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[[image:Palyul.jpg|right|thumb|400px|The Palyul Retreat Centre, Pharping, Nepal: home to the Rigpa Shedra]]
[[Image:Classroom with Khenpo Namdrol teaching 1.jpg|thumb|600px|'''[[Khenpo Namdrol]]''' teaches the Rigpa Shedra East and a number of Lamas, monks, nuns and western students, 2009 in [[Pharping]].]]
'''Rigpa Shedra''' — an intensive study program that takes place in [[Pharping]], Nepal under the guidance of [[Khenpo Namdrol]].
'''Rigpa [[Shedra]]''' — [[About Rigpa|Rigpa]]'s intensive study program that takes place in [[Pharping]], Nepal under the guidance of [[Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche]].


'''Rigpa Shedra East 2008-2009'''<br>
==About the Shedra==
[[Buddha nature]] is the main topic of the Shedra 2008-2009. We will follow two commentaries by [[Mipham Rinpoche]]: ''Lion’s Roar: Exposition of Buddha-Nature'' and Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary on the ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]'' (Tib. ''Gyü Lama''), Buddha Maitreya’s famous treatise on buddha nature. See the [http://www.rigpashedra.org Rigpa Shedra site] for more details.
[[File:Stupa marking Shariputra's birth death place (Small).JPG|thumb|left|[[Nalanda University]]]]
Inspired by the vision of [[Sogyal Rinpoche]] and the achievements of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, such as [[Nalanda]] in India, [[Shri Singha shedra]] at [[Dzogchen Monastery]], [[Dzongsar shedra|Kham-jé]] at [[Dzongsar]] and more recently, [[Larung Gar]], established by the great [[Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok|Khen Rinpoche Jikmé Phuntsok]], the Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards. The approach is traditional, based on the proven methods of the unbroken lineage of learning and realization that dates back to ancient India, and encourages not just formal study, but also deeper integration of the teachings through contemplation and meditation.


==About the Shedra==
The curriculum is designed with a view to supporting the needs of the wider Rigpa Sangha, complementing the courses offered in Rigpa centres throughout the world. It is entirely non-sectarian, and features the most important writings of the great Indian and Tibetan masters, including works on both [[sutra]] and [[tantra]]. The teachers providing commentary on these texts are highly qualified [[khenpo]]s and [[acharya]]s. Additional teachings and guidance are also sought from many of the lamas connected with the Rigpa sangha. In addition to studying the most important classical writings, students have the option to study the Tibetan language, and all the major and minor sciences studied by the [[pandita]]s of India and Tibet, including the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, Tibetan medicine, astrology, grammar (according to the main Tibetan grammar treatises), poetry and arts and crafts.
Inspired by the vision of [[Sogyal Rinpoche]] and the achievements of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, such as [[Nalanda]] in India, [[Shri Singha shedra]] at [[Dzogchen Monastery]], Kham-jé at [[Dzongsar]] and more recently, [[Larung Gar]], established by the great [[Khenpo Jikme Phuntsok|Khen Rinpoche Jikmé Phuntsok]], the Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards. The approach is traditional, based on the proven methods of the unbroken lineage of learning and realization that dates back to ancient India, and encourages not just formal study, but also deeper integration of the teachings through contemplation and meditation.
 
==Current Curriculum==
===A-1st Sutra Studies Triennium===
*A1 ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
*A2 ''[[Khenjuk]]''
*A3 ''[[Madhyamakalankara]]''
===B-2nd Sutra Studies Triennium===
*B1 ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]''
*B2 ''[[Madhyamakavatara]]''
*B3 ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]''
===C-Tantra Studies Triennium===
*C1 ''[[Ösel Nyingpo]]'' – [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s commentary on the [[Guhyagarbha Tantra]]
*C2 ''[[Key to the Precious Treasury|Dzökyi Demig]]'' – [[Dodrupchen Jikme Tenpe Nyima|The Third Dodrupchen Rinpoche]]'s commentary on the Guhyagarbha Tantra
*C3 ''[[Semnyi Ngalso]]'' by [[Longchenpa]]
==Teachers==
[[Image:RTRShedra.JPG|frame|[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] teaching at the Rigpa Shedra]]
The following lamas and scholars have taught at the Rigpa Shedra:
 
