2020.6.Past Life Research

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Pema Khandro Interviews Dr. Jim Tucker on his book Life Before Life, which discusses scientific research documenting the cases children who remember past lives. Pema Khandro interviews Dr. Tucker about these cases and raises questions about the convergences and divergences from Buddhist theories of reincarnation. Dr. Tucker discusses examples of the cases including the fascinating case discussed in his book of the child who remembered being in a war and whose memories were then corroborated by investigation. Dr. Jim B. Tucker is a child psychiatrist and Bonner-Lowry Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Pema Khandro is a scholar of Tibetan Buddhism and teacher of Buddhist philosophy.

2020.6.Transitional Life Care

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Pema Khandro interviews Julie Rogers. They discuss Julie’s manual on Buddhist customs for caring for the body of loved ones who have just passed away. This includes a discussion of how to keep the body at home for a period after the respiration has ceased, how long to leave the body untouched and other Buddhist customs. Julie Rogers is the founder of Transitional Life Care. Pema Khandro is a scholar and teacher of Tibetan Buddhism.

2019.Eastern Ideals & Western Psychology

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Pema Khandro and Harvey Aronson discuss the difference between interpretations of anger in Buddhist literature and how anger is understood in English. Harvey also shares about how he came to study bothBuddhism and Psychology. Based on his book, Buddhist Practice on Western Ground, they talk about the problems in Western interpretations of Buddhism.

Pema Khandro is a Tibetan Buddhist scholar and teacher. Harvey Aronson is a Tibetan Buddhist Lama, psychologist and author. This dialogue was filmed in 2019.

2020.Intro to Buddhist Meditation

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Ngakpa Training 3 – The Golden Garland of Nectar

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Ngakpa Training 2 – Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro

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Ngakpa Training 1 – Namthars

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Vajrayana Training: Old Welcome Course

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Read more

2020.5.Vajrayogini Retreat with Pema Khandro & Drupon Rinchen Dorje Rinpoche

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This page is for members only. Vajrayogini is the female buddha embodying radical presence.
The Vajrayogini Meditations are taught in this cycle, including 1) Three Dakinis Chod 2) the torma offering song from the Dakini’s Heart Essence (the mkha’ ‘gro snying thig) known as Calling the 100,000 Dakinis 3) The Generation stage Vajrayogini practice. In order to practice the generation stage Vajrayogini meditation, Drupon requires that one must have completed the ngondro, or preliminary practices of Vajrayana first. One may however, receive the empowerment before completing ngondro, but to do the practice, one has to have completed ngondro. However the first two practices  may be engaged regardless of having completed ngondro or not.

2020.5.3 Dakini Chod – Rinchen Trengwa

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Chod is a meditation method through meeting fear and neurosis with compassion and skill. Rather than renounce these mind states, in Chod, they are allowed to transform and be reintegrated as keys to innate wisdom.
 
This short course offers an opportunity to learn Chod through the practice of the concise Rinchen Trengwa Chod, affectionately called the 3 Dakini Chod because it engages the peaceful, magnetizing and wrathful forms of the Dakini. 
 
The Rinchen Trengwa is an advanced Chod meditation cycle which is complete with all the elements of Tantric meditation practice.
Tuition: $54

2020.6.Conversations on Dying, Death and Post Death

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Facing realities of dying, death and grief are central to our human experience. This online series offers reflections on dying, illness, loss and grief from the point of view of experts in diverse fields such as caregiving, hospice, Buddhist ministry and past-life research. 

Interviews led by Pema Khandro

Julie Rogers
Director of TLC Transitional Life Care and Author of Instructions for the Transitional State

Dr. Jim Tucker 
Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at UVA

Koshin Paley Ellison 
Co-founder New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care

2020.3.Medicine Buddha

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MEDICINE BUDDHA WEBCAST WITH PEMA KHANDRO
Register to receive a link to the recording of this web-class, co-hosted by the Buddhist Studies Institute and the Yogic Medicine Institute. In this time of corona virus and international health crisis, Pema Khandro Rinpoche, Satya Shiva, and Aruna Rig’dzin offer this free online class focusing on Medicine Buddha practice and natural medicine tips for boosting immunity.

