- Dates: Sept 3-Dec 10, 2024, 6:00-8:30pm MT
- Online and In-Person
- Teacher: Lhoppön Rechungpa Rinpoche
- Visiting Teacher: Kyabjé Bhaka Tulku Rinpoche
Rinpoche continues his teaching of the Guhyagarbha Tantra this fall, leading us in our ongoing study of Essence of Clear Light.
This semester, Rinpoche welcomes those students who participated in the spring ’24 semester of his Guhygarbha Tantra course, as well as new students, who may be studying this material for the first time.
Omniscient Jamgön Mipham, the namesake of Mipham Shedra, composed Essence of Clear Light, which is a commentary on Dzogchen master, Longchen Rabjam’s Secret Essence Definitive Nature Just as It Is, itself a commentary on the seminal root text of Mahayoga, known as the Guhyagarbha Tantra.
Rinpoche will give a transmission for the new students on Saturday August 24th, from 1:00 — 5:00pm MT to prepare them to join this group. Returning Guhyagarbha students are also welcome to attend the transmission to refresh their knowledge. More information about this transmission will be forthcoming as we approach the fall semester.
About this upcoming retreat, Rinpoche says:
“In this modern age, people are very busy with their samsaric lives. We at Mipham Shedra are committed to offering you the highest quality of dharma education. But we aren’t only interested in giving you knowledge. We want you to apply that knowledge as practice, so that what you learn with us makes a significant difference in your life.
For this very short moment of a weekly class, I ask myself: How can I offer my students the maximum, most profound knowledge, that will translate into practice in their lives? At the same time, how do I make it as simple and easy as possible for my students to participate, given their many commitments?
I do not wish to make you too tired! That’s why I am skillfully bringing together joy and some good discipline. These are the qualities that are needed in order for you to translate a very vast and profound body of knowledge into practice.
This past semester, we at Mipham Shedra learned so much. We noticed the importance of insisting on discipline in creating a successful experience for you in the Shedra program. We did not ask something that is impossible for you. Attending class regularly, keeping your camera turned on when participating in the class online, doing weekly homework assignments, and preparing for regular quizzes, all provide a necessary structure for you to be successful in bringing this teaching into your practice.
Beginning in the fall 2024 semester, we have decided to introduce a guest teacher for each semester of Shedra, who will lead the students in a retreat. In the Fall Shedra Course this year, we will have Kyabjé Bhaka Tulku Rinpoche as our guest teacher, which will make the Shedra even more profound and beautiful.”
– Rechunpa Rinpoche –
Program Details
Mipham Shedra Sangha began its study of Essence of Clear Light in the spring 2024 semester of its Shedra program. Rinpoche begins the fall 2024 semester, with his new Intrinsic Nature Series: The Study and Practice of the Guhygarbha Tantra, which combines rigorous study of this material with its practical application, through retreats with visiting teachers.
All Shedra classes will be live-streamed on Zoom, through the Member’s Portal. You are also invited to attend in-person at:
Mipham Shedra Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center
8200 W 106th Ave
Westminster, CO
USA, 80021
Financial Support
The donations to this program support Mipham Shedra Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Center, and the teachings of Lhoppön Rechunpa Rinpoche. For those with limited funds, we have work exchange and financial aid options available. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
If you would like to apply for work exchange or financial aid, please see these links:
Registration Options
Tuesday May 7th — Tuesday May 14th:
Priority Registration – **For Students of the Spring ’24 Guhyagarbha Tantra Course Only**
Discounted Suggested Donation Amounts for Guhyagarbha Students The Week of 5/7 to 5/14:
- (Non-Members): $240 USD
- (Members): $190 USD
Tuesday July 9th — August 20th 2024:
General Registration – **Open to All Members of Mipham Shedra and the General Public**
- (Non-Members): $300 USD
- (Members): $240 USD
Program Schedule
Tuesday Evenings from 6:00pm — 8:30pm Mountain Time
Note: When Dakini Day or Guru Rinpoche Day falls on a Tuesday, Shedra class will be moved to the next evening (Wednesday), to allow for our Sangha’s observance of those special days. You will be notified before registration of which Wednesday nights class will be held that semester. Please make arrangements to attend those Wednesday classes.)
Requirements:
- Prerequisite: Guhyagarbha Empowerment. If you have not received this empowerment, contact us at [email protected]
- Textbook: Essence of Clear Light by Jamgon Mipham (Purchase Here)
Course Guidelines:
- Attendance: Must attend at least 70% of the classes (maximum of four absences).
- Homework: Complete assigned readings and come prepared to discuss the current study topic.
- Assessments: Expect a pop quiz in each class and a final exam. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the semester.
For Online Students:
- Decorum: Participate with the same respect and reverence as at the temple. Do not eat or multitask during class.
- Camera: Keep your camera on during the class unless briefly occupied. If you have exceptional circumstances, please communicate them to us.
- Microphone: Keep your microphone muted unless responding to Rinpoche.
- Punctuality: Be online and ready 10 minutes before class starts and remain logged in for the entire session.
For questions, please contact: [email protected]
To learn about Lhoppön Rechungpa Rinpoche, please see this page.
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