===Senior Lamas===
*[[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]]
*[[Dzogchen Rinpoche]]
*[[Khenchen Namdrol]]
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]]
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]]
 
===Khenpos===
*[[Khenpo Dawa Paljor]]
*Khenpo Jampal Dorje
*Khenpo Pasang Tenzin
*[[Khenpo Tashi Tseten]]
*[[Sönam Tobden|Khenpo Sönam Tobden]]
 
===Lopöns & Teachers===
*Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada)
*Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol
*Ane Lopön Sangye Paldrön
*[[Chantal Bergers]] (Netherlands)
*Lopön Lodrö Palge
*Lopön Penpo Tsering
*Lopön Tenzin Wangdü
*[[Verena Pfeiffer]] (Germany)


The curriculum is designed with a view to supporting the needs of the wider Rigpa Sangha, complementing the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche and also the courses offered in Rigpa centres throughout the world. It is entirely non-sectarian, and features the most important writings of the great Indian and Tibetan masters, including works on both [[sutra]] and [[tantra]]. The teachers providing commentary on these texts are highly qualified [[khenpo]]s and [[acharya]]s. Additional teachings and guidance are also sought from many of the lamas connected with the Rigpa sangha. In addition to studying the most important classical writings, students have the option to study the Tibetan language, and all the major and minor sciences studied by the [[pandita]]s of India and Tibet, including the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, Tibetan medicine, astrology, grammar (according to the main Tibetan grammar treatises), poetry and arts and crafts.
===Western Scholars===
*B. [[Alan Wallace]]
*Klaus-Dieter Mathes
*[[Steven Goodman]]


==Shedra History==
==Shedra History==
===Shedra East===
===Shedra East===
[[Image:Tibtitle.JPG|right|frame|rig pa she dra]]
'''2006'''<br>
In 2006 the first [http://www.rigpashedra.org/Shedra_East.php?pid=235 Rigpa Shedra East] took place at the [[Palyul Retreat Centre]] in Kathmandu, Nepal. Students spent four months studying [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s [[Gateway to Knowledge]] with [[Khenpo Pasang Tenzin]].


'''2007'''<br>
====2006====
In 2007, the shedra focused on [[Shantideva]]'s classic text, the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''. MP3 audio files of these teachings are available [[Teachings on 'Nectar of Manjushri's Speech (MP3)'|here]].
In 2006 the first Rigpa Shedra East took place at the [[Palyul Retreat Centre]] in [[Pharping]], Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Students spent four months studying [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s [[Gateway to Knowledge]] with Khenpo Pasang Tenzin, translated by Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2007====
In 2007, the shedra focused on [[Shantideva]]'s classic text, the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'',  with [[Khenpo Sönam Tobden]], translated by Gyurme Avertin. MP3 audio files of these teachings are available [[Teachings on 'Nectar of Manjushri's Speech (MP3)'|here]].
 
====2008====
The Shedra studied [[Mipham Rinpoche|Mipham Rinpoche’s]] commentary on the ''[[Madhyamakalankara]]'', ''The Adornment of the Middle Way'',  with [[Khenpo Sönam Tobden]], translated by Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2009====
[[Buddha nature]] was the main topic of the Shedra 2008-2009, following two commentaries by [[Mipham Rinpoche]]: ''[[The Lion's Roar: A Commentary on Sugatagarbha]]'', taught by [[Khenchen Namdrol]], and Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary on the ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]'' (Tib. ''Gyü Lama''), Buddha Maitreya’s famous treatise, taught by [[Khenpo Dawa Paljor]] and translated by Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2010====
The main text studied at Shedra East in 2010 was ''[[Madhyamakavatara]]'' (Tib. ''Umajukpa'') and its auto-commentary by [[Chandrakirti]], with [[Khenpo Sönam Tobden]], translated by Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2011====
Teachings on [[Mipham Rinpoche]]'s commentary on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' with [[Khenpo Sönam Tobden]], translated by Stefan Gueffroy.
 