MEDICINE BUDDHA FOR HEALERS
When you register you will also receive this longer and more in-depth Medicine Buddha class, especially offered for support at this time by Pema Khandro.

Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen

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Online Training with Pema Khandro – Learn at Your Own Pace
Includes 5 video/audio recordings, and class slides.

Does the study of Buddhism sometimes leave you overwhelmed with questions and contradictions? What is emptiness really? What is enlightenment? Is the goal of the path to transcend or show up? Why are there sometimes contradicting messages in different Buddhist books? What is Buddhist Tantra and what is its relationship to Dzogchen?

This course investigates the major principles of Buddhist Philosophy from the perspective of Tibetan Buddhism’s great perfection teachings (Tib. rdzogs chen). In order to promote perception of oneself and reality with greater depth and perspective, it begins with an exploration of the Buddhist philosophy of personhood as a doorway to grappling with questions of ultimate reality. The classes focus on:

  • emptiness
  • the five Skandhas
  • the five elements
  • Prajnaparamita
  • the two truths and the unity of the two truths
  • prasangika madhyamaka
  • yogacara madhyamaka
  • the history of development of tathagatagarbha theory
  • Dzogchen Buddha-nature teachings.

Also included is the evolution of perspectives on the person and divine reality as it fits into the three vehicles, clarifying the questions of theism and non-theism in relationship to Buddhas, Buddhafields, Deities, Yidams, and Gods. It also focuses on the diversity, contradictions, and alternatives within various schools of Buddhist thought.

Because we are in the information age, when a wide variety of Buddhist teachings are published in books, articles and taught in courses – it can be confusing how all these notions fit together. This course seeks to remedy that. It helps to clarify which principles apply when, why and to whom. Therefore a study like this simplifies and clarifies the path. It organizes Buddhist thought in terms of history, philosophical vehicle, and tradition.

Another benefit of such a study is that it offers an opportunity to deliberately deal with contradictions. In the age of disillusionment with fundamentalist approaches to religion, a straightforward look at alternative perspectives can be exhilarating and educational. Buddhism is especially friendly to this approach. Tibetan Buddhism has housed within itself diverse paths which range from celibacy to non-celibacy, pro-ritual to anti-ritual, elaborate and non-elaborate forms. Join Pema Khandro for this illuminating journey into the rich diversity of Buddhist thought.

Enjoy one of Pema Khandro Rinpoche’s most popular courses, listened to repeatedly by students around the world. For those who love Buddhist Philosophy and wish to know more, this is the class for you!

“Because we are in the information age when a wide variety of Buddhist teachings are published in books, articles, and taught in courses – it can be confusing how all these notions fit together. This course seeks to remedy that. It helps to clarify which principles apply when, why and to whom. Therefore a study like this simplifies and clarifies the path. It organizes Buddhist thought in terms of history, philosophical vehicle and tradition to clarify the answers to the big questions…”

Vajrayana Training: The Teacher-Student Relationship

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Teachers, Students, Masters & their Disciples; a history and philosophy of the Vajra Relationship in Tibetan Buddhism.

How do we understand issues of lineage, authority, power, and tradition in the era of disillusionment with authoritative abuses of power? What is the relationship between individual spiritual health and community life? How do spiritual intelligence, independence, personal empowerment and psychological health factor into to the path?

  1. How do we draw on tradition in a time when we have loss of faith in institutions? How can we engage Buddhist wisdom while remaining free from the dogma and fundamentalism that many people associate with religion?   What are Buddhist perspectives on these issues?  How does the modern context change these issues? What resources does Buddhism offer to grapple with abuses of power and ethical violations?

  2. How do we heal from spiritual traumas? What are ways to avoid pitfalls associated with the working a teacher and the complex mixture of spirituality, authority and power? What are possible ways to deal with breaches of truth and violation of ethics in the spiritual context?

  3. What are views of the teacher-student relationship in Vajrayana and how does this differ from other Asian religious traditions? from western traditions?

