Sundays: Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 / Nov 2, 9, 16

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

About the Course

This seven-week course offers a thorough overview of Tibetan Buddhism and will explore the history and view of Tibetan Buddhism. It will also encompass an overview of the unique practices that characterize Vajrayana Buddhism. 

Together, we will dig deep into the historical and geographical unfolding of Buddhism in Asia, the development of the main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and the key figures important to the tradition, including Padmasambhava, the Dalai Lamas, the Karmapas, and more. We will then look at the beliefs and views associated with Tibetan Buddhism and a basic understanding of Tibetan cosmology. Finally, we will look through the practitioner’s eyes at these esoteric practices and discuss what it means to actually enter the vajrayana.

This is a survey course designed to provide anyone with asense of the Vajrayana landscape. It does not provide the actual entrance and permissions into Vajrayana practices. This course is open to anyone, although a basic understanding and experience of meditation would be helpful.

Included

• A historical grounding in Tibetan Buddhism
• An overview of key concepts and symbols of Vajrayana Buddhism
• An opportunity to ask questions and engage with classmates 
• Clarity on ways to move forward if you are considering a formal entrance into Vajrayana practice
• Connection with others interested in Vajrayana Buddhism

Weeks at a Glance

Class 1 – The Spread of Buddhism, and Four Main Lineages of Tibet

Class 2 –  The Deities, Protectors, Other Beings

Class 3 – The View and Basic Concepts and Methods of the Vajrayana

Class 4 – Preparatory Practices (Ngöndro) 

Class 5 – Sadhana practice and the Yidam

Class 6 – The Guru – Devotion & Secrecy

Class 7 – What to Look For, Questions to Ask, Actually Entering the Vajrayana

Prerequisites

Open to all, although a basic understanding and experience of meditation would be helpful.

About Jeff

Jeff Scott has a Master’s degree in Buddhist Studies and Tibetan Language from Naropa University. He has practiced in Shambhala since 1998. Jeff is currently the Director of Practice & Education for Shambhala Global Services. He became a vajrayana practitioner in 2005, and has since dedicated his life to the practice and embodiment of these teachings.