====2012====
Shedra East students studied either [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'', using the commentary by [[Khenpo Kunzang Palden]], taught by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo and translated by Melanie Slomka and Damien van Effenterre, or the ''[[Guhyagarbha Tantra]]'', using the commentary by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by [[Khenpo Sönam Tobden]] and translated by Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2013====
Three texts were offered to Shedra East students for study: [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'', taught by Ane Lopön Sangye Paldrön and translated by Melanie Slomka and Damien van Effenterre; the ''[[Khenjuk]]'', by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by Lopön Tenzin Wangdü and translated by Damien van Effenterre and Roger Espel Llima; and the ''[[Guhyagarbha Tantra]]'', using the ''[[Key to the Precious Treasury]]'' commentary by [[Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpé Nyima]], taught by [[Lopön Tashi Tseten|Lopön Tashi Tseten]] with translation by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada).
 
====2014====
Shedra East students studied the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'', taught by Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol and translated by Christina Monson; [[Shantarakshita]]’s ''[[Ornament of the Middle Way]]'', with commentary by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by Lopön Lodrö Palge and translated by Damien van Effenterre; and ''[[Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind]]'', part of the ''[[Trilogy of Finding Comfort and Ease]]'' by [[Longchenpa]], taught by Khenpo Gyatso with translation by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada). In addition [[Khenchen Namdrol]] taught for six weeks to 76 students.
 
====2015====
The three texts offered to Shedra East students for study included the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'' using [[Khenpo Shenga]]’s commentary, taught by Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol and translated by Daniela Hartman and Han Kop; [[Maitreya]]’s ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]'' using [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s commentary as well as his ''[[The Lion's Roar: A Commentary on Sugatagarbha]]'', taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada); and the ''[[Guhyagarbha Tantra]]'' using the ''[[Essence of Clear Light]]'' commentary by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and Lopon Tenzin Wangdu, with translation by Christina Monson. An additional six students joined the Uttaratantra class for a one-month short option teaching on the [[Four tenet systems]], using [[Mipham Rinpoche]]'s ''[[Summary of the Wish-Fulfilling Treasury’s Chapter on Tenet Systems]]'', based on a text by [[Longchenpa]], also taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada).
 
====2016====
The Shedra East students received teachings on the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'', taught in English by Chantal Bergers; [[Chandrakirti]]’s ''[[Introduction to the Middle Way]]'', using [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s commentary, taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada); or the chapter 10 of [[Jikme Lingpa]]’s ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'', taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson.
 
====2017====
The Shedra East students received teachings on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'', taught by Lopön Penpo Tsering and translated by Roger Espel and Han Kop. Shedra East also hosted students of the Milinda Programme who studied four different Madhyamaka texts, each for a two week period.
 
====2018====
The Shedra East students received teachings on [[Shantarakshita]]'s ''Madhamakalankara'', ''[[Ornament of the Middle Way]]'', taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Damien van Effenterre, and [[Mipham Rinpoche]]'s commentary on the ''[[Guhyagarbha Tantra]]'', ''The [[Essence of Clear Light]]'', also taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson.
 
====2019====
The Shedra East students received teachings on the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'', taught in English by [[Verena Pfeiffer]]; and [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s ''[[Beacon of Certainty]]'', taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson. Also this year, another Shedra East first, Chantal Bergers taught, based on Verena Pfeiffer's ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]'' course, an on-line course which was followed by over almost 90 students.


'''2008'''<br>
====2020====
The Shedra 2007-2008 studied [[Mipham Rinpoche|Mipham Rinpoche’s]] commentary ''The Adornment of the Middle Way, [[Shantarakshita|Shantarakshita’s]] [[Madhyamakalankara]] with Commentary By Jamgön Mipham''.
*Khenpo Tashi Tseten, on ''[[Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind]]'', January-February 2020 [sutra part 1]
 
====2021====
*Khenpo Tashi Tseten, on ''[[Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind]]'', [sutra part 2]
 
====2022====
*Khenpo Tashi Tseten, on ''[[Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind]]'', [tantra section]
 