  4. Do you even need a teacher? If so how do you know you are ready? What does it mean to be a student and what should you expect from a teacher?

  5. What the different kinds of teacher-student relationships in Vajrayana history? How do you evaluate a teacher?

  6. What if the relationship breaks down? Is it possible to dissolve such relationships without breaking vows?

This is a self-paced module of the Vajrayana Training. It incorporates historical accounts of the teacher-student relationship and Buddhist debates on these matters along with important questions that emerge from the modern context. Along with lectures and dynamic discussions, Pema Khandro shares her heartfelt reflections about the student-teacher relationship from the perspective of both student and teacher in the post-modern age.

Buddhism as a Way of Life

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Online Training with Pema Khandro

Learn at Your Own Pace – Includes 6 video/audio recordings and class slides.

 

Class 1  –  Tibetan Buddhism and its roots
Understand the key principles and goal of Tibetan Buddhism and learn about the lineage of Tibet’s Buddhist Yogis, a tradition which balances work and family with serious spiritual development.

Class 2  –  Courage & Inspiration
Discover the Buddhist teachings for finding calm amidst the chaos, discovering peace of mind and purpose of life. This class focuses on refuge and bodhichitta – the daily prayers from the Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse. It discusses the issue of how to become a Buddhist and what does it mean to be a Buddhist.

Class 3  –  A Buddhist Yogi’s Code of Honor
To live as a Buddhist is to live a life dedicated to cultivating wisdom and avoiding the negative actions that dilute you. This class covers the Five Precepts from the perspective of Tantra and Dzogchen. It also addresses the issue of spiritual responsibility, relating to teacher and community with independence and interdependence.

Class 4  –  Relationships
Relationships can be a powerful domain for deepening the lived experience of the Buddhist teachings. They can also cause tremendous suffering when they are guided by conditioned scripts (negative karma). This class focuses on the key Buddhist principles as they apply to harmonious relationships.

Class 5  –  Embodied experience
Buddhist practice and states of peace are not just mental events – they are physical, biological and ecological. This class highlights the Tibetan Medicine teachings for cultivating well being in body and mind, including teachings for relating to aging, illness, and death.

Class 6  –  Regular practices
There are many paths to integrating Buddhism into everyday life. The goal is to nourish a sense of enlightened intent, clarity and wisdom energy. For Tibetan Buddhist yogis who do not renounce, but instead engage in family and work responsibilities, what are the ideal formats for regular practice and training? This class will review the key components for discovering daily, weekly or bi-monthly practice.

2020-2022.Dakini Day Chod

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This is a Tibetan meditation which is a potent, dynamic practice for cutting through fear and facing death. It is a practice of healing through ultimate compassion. The practice is the Dzogchen Chod, known as Khandro Geykyang, the Laugher of the Dakinis, the concise version. Rinpoche will lead the practice and discuss its meaning. This has been a monthly practice in Virginia for the last two years on Dakini Day, but in-person Chod practices are cancelled and Pema Khandro will now be offering monthly Chod practice online for the first time, in order to support Vajrayana practitioners during the worldwide pandemic.

All members may access Dakini Day Chod Recordings
– Learn more about Membership

Check Upcoming Events to register for the next Dakini Day Chod class

Vajrayana Training – Buddhism & Sexuality

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2018.Tibetan Dream Yoga

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Considered the practice most similar to our experience at death, Dream Yoga is about navigating in the real and unreal aspects of our experience without falling asleep to awareness. It is a practice of recognizing the nature of our minds.

This Teaching focuses on the Tibetan Buddhist methods for navigating Dream, Waking Life, and Sleep.

Waking, dreaming, and deep sleep present transformations of perception and they highlight the continuity and discontinuity of experience. Through recognizing the opportunities for meditative awareness in these states, we can understand our own minds and face all our experiences with greater presence. A teaching based on the Six Yogas of Naropa – which is a system of harnessing ordinary experience for awakening.

