Shedra 2010

The Adornment of the Middle Way by Shantarakshita

with Commentary by Mipham Rinpoche
September Weekends
Phuntsok Choling
Ward, CO

On the basis of the Mind Alone,

We should know that outer things do not exist.

On the basis of the method set forth here,

We should know that mind is utterly devoid of self.

Those who ride the chariot of the two approaches,

Who grasp the reins of reasoned thought,

Will thus be adepts of the Mahayana

According to the sense and meaning of the word.

-- from Shantarakshita’s Adornment of the Middle Way

During this year’s shedra, Rinpoche will transmit and provide an in-depth commentary on “The Adornment of the Middle Way,” Shantarakshita’s Madhyamakalankara. The great eighth century Indian scholar Shantarakshita helped Guru Padmasambhava plant Buddhism in Tibet and establish Samye Monastery.

Rinpoche’s teachings will be based on the nineteenth century commentary by the Nyingma scholar Jamgon Mipham, which emphasizes the inseparability of the two Mahayana traditions: the Middle Way school founded by Nagarjuna and the Mind Only school of Asanga. Rinpoche has said that studying Madhyamaka is essential to understanding the Dzogchen view.

In his presentation of classical Buddhist texts, Rinpoche is known for combining his deep scholarly knowledge, his ability to communicate subtle meaning, and his skill in connecting what may seem obscure to the day-to-day life and practice of his audience. 

A shedra is a traditional monastic college of higher learning, with a course of study lasting from ten to thirteen years. Unlike most general Dharma programs, the Shedra program presents the teachings in much greater depth, using traditional textual structure, terminology and logic. Debate practice, along with Q&A with Rinpoche, are employed to sharpen students' knowledge.

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