====2023====
*Mipham Rinpoche’s [[Gateway to Knowledge]], taught in English by Lopon Lopön Heather Moody. [year 1 out of 2]
*[[Madhyamakavatara]] with commentary by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and translated by Damien van Effentere [year 1 out of 2]
 
====2024====
*Mipham Rinpoche’s [[Gateway to Knowledge]], taught in English by Lopon Lopön Heather Moody. [year 2 out of 2]
*[[Madhyamakavatara]] with commentary by [[Mipham Rinpoche]], taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and translated by Damien van Effentere [year 2 out of 2]


===Shedra West===
===Shedra West===
[[Image:Shedra group.jpg|frame|Ringu Tulku Rinpoche with the shedra students in Lerab Ling, 2005]]
 
'''2001'''<br>
[[Image:Shedra group.jpg|frame|[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] with the shedra students in [[Lerab Ling]], 2005]]
====2001====
The Rigpa Shedra began in [[Lerab Ling]] in the summer of 2001. [[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]] and [[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] both taught on the ninth chapter of [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.<br>
The Rigpa Shedra began in [[Lerab Ling]] in the summer of 2001. [[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]] and [[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] both taught on the ninth chapter of [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.<br>


'''2002'''<br>
====2002====
For the second year, [[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]] gave a commentary on [[Maitreya]]’s ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]'', [[Ringu Tulku]] taught [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s [http://www.lotsawahouse.org/wheel.html Wheel of Investigative Meditation] and Professor [http://www.ciis.edu/faculty/goodman.html Steven Goodman] introduced the basic themes of the [[Abhidharma]].<br>
For the second year, [[Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche]] gave a commentary on [[Maitreya]]’s ''[[Uttaratantra Shastra]]'', [[Ringu Tulku]] taught [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s ''[[Wheel of Analysis and Meditation]]'' and Professor [[Steven Goodman]] introduced the basic themes of the [[Abhidharma]].<br>


'''2003'''<br>
====2003====
For the third year, which took place in [[Dzogchen Beara]] in Ireland, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche taught on [[Maitreya]]’s ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' and [http://www.alanwallace.org/ Alan Wallace] presented the views of the four main philosophical schools of Buddhism. Students also reviewed Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings on the whole of the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.<br>
For the third year, which took place in [[Dzogchen Beara]] in Ireland, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche taught on [[Maitreya]]’s ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' and [http://www.alanwallace.org/ Alan Wallace] presented the views of the four main philosophical schools of Buddhism. Students also reviewed Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings on the whole of the ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.<br>


'''2004'''<br>
====2004====
For the fourth year, Dzogchen Rinpoche taught on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' and introduced us to buddhist debate, and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche began his teachings on [[Shantarakshita]]’s ''[[Madhyamakalankara]]'' using the commentary of [[Mipham Rinpoche]].<br>
For the fourth year, Dzogchen Rinpoche taught on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' and introduced us to buddhist debate, and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche began his teachings on [[Shantarakshita]]’s ''[[Madhyamakalankara]]'' using the commentary of [[Mipham Rinpoche]].<br>


'''2005'''<br>
====2005====
In the fifth year, the shedra was once again at home in Lerab Ling. We had the pleasure of welcoming back [[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]], the Rigpa Shedra’s most regular teacher, for the second and final year of his brilliant commentary upon [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s celebrated exposition of the ''[[Ornament of the Middle Way]]'' by Khenpo [[Shantarakshita]]. Each day, Rinpoche delivered a brilliant and seemingly effortless summary of as many as thirty or forty pages of text, masterfully encapsulating the essential meaning of the treatise.
In the fifth year, the shedra was once again at home in Lerab Ling. We had the pleasure of welcoming back [[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]], the Rigpa Shedra’s most regular teacher, for the second and final year of his brilliant commentary upon [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s celebrated exposition of the ''[[Ornament of the Middle Way]]'' by Khenpo [[Shantarakshita]]. Each day, Rinpoche delivered a brilliant and seemingly effortless summary of as many as thirty or forty pages of text, masterfully encapsulating the essential meaning of the treatise.


