BP Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds
Please note that this class has been completed. If you wish to read about the current BP Subject, please visit: www.dci.org.nz/basic-program/subjects/
“For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide, to dispel the misery of the world.”
The Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds class started on 22 August, 2017 with Geshe Wangchen. This Tuesday night subject is one of the core subjects of the series of Intermediate Level Classes known as the FPMT Basic Program or BP. It requires some previous study to attend these classes. It is possible to join part-way through. Please contact our office if interested. Also you will need to register via the registration link at the bottom of this page. Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds offers an excellent foundation and context for Mahayana Buddhism:
- What does it truly mean to be a Mahayana practitioner?
- What exactly is a Bodhisattva?
- What is the practice of a Bodhisattva?
- What is Bodhicitta and what are its benefits?
- What does it mean to practice the six perfections in detail?
This class is highly recommended for all interested in the Basic Program Course of Studies. The Basic Program Classes are taught by our Resident Teacher, Lharampa Geshe Wangchen.
Brief Synopsis
The teaching on the bodhisattva’s deeds is based on Shantideva’s inspirational verses on Mahayana aspiration and practice, composed more than a thousand years ago and still widely regarded as the most authentic and complete guide for the practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all beings. This highest of motivations lies at the heart of his Guide to the Bodhisattva Deeds, which ranges in scope from simple, practical techniques for developing generosity and dealing with destructive emotions, up to the most refined discussion of ultimate truth. Due to its authenticity and relevance for everyday life, this classic is probably cited more often in teachings by Tibetan Buddhist masters than any other Buddhist scripture. This class will use Shantideva’s Root Verses of Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds by Shantideva within the Outline from the Commentary to Shantideva’s ‘Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds’ by Gyaltsab Je. (Shantideva’s root verses translated by Toh Sze Gee; Outline translated from the Tibetan by Ven. Losang Sopa (Bob Miller). Shantideva’s text is also known in other translations as Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. This class is highly recommended for all, including those new to intermediate level classes.
Course Dates
Classes are on Tuesdays 7.30 – 9pm started 22 August, 2017.
The length of this class was initially one year (minus a two month Summer Break), however it has been extended to allow more time to teach on the Wisdom Chapter, Chapter 9 of the text.
The approximate dates are: 22 August, 2017 till mid-December and then from mid-February till approximately mid August, 2018; now extended till possibly mid October.
There will also be optional Discussion Nights offered on alternate Thursdays 7.30 – 9pm led by a Senior Student Discussion Leader.
Note: Even if you are not sure you will be able to attend all of the classes, it is still an excellent course to attend as much of as you can.
Cost
Materials Fee: $30 includes a printed and bound class text, a printed supplementary outline and also access to downloadable supplementary materials and supplementary commentaries.
Facility Fees: $10 per class (Dharma Friend Monthly Contributors are free)
The Facility Fee for the optional Discussion Nights on alternate Thursdays is also $10 (Dharma Friend Monthly Contributors are free).
We highly recommend that Basic Program Students consider becoming a Dharma Friend Monthly Contributor if they are not already one.
There are Three Payment Method Options for paying the Materials and Facility Fees:
- paying by internet banking (bank account details are provided on the Materials Fee and Facility Fee Payment Forms)
- paying by cash or cheque in person (cheques payable to “Dorje Chang Institute”)
- paying by PayPal using either a PayPal account or a credit card – please note that PayPal takes a small portion of each payment
“One second of bodhicitta is worth far more than eons of other positive minds and we can generate that mind second after second after second. And every second of bodhicitta purifies eons of negative karma. It doesn’t depend on the size of the action but on the mind behind it.”
How to Join the Class
Questions? Please feel free to contact us using our Contact Form or by calling our Spiritual Program Office 09 8288776 if you have questions about joining the class.
Are you new to the Basic Program?
If this is your first time joining a subject of the FPMT Basic Program Intermediate Class Series at Dorje Chang Institute we recommend you familiarize yourself with the format and components of these classes by clicking the button below.