2020.7.Resting in Stillness – Weekend

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2020.7.Resting in Stillness – Annual Meditation Retreat

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2020.4.Transforming Fear

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Four Classes to Support Your Resilience

With Pema Khandro

  1. Transforming Fear
  2. Transforming Overwhelming Fear and Grief
  3. Transforming Fear in Illness and Dying
  4. Transforming Fear When Loved Ones are Dying

Pema Khandro offers these 4 classes focused on building resilience and transforming fear in times of crisis. It includes meditation, lecture, and tips for wellness. How to care compassionately for your anxiety & fear. Tips to practice self care and empathy, and how to be there for yourselves and others including:

  • Methods to calm down

  • Focus through Meditation

  • Alternatives to suppressing fear or being overwhelmed by fear

  • Uplift your mind while remaining realistic

  • Soothe and Uplift yourself others

  • Key components of a healthy diet

  • Building your immunity through diet, supplements

  • Reducing the impact of sickness

 

Empathy Training

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At the time when It is needed most, do you know how to comfort your loved ones? Take care of your own anxiety and anger? Deal with numbness or compassion fatigue?

Internationally renowned Buddhist teacher, Pema Khandro Rinpoche, offers this online Empathy Training. This four week training will focus on how to be there for oneself and others through tough emotions, in stressful times and even when empathy is most difficult to come by.

This training is also led by Aruna Rig’dzin Ross and Satya Shiva, Co-Directors of Ngakpa International and the Yogic Medicine Institute.

What you will gain

  • Tools for becoming a better person
  • Learn to deal with high emotion
  • Learn to meditate
  • Learn to Self-Regulate
  • Learn to listen deeply
  • Tools to resolve interpersonal conflict
  • Set appropriate boundaries
  • Know how to ask for what you want and need
  • Tools to take charge of your state of being
  • Develop self-awareness
  • How to deal with suffering
  • Vocabulary for identifying and expressing emotions
  • How to work with your own emotions
  • Ability to communicate in times of high emotion
  • Assessing appropriate contexts for deep communication
  • How to know when not to communicate
  • Recognizing control dramas
  • Steps and practices for healing relationships

 

EXAM: Ngakpa Training Module 2 – Longchen Nyingthig Ngondro

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EXAM: Ngakpa Training Module 1 – Namthars

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Presence as the Path – Digital Download

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Foundational practices of the Buddhist Studies Institute
As taught by Pema Khandro
Prepared on the Dalai Lama’s Birthday, July 6th, 2015
30 Page Restricted Text – Ngakpa International

Click the Link below to download text, or scroll down to view text.

TEXT: Presence as the Path

Archive 2020-21 Meditation Instructor Training

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150 Hour Certification Training – with Pema Khandro

Registration Open Until November 14th

Oct 31, 2020 – Feb 20, 2021

What People are Saying about Meditation Instructor Training


“I can’t imagine a better,  more thorough teacher training available to people online. The ease of being in the comfort of our home is amazing. The depth of the dharma teachings are brilliant, it goes far beyond a simple meditation training class. It is an immersion into Buddhist thought in a deeply experiential way. WELL DONE!”

“I enjoyed the guided meditation practice. It was very good for me to get back into a strong daily practice. It is very beneficial as a student and prospective teacher. There is a lot of great curriculum and the teachers are very accessible and knowledgeable.”


“This course was superbly done, and so much more than I could have expected. It was wonderfully rigorous—which contributed to my respect for the process and my motivation along the way—and, at the same time, totally doable. The lesson series was comprehensive and left me feeling extremely well-prepared.”

“I recommend this training heartily without any reservation to anyone who wants to share meditation with others and deepen their own practice. Most definitely, you will learn how to meditate like no other training. Your own practice will accelerate hugely. You will learn how to teach with maturity, right attitude, confidence and integrity – this is greatly needed. Five stars!”


“I love having the format, the context and the massive inspiration that the training offered me. I cannot say enough of how the training benefited me!!! Thank you!!!! I look forward to working with everything I have learned in an ongoing way.”