For the second part, we had the good fortune to study [[Haribhadra]]’s ''[[Sphutartha]]'' commentary on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' with the young and brilliant [[Khenpo Jampal Dorje]] from [[Dzongsar Monastery]] in India. During his lively and extremely detailed presentation, he drew upon the writings of the great Sakyapa master Kunkhyen [[Gorampa]] and especially upon the annotation commentary of the great [[Khenpo Shenga]], to whose lineage he himself belongs. On the final day, as both a thank-you and an offering, three students were called upon to present their understanding of the text, and all acquitted themselves admirably, speaking from memory for more than five minutes each and even managing a few quotations.
For the second part, we had the good fortune to study [[Haribhadra]]’s ''[[Sphutartha]]'' commentary on the ''[[Abhisamayalankara]]'' with the young and brilliant [[Khenpo Jampal Dorje]] from [[Dzongsar Monastery]] in India. During his lively and extremely detailed presentation, he drew upon the writings of the great Sakyapa master Kunkhyen [[Gorampa]] and especially upon the annotation commentary of the great [[Khenpo Shenga]], to whose lineage he himself belongs. On the final day, as both a thank-you and an offering, three students were called upon to present their understanding of the text, and all acquitted themselves admirably, speaking from memory for more than five minutes each and even managing a few quotations.


== The Rigpa Shedra Video 2006/2007 ==
====2010====
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche Shedra West 2010]]
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab Shedra West 2010]]
 
====2011====
*Khenchen Pema Sherab Shedra West 2011
 
====2012====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] finished [[Mipham Rinpoche]]’s ''[[Beacon of Certainty]]'' and then began teaching the ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' by [[Jikme Lingpa]], with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay and Gyurme Avertin.
 
====2013====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' starting with Chapter 3 with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay and Gyurme Avertin, also by delayed streaming.
 
====2014====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay and Gyurme Avertin, also by delayed streaming.
 
====2015====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' sections on entrance to the bodhisattva path and the [[Bodhisattva vow]] with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay and Gyurme Avertin also by delayed streaming. Khen Rinpoche also gave the [[Bodhisattva vow]] to the entire Lerab Ling community.
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
 
====2016====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' sections on the [[Bodhisattva vow]] and the Precepts of Bodhichitta in Aspiration and Action, with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay, also by delayed streaming.
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
 
====2017====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' sections on the Precepts of Bodhichitta in Aspiration and Action to end of Volume I, with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay, also by delayed streaming
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
 
====2018====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' Vajrayana, Volume II, classification of tantra, empowerments, and samaya, with translation by Khenpo Tensing Norgay also by delayed streaming.
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
 
====2019====
*[[Khenchen Pema Sherab]] ''[[Yönten Dzö]]'' The Heart of Vajrayana, Volume II, paths of generation and perfection
*[[Ringu Tulku Rinpoche]] ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''
 
==Internal Links==
*[[Shedra MP3 Library]]
 
==External Links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVYMQLwiTGE Rigpa Shedra Video 2006/2007 in English]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atKLGc5-RdU Rigpa Shedra Video 2006/2007 in French]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDMTzEsERPI Rigpa Shedra Video 2006/2007 in German]
 


{| class="wikitable"
[[Category:Rigpa Shedra]]
|+
|-
| <videoflash>RVYMQLwiTGE</videoflash> ||''The [http://www.rigpawiki.org/Media/Video/ShedraMovieWebEng.mov Rigpa Shedra video 2007] gives an impression of how it is to be at the Shedra in Nepal - Want to join us next year?''
|-
|}

Latest revision as of 21:22, 27 August 2024

Khenpo Namdrol teaches the Rigpa Shedra East and a number of Lamas, monks, nuns and western students, 2009 in Pharping.

Rigpa Shedra — Rigpa's intensive study program that takes place in Pharping, Nepal under the guidance of Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche.

About the Shedra

Nalanda University

Inspired by the vision of Sogyal Rinpoche and the achievements of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, such as Nalanda in India, Shri Singha shedra at Dzogchen Monastery, Kham-jé at Dzongsar and more recently, Larung Gar, established by the great Khen Rinpoche Jikmé Phuntsok, the Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards. The approach is traditional, based on the proven methods of the unbroken lineage of learning and realization that dates back to ancient India, and encourages not just formal study, but also deeper integration of the teachings through contemplation and meditation.

