Understanding Vajrayana: An Exploration of the Vajrayana Path and Culture

Saturdays from 1:00-3:00pm EST

Sept 7, 14, 21 & 28 / Oct 5, 12, 19 & 26

About the Course

Join an exploration of the profound path of Vajrayana that is open to all! This course is ideal for those who are longing to learn more about, inquire into, or refresh their connection to, the Vajrayana path. We will trace the map of key Vajrayana topics, exploring their meaning and context.

This Course is for:

• Anyone who is curious about or wants to learn more about the Buddhist Vajrayana path and culture
• Anyone who is seeking to begin a Vajrayana path and is seeking guidance on next steps and a path forward
• Anyone who is longing to refresh their connection to the Vajrayana path and its foundational principles in an atmosphere of inquiry
• Vajrayana practitioners who want to revisit these key principles of the Vajrayana path

What You will Gain:

• An understanding of key Vajrayana topics and their meaning and context
• A connection to others who are exploring Vajrayana topics
• Guidance on how to enter and dive more deeply into a Vajrayana path

Prerequisites

Open to all! 

Have Questions?

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Schedule and Topics

Class One:  September 7

• Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism
• View of Vajrayana, relationship to Mahayana
• The Tibetan Lineages

Class Two:  September 14

• Centrality of the Guru and the Lineage
• Devotion and Samaya
• Finding a Guru?

Class Three:  September 21

• Mandala Principle and the Five Wisdoms
• Vajrayana Culture, Celebrating Beauty & Nonconceptuality

Class Four:  September 28

• Preliminary practices, entering the Mandala
• Ngondro and Personal Transformation

Class Five:  October 5

• Empowerment and Sadhana Practice
• Creation and Completion phases

Class Six:  October 12

• Formless practices
• Mahamudra & Dzogchen

Class Seven:  October 19

• Vajrayana & Shambhala
• The Terma Traditions

Class Eight:  October 26

• Entering the Vajra World
• Landscape of Vajrayana in the West