“I enjoyed all of the lectures with Pema Khandro. She is really clear in her way.  I also enjoyed the practicums with Satya and Aruna. They helped me to feel really welcome and free to ask questions for the purpose of learning. I would recommend this training.  It was good for me to begin to understand a framework for all of this wisdom.”

“Such an incredibly clear course in such a supportive and positive environment. Such a wealth of experience, expertise, and accomplishment. I enjoyed both learning about the purpose and nature of meditation and the goals, and also the joy of teaching.”

“I would recommend this training very strongly, simply because you will come out of it with such resources, agency and edification. It creates a world of context to continue to deepen your study of meditation and will without doubt give you the tools you need to teach meditation. It is hard work but it delivers.”

“This training provides instructions on meditation methods that have been tested, developed and used for thousands of years. The methods are simple but deep as you may go. The instructors are experienced, professional, knowledgeable, and spiritual. The Lineage stands with you. I recommend this course to anyone serious about meditation.”

“I would recommend this course for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge and personal practice of Buddhist meditation. Also to gain the compassion and confidence to share it with all sentient beings.”

“I understand the purpose and benefits of meditation so much clearer now than before. This is such a simple and compassionate method that can really be used by anyone. The teachings were totally comprehensive, thorough and easy to understand.”

“This training has deepened my practice and helped me to understand how I can be more supportive in helping others to learn to meditate. I’m sure the benefits for me will continue to ripen as I continue my practice.”

ABOUT MEDITATION INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

  • Robust, 150 hours of In-Depth Training
  • Self-Paced Curriculum & Live Classes
  • Teaching Practicum & One on One Mentoring
  • Traditional Meditation + Buddhist Philosophy + Buddhist Ethics
  • Completely Traditional + Completely Current
  • For Teachers Facing A Diverse Tumultuous World

The Meditation Instructor Training supplies the fundamental knowledge and experience necessary to lead meditation classes and one-day meditation intensives.

People all over the world have turned to Buddhist meditation as a source of wisdom. Meditation offers a powerful method to access a sense of spaciousness, peace and authentic presence.

The practical benefits of meditation are well documented. Research shows it improves mood, reduces stress (Brown & Warren 2003), it improves memory, visuospatial reasoning, sustained attention and executive brain function (Zeidan et al. 2010). It reduces sub-clinical depression and anxiety (Schreiner and Malcolm 2012). 

From a Buddhist point of view, when we know how to meditate, we learn how to work with mind and emotions. We have a practice for unraveling conditioned scripts and unconscious habits. Meditation is a pathway to discovering human goodness by making peace with our mind. Ultimately it is a method for getting free from dissatisfaction, resolving confusion and waking up to see reality more clearly.

MEDITATION TEACHERS NEEDED

Equanimity, calm, peace, inner strength, resilience, centeredness… there are so many reasons the world needs meditation teachers.

Meditation Teachers can offer important tools for relating to these tumultuous times.

Meditation promotes mindfulness and equanimity – the ability to let emotional states arise and pass without becoming overwhelming. With mindfulness, we are able to become aware of our mind-states, rather than carried away by them. It promotes the state of equanimity, the ability to respond skillfully to situations. Instead of responding with knee-jerk reactions, blame, resentment and anger we can choose healthier responses, such as loving-kindness and compassion.

There are so many places where meditation can be taught. It can add a profound benefit to temples, yoga centers, health centers, schools, corporations, communities and healthcare settings. This training offers meditation instructors copious knowledge, both practical and experiential – so that you can offer high-quality classes in any setting.


ABOUT THE 5 MODULE FORMAT

The training includes a study of the postures for meditation, breathing techniques, the five key meditation techniques from Zhine, (also known “Calm Abiding), common obstacles to meditation, remedies for obstacles of meditation and more. We will also review the most important Buddhist teachings to support meditation practice – looking to the wealth of Buddhist philosophy for new perspectives on what is mind, how to work with thoughts and emotions, what is the body-mind connection and how body and mind can be harnessed for awakening.