The curriculum is designed with a view to supporting the needs of the wider Rigpa Sangha, complementing the courses offered in Rigpa centres throughout the world. It is entirely non-sectarian, and features the most important writings of the great Indian and Tibetan masters, including works on both sutra and tantra. The teachers providing commentary on these texts are highly qualified khenpos and acharyas. Additional teachings and guidance are also sought from many of the lamas connected with the Rigpa sangha. In addition to studying the most important classical writings, students have the option to study the Tibetan language, and all the major and minor sciences studied by the panditas of India and Tibet, including the history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, Tibetan medicine, astrology, grammar (according to the main Tibetan grammar treatises), poetry and arts and crafts.

Current Curriculum

A-1st Sutra Studies Triennium

B-2nd Sutra Studies Triennium

C-Tantra Studies Triennium

Teachers

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche teaching at the Rigpa Shedra

The following lamas and scholars have taught at the Rigpa Shedra:

Senior Lamas

Khenpos

Lopöns & Teachers

  • Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada)
  • Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol
  • Ane Lopön Sangye Paldrön
  • Chantal Bergers (Netherlands)
  • Lopön Lodrö Palge
  • Lopön Penpo Tsering
  • Lopön Tenzin Wangdü
  • Verena Pfeiffer (Germany)

Western Scholars

Shedra History

Shedra East

2006

In 2006 the first Rigpa Shedra East took place at the Palyul Retreat Centre in Pharping, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Students spent four months studying Mipham Rinpoche’s Gateway to Knowledge with Khenpo Pasang Tenzin, translated by Gyurme Avertin.

2007

In 2007, the shedra focused on Shantideva's classic text, the Bodhicharyavatara, with Khenpo Sönam Tobden, translated by Gyurme Avertin. MP3 audio files of these teachings are available here.

2008

The Shedra studied Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary on the Madhyamakalankara, The Adornment of the Middle Way, with Khenpo Sönam Tobden, translated by Gyurme Avertin.

2009

Buddha nature was the main topic of the Shedra 2008-2009, following two commentaries by Mipham Rinpoche: The Lion's Roar: A Commentary on Sugatagarbha, taught by Khenchen Namdrol, and Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary on the Uttaratantra Shastra (Tib. Gyü Lama), Buddha Maitreya’s famous treatise, taught by Khenpo Dawa Paljor and translated by Gyurme Avertin.

2010

The main text studied at Shedra East in 2010 was Madhyamakavatara (Tib. Umajukpa) and its auto-commentary by Chandrakirti, with Khenpo Sönam Tobden, translated by Gyurme Avertin.

2011

Teachings on Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the Abhisamayalankara with Khenpo Sönam Tobden, translated by Stefan Gueffroy.

2012

Shedra East students studied either Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, using the commentary by Khenpo Kunzang Palden, taught by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo and translated by Melanie Slomka and Damien van Effenterre, or the Guhyagarbha Tantra, using the commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, taught by Khenpo Sönam Tobden and translated by Gyurme Avertin.

2013

Three texts were offered to Shedra East students for study: Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara, taught by Ane Lopön Sangye Paldrön and translated by Melanie Slomka and Damien van Effenterre; the Khenjuk, by Mipham Rinpoche, taught by Lopön Tenzin Wangdü and translated by Damien van Effenterre and Roger Espel Llima; and the Guhyagarbha Tantra, using the Key to the Precious Treasury commentary by Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpé Nyima, taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten with translation by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada).

2014

Shedra East students studied the Bodhicharyavatara, taught by Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol and translated by Christina Monson; Shantarakshita’s Ornament of the Middle Way, with commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, taught by Lopön Lodrö Palge and translated by Damien van Effenterre; and Finding Comfort and Ease in the Nature of Mind, part of the Trilogy of Finding Comfort and Ease by Longchenpa, taught by Khenpo Gyatso with translation by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada). In addition Khenchen Namdrol taught for six weeks to 76 students.

