Liberation In the Palm Of Your Hand Series
Tuesday, March 30th to May 11th, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:45 PM MST
Via Zoom Livestream
By Donation
TEACHER
Kushok Lobsang Dhamchöe, Spiritual Director of Gaden Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Society. Please visit https://www.gsl-ab.ca/spiritual-director/ to learn more about our Spiritual Director.
SERIES DESCRIPTION — Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand: A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment
Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand is a transcript of an oral discourse on the Lam Rim, (stages of the path to enlightenment) given by Pabongka Rinpoche, one of the most influential Gelug lamas of the 20th century. In his 24-day discourse, Pabongka provides a detailed commentary on Tsong Khapa’s masterwork, The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. He brilliantly illuminates these core teachings that trace back to Shakyamuni Buddha from an unbroken lineage. For that reason, this text is considered one of the 18 great Jangchub Lam Rim texts of the Gelug lineage. Our
Society follows the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Lam Rim sets out three graduated paths based on one’s motivation. The Small Scope is the path suited to those wishing to attain a better future rebirth. The Medium Scope is the path suited to those who wish to liberate themselves from cyclic existence. And the Great Scope is the path suited to those who wish to achieve full enlightenment for the sake of every living being.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this eighth course of the series, we will complete the Small Scope and enter the Medium Scope path. The Medium Scope lays out the philosophies of the Two Truths: the truth of suffering and the causes of that suffering, and the truth of cessation [of suffering] and the causes of that cessation.
This is a comprehensive topic that includes an explanation of the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination. Understanding these twelve links reinforces one’s understanding of the first truth and also lays the foundation for understanding the second truth—that of cessation. It will likely take several courses for Kushok to provide his commentary and teachings on these topics.
COURSE MATERIAL
A syllabus will be provided outlining our best-guess of weekly topics and readings. Students are asked to prepare for each class by completing suggested readings and to bring their texts and questions on the material to class. Please note that the syllabus may be subject to change, as the Teacher will always accommodate the needs of the students at the time.
COURSE TEXT
The 2006 edition of Liberation in the Palm of your Hand — A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment, by Pabongka Rinpoche and edited by Trijang Rinpoche, is the required text. The text can be purchased online through the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) and Amazon. All other reading and practice materials will be provided.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
While it would be optimal for registrants of this course to have taken the seven previous courses in the series, it is not a requirement.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Anyone with an interest in studying the Lam Rim (stages of the path to enlightenment), or Tibetan Buddhist practices and philosophies, is welcome.
LOCATION
Currently the course will only be offered virtually until such time as we are able to safely open the centre for regular classes. It is our intention, even once we are able to open the centre, to continue offering Zoom classes as an option to those who are unable to attend in person.
COURSE DATES
Tuesdays, March 30th, 2021 to May 11th, 2021.
7:00 PM – 8:45 PM MST
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required. Please register by Friday, March 26th, 2021. The Zoom links will be sent to all registrants via email within 24 hours of the class.
COURSE FEES
We are offering this seven-week course by donation. Donations can be made at the Gaden Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Mediation Society’s Canada Helps page.
Donations can be made under the “General Programming & Operations” heading. Please note the name of the course (The Four Noble Truths) in the “Include a message for this charity” box.
As a not-for-profit society, we greatly appreciate your donation. It will be used to sustain our society and support our Spiritual Director, so that we may continue to offer quality programming. We thank you in advance for your kind generosity.
Please donate by following this link.
If you require assistance, please contact the office at [email protected].