MODULE 1 – START ANY TIME
Self Paced Courses & Quizzes – 45 hours

  • Introduction to Buddhist Meditation (4 hours)
  • Buddhist Ethics (6 hours)
  • Empathy Training (5 hours)
  • Buddhism as a Way of Life (9 hours)
  • Excellent Path to Enlightenment – Module 1 (3 hours)
  • Teachings on Karma (3 hours)
  • Book Reading & quizzes on Anti-racism, Anti-sexism & Power structures (15 hours)
  • Live Online Orientation – Sat, Oct 31, 2020, 10am-1pm PT – 3 hours

MODULE 2 – NOV 2020
Meditation Practice – 19 hours

  • Daily Meditation & Self-reflection Journals – 30 min/day
  • Live Online Workshop – Sat, Nov 14, 2020, 10am-1pm PT – 3 hours
  • Study-Buddy Call – 15 minutes + Journal 1x/week – 1 hour

MODULE 3 – DEC 2020
Learning to Teach – 35 hours

  • 22 Videos & Quizzes (11 hours)
  • Includes Study with Meditation Instructor Manual, 47-page digital download
  • Daily Meditation & Self-reflection Journals – 30 min/day
  • Study-Buddy Call – 15 minutes + Journal 1x/week – 1 hour
  • Live Online Workshop: Sat, Dec 19, 2020, 10am-1pm PT – 3 hours

WINTER BREAK:  DEC 23 – JAN 1

MODULE 4 – JAN 2021
Teaching Practicum – 37 hours

  • Teaching to Family & Friends – 9 hours
  • Teaching in Your Community – 9 hours
  • Daily Meditation & Self-reflection Journals – 30 min/day
  • Study-Buddy Call – 15 minutes + Journal 1x/week – 1 hour
  • Live Online Workshop: Sat, Jan 16, 2021, 10am-1pm PT – 3 hours

MODULE 5 – FEB 2021
Final Exams & Graduation – 9 hours

  • Final Exam Online – 2 hours
  • Final Teaching Practicum Group 1 – Sat, Feb 6, 10am-2pm PT
  • Final Teaching Practicum Group 2 – Sat, Feb 13, 10am-2pm PT
  • Final Transmission w/Pema Khandro, Teaching Vows & & Graduation – Sat, Feb 20, 10am-1pm PT

ELECTIVES
Additional Supports for your Practice – Choose 5 hours

  • Introduction to Tantric Buddhism – AUDIO (1 hour)
  • Non-duality in Tantric Buddhism – AUDIO (1 hour)
  • Cultivating Lasting Change – AUDIO (30 min)
  • Peace, Power & Meditation – VIDEO (1 hour) 
  • Bliss Yoga videos to support your body for meditation (2 hrs) 
  • Articles by Pema Khandro (2 hours)

TOTAL COURSE HOURS = 150


DATES FOR LIVE MEETINGS 

SATURDAY GROUP WORKSHOPS
There are 6 Live Online Group Workshops. Attendance of all workshops is required for certification.

Saturdays, 10am – 1pm PT
October 31, 2020 – ORIENTATION
November 14, 2020 – Group Workshop
December 19, 2020 – Group Workshop
January 16, 2021 – Group Workshop
February 6, 2021 – Final Practicum Group 1
February 13, 2021 – Final Practicum Group 2
February 20, 2021 – GRADUATION

GROUP WORKSHOPS or OPTIONAL PRIVATE COACHING
If you must miss one or all of the scheduled group workshops due to timing, timezone, professional or family life, you may elect to receive private coaching in its place. 

For each group workshop missed, you may schedule an hour of private coaching from one of the instructors or their assistants at the rate of $100 per session. Scheduling is based on the availability of the training instructors. To elect for this option, please contact Info@BuddhistStudiesInstitute.org

 

OVERVIEW OF KEY ASPECTS

Orientation & Introduction – Live Online

  • Welcome
  • How the Course works, Practical Overview and Questions
  • Meeting with each of the participants
  • Why Meditation Training? Why Online?
  • What is Mind? A Buddhist Point of View
  • Expectations
  • Q&A

Lessons & Practice Videos

  • Study the crucial points of meditation practice from home, at your own pace.
  • You will receive new video lessons each week covering the essential points of Meditation practice and Meditation Instruction.

Exams

  • Students will complete online quizzes reviewing the major principles of the video lessons they have received.
  • Students will complete a final exam online at the end of the Fall quarter in order to progress to the teaching practicum.

Daily Journal
Students will be required to submit journal entries documenting practice sessions. Students are expected to maintain a daily meditation practice of at least 24 minutes per day throughout the entirety of the course. Journal questions include:

  • What time you started practicing, what time you finished practicing
  • What were the positive things about your practice today?
  • Name one challenge about your practice today?
  • Where did you practice?
  • Which practice did you complete today?

Workshops – Live Online

  • Students will meet with the instructors for online workshops, discussion, and evaluation. During the workshops, every student will have opportunities to lead meditation class and receive feedback from the instructors. 
  • Students will also meet with a study-buddy once a week to practice leading meditation.

Teaching Practicum 

  • Each student will lead 9 hours of meditation classes to friends and family, and submit review forms. 
  • Once confirmed by instructors, each student will lead 9 hours of meditation classes in a local community setting and submit review forms.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to organize and arrange these classes within their local community.
  • Due to COVID and public class restrictions, BSI will also offer alternative options for completing the practicum online.
  • Students will be given instructions for which practices to lead and will discuss these experiences in the group workshops. 

Final Transmission & Graduation – Live Online

  • Students who complete all aspects of the training will be invited to the final transmission class and graduation.

SELF PACED CURRICULUM OVERVIEW 22 LESSONS

Introduction Lesson Zero: What is Mind?

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
    • What is Mind According to Buddhist Thought
    • Understanding the factors of perception, experience, unconscious and identity
    • How the ten factors of mind take place
    • How does meditation work with the factors of mind?
    • Tibetan Yoga – Naljorpas – Remaining in the Real
  • Technical Overview Taught by Satya Shiva
    • Meeting the participants and expressing the purpose of the training
    • Overview of the Practicalities of the Course
    • Answers to Technical Questions

Lesson 1: How to Sit – The Seven Point Posture of Vairocana

  • Taught by Satya Shiva
  • Detailed introduction to the 7 Point Body Posture and Bodhisattva posture
  • A good seat – a good mind
  • Daily Practice
    • Guided Calm Abiding – 21 Breaths Meditation

Lesson 2: What is Meditation – Why Meditate? 

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Popular Goals for Meditation
    • Meditation for relieving stress
    • Health benefits for meditation
    • Meditation as a spiritual practice
    • Meditation as withdrawing the senses
  • Goals for Meditation in Buddhism
    • What is wakeful presence?
  • What is Calm Abiding Meditation?
    • Settling, Tranquility, and Equanimity
    • Why is calm abiding necessary?
    • Is calm abiding enough?
    • Is non-thought the goal? Why or why not?
    • The function of calm abiding
    • The benefits of finding calm when coping with change, illness and death
  • Daily Meditation
    • Calm Abiding 21 Breaths

Lesson 3: Tradition & Context of the Practice

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • The Orientations of Buddhist Meditation 
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Distinctions in the Practice
  • Tibetan Yogis and Contemplation (Nyingma Ngakpa)
  • Overview of frameworks of contemplative traditions
    • Why different methods to meet different needs
  • Calm Abiding vs Insight Meditation
    • Calm Abiding (Tib. Zhine, zhi gnas; Skt. Shamatha)
    • Sequence of calm abiding and insight
  • Preparing for Calm Abiding
    • The importance of enlightened intent (Skt. Bodhichitta)
    • Methods for cultivating enlightened intent
    • Lifestyle and ethical considerations
    • The goal of discovering self-existing wakefulness
  • The Body Context
    • Introduction to the mind-body relationship framed as winds, channels and spheres.
      (Skt. prana, nadi, bindu; Tbtn. rtsa, rlung, thigle)
    • The importance of phases of meditation practice
    • Brief introduction to the opening and closing contemplations
    • The Meditation Tradition & Establishing Context for