2015

The three texts offered to Shedra East students for study included the Bodhicharyavatara using Khenpo Shenga’s commentary, taught by Ane Lopön Phuntsok Chamdrol and translated by Daniela Hartman and Han Kop; Maitreya’s Uttaratantra Shastra using Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary as well as his The Lion's Roar: A Commentary on Sugatagarbha, taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada); and the Guhyagarbha Tantra using the Essence of Clear Light commentary by Mipham Rinpoche, taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and Lopon Tenzin Wangdu, with translation by Christina Monson. An additional six students joined the Uttaratantra class for a one-month short option teaching on the Four tenet systems, using Mipham Rinpoche's Summary of the Wish-Fulfilling Treasury’s Chapter on Tenet Systems, based on a text by Longchenpa, also taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada).

2016

The Shedra East students received teachings on the Bodhicharyavatara, taught in English by Chantal Bergers; Chandrakirti’s Introduction to the Middle Way, using Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary, taught in English by Ane Lopön Damchoe Wangmo (Canada); or the chapter 10 of Jikme Lingpa’s Yönten Dzö, taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson.

2017

The Shedra East students received teachings on the Abhisamayalankara, taught by Lopön Penpo Tsering and translated by Roger Espel and Han Kop. Shedra East also hosted students of the Milinda Programme who studied four different Madhyamaka texts, each for a two week period.

2018

The Shedra East students received teachings on Shantarakshita's Madhamakalankara, Ornament of the Middle Way, taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Damien van Effenterre, and Mipham Rinpoche's commentary on the Guhyagarbha Tantra, The Essence of Clear Light, also taught by Lopön Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson.

2019

The Shedra East students received teachings on the Bodhicharyavatara, taught in English by Verena Pfeiffer; and Mipham Rinpoche’s Beacon of Certainty, taught by Khenpo Tashi Tseten and translated by Christina Monson. Also this year, another Shedra East first, Chantal Bergers taught, based on Verena Pfeiffer's Bodhicharyavatara course, an on-line course which was followed by over almost 90 students.

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Shedra West

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche with the shedra students in Lerab Ling, 2005

2001

The Rigpa Shedra began in Lerab Ling in the summer of 2001. Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche both taught on the ninth chapter of Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara.

2002

For the second year, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche gave a commentary on Maitreya’s Uttaratantra Shastra, Ringu Tulku taught Mipham Rinpoche’s Wheel of Analysis and Meditation and Professor Steven Goodman introduced the basic themes of the Abhidharma.

2003

For the third year, which took place in Dzogchen Beara in Ireland, Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche taught on Maitreya’s Abhisamayalankara and Alan Wallace presented the views of the four main philosophical schools of Buddhism. Students also reviewed Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s teachings on the whole of the Bodhicharyavatara.

2004

For the fourth year, Dzogchen Rinpoche taught on the Abhisamayalankara and introduced us to buddhist debate, and Ringu Tulku Rinpoche began his teachings on Shantarakshita’s Madhyamakalankara using the commentary of Mipham Rinpoche.

2005

In the fifth year, the shedra was once again at home in Lerab Ling. We had the pleasure of welcoming back Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, the Rigpa Shedra’s most regular teacher, for the second and final year of his brilliant commentary upon Mipham Rinpoche’s celebrated exposition of the Ornament of the Middle Way by Khenpo Shantarakshita. Each day, Rinpoche delivered a brilliant and seemingly effortless summary of as many as thirty or forty pages of text, masterfully encapsulating the essential meaning of the treatise.

For the second part, we had the good fortune to study Haribhadra’s Sphutartha commentary on the Abhisamayalankara with the young and brilliant Khenpo Jampal Dorje from Dzongsar Monastery in India. During his lively and extremely detailed presentation, he drew upon the writings of the great Sakyapa master Kunkhyen Gorampa and especially upon the annotation commentary of the great Khenpo Shenga, to whose lineage he himself belongs. On the final day, as both a thank-you and an offering, three students were called upon to present their understanding of the text, and all acquitted themselves admirably, speaking from memory for more than five minutes each and even managing a few quotations.

2010

2011

  • Khenchen Pema Sherab Shedra West 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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