program is divided into two in-depth study for Buddhists from any lively metropolises of Vancouver and Seattle. two-week segments. Participants may attend tradition, because Nitartha’s programs are two weeks or one month. based on the rigorous pedagogy of the Session I: July 17 – July 31 Tibetan shedras, they are ideal for college We wish to help make your trip and stay with us Session II: Aug 1 - Aug 14 students and scholars who wish to immerse as smooth as possible. To discuss the program and themselves in the living Tibetan Buddhist your travel plans, please call Nitartha Institute’s tradition of study, debate, and meditation. Since the classes are conducted in English, Vice-President of Operations there is no need to be fluent in Tibetan. Sandra Roscoe, Ph.D From Hong Kong, phone: 001-009-1-206-947-6018 Left: The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche with Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, co-founder of Nitartha Institute. Email: [email protected] A Day at Nitartha Summer Institute Hiking, sailing, sight- • Classes—cover the range of the eight great Where texts of the Kagyu lineage, including studies seeing are all options on The Summer Institute is hosted on the in the Hinayana schools and , campus of Western Washington University Cittamatra/Mind Only school, Madhyamaka/ Day Off (Saturdays). in Bellingham, just an hour and a half north Middle Way school, Buddha Nature and of Seattle, Washington, and an hour south of studies. Students ofen attend the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Summer Institute each year since the courses are offered in a gradual format over a number of two-week sessions. The Program • Body Training (Lujong)—Each day begins with “It’s been a most valuable • Analytical meditation and debate are taught optional participation in a series of exercises appreciated source of learning as methods that help students clarify their developed by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso understanding and relate the curriculum to Rinpoche, based on the yogic tradition of and practicing the Dharma, their own experience. . The exercises bring body Vancouver, by day and night, just an hour away of discourse and personnel and mind together in an energetic and joyful • The sessions begin with Foundation way. connections with other courses covering valid cognition and the • Analytical Meditation—Students apply their practitioners, of background Hinayana systems of Lorik (Classifications of studies in a detailed and thorough investigation Mind), Dudra (Collected Topics) and Tarik into their immediate experience. Insight is thus to and inspiration for my (Classifications of Reasons); and move into actualized in a practical way. personal practice outside the Intermediate and Advanced curriculum courses covering Mahaynana studies (Mind • Debate—Through dialogue with one’s teachers of Nitartha. I am deeply and fellow students, one’s understanding is Only, Middle Way and Buddha Nature) and sharpened and increased. The tone is gentle, thankful to the efforts of The Vajrayana studies for qualified students. with a focus on new discovery, rather than Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche • For a detailed explanation of the curriculum, being competitive. Students from Hong visit www.nitarthainstitute.org/ program_ and all staff and participants • Discussion Groups—are a time for students to Kong may enjoy visiting info_annual.html explore questions they have about the material, for the creation and offering and to bring together their understanding. • Highlight: The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche the bustling cities of of such an invaluable will teach the main course this year, based on • Optional Classes—are offered for those who a Shentong text by Mipham Rinpoche. This is want to go further with studies in Advanced Vancouver, British opportunity.” scheduled for the first session, July 17 to 31, Debate, Tibetan language or the Compassion in Columbia, Canada; Healing module. and will be open to all students. Rinpoche’s or Seattle just two teachings make the Summer Institute a truly • Meal Times— if one so wishes are a time exceptional experience. to further engage one’s teachers and fellow hours drive south (also students in spirited dialogue. • Nitartha’s faculty are both Tibetan and accessible by train). Western teachers. Acharya Tenpa Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen Gyaltsen will be a senior faculty member this summer. He is currently teaching at University, Boulder, Colorado. Nitartha’s curriculum is highly developed and students working towards degrees in Religion or Philosophy can apply to their institutions for academic credit. Courses are equivalent to a 3-credit university course (in the U.S.) with 15 Students in class contact hours per credit (45 hours total). Columbia River near Bellingham Seattle The Summer Institute Curriculum Be part of a joyful international community • Mind & Its World series—valid cognition Every effort will be made to ensure a comfortable and of Lorik (Classifications of Mind) and the productive stay at the Summer Institute for students from Hinayana philosophical systems. Hong Kong. The following guidelines will ensure a smooth Sample Daily foreign study program in the U.S. • Clear Thinking series—clarifying the Schedule dharma of genuine meaning and the • Classes are taught in English, or if taught by a Tibetan Sunday teacher, such as Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen, classes relationships between phenomena, through Friday are translated into English. Proficiency in the English Dudra (Collected Topics) and Tarik (Saturdays are language is therefore necessary. (Classifications of Reasons). free days) • After attending the Summer Institute, students will • Mahayana studies—Mind Only, Middle • The day have the opportunity to continue their Nitartha Way, Buddha Nature, and Stages of the begins at 7:00 a.m. with optional studies through online streaming video of Path. Lujong, Body-Mind exercises. classes that continue the educational track. • Advanced studies—texts such as • Breakfast • Annual visits to the Summer Institute move Madhyamakavatara, , • Chants, meditation and classes students fairly rapidly through the curriculum and Dharmadharmatavibhanga. (includes analytical meditation). because of the immersion format. • In addition, other modules and programs • Lunch family style in the University • Program participants may fly into either cafeteria. include: Vancouver, B.C., Canada; or into Seattle, • Afternoon classes or optional personal Washington in the U.S. • Tibetan language studies. study time. Includes an afternoon tea • Students must secure their own temporary • Insight, Compassion and Healing break. student visas and comply with all necessary module for health professionals and • Dinner family style in the University U.S. regulations. To take advantage of those with interest in healing. cafeteria. attending the Summer Institute in July, • Evening: choice of open time, elective participants are advised to apply for their Hong Kong students may continue classes or personal study time. visas immediately. their studies after the Summer Institute • The day ends with “quiet time” after through Nitartha’s online distance learning • Information about transportation to the 10:00 p.m. opportunities. Taking the first courses in Summer Institute from Vancouver and Note that generally, students attend 4-5 class person of Mind & Its World and Clear Seattle will be sent to registered students. periods and have 1-2 study periods during Thinking is a pre-requisite for online classes. • Participants may register for either the first two-week session; or for the entire month (see payment details). Tuition, Room & Board (US Dollars) • Participants may want to arrange extra time Application Deadline is May 31st in Vancouver or Seattle before or after the Summer Institute. Single Session July 17 - 31 Tuition Only. $775 Aug 1 - 14 Tuition + room & board (double) $1,465 • Summer Institute fees allow for single occupancy, Tuition + room & board (single) $1,495 or double occupancy at a reduced rate. Rooms are Both Sessions July 17 - August 14 Tuition Only. $1,525 comfortable and include wireless internet access. Tuition + room & board (double) $2,600 • The program fee includes three meals a day, provided in Tuition + room & board (single) $2,700 the student dining room. Monastics (double) $1,550 Monastics (single) $1,595 • Root texts and course resource books may be purchased at the campus bookstore. Please allow extra money to pay for A deposit of $350 US by May 31st is required to reserve a place. these, and any notebooks or study materials you may need. An It is customary to offer a teaching gift in addition to program fees. amount of approximately $150 is average for a first-time student. $150 to $200 per session is the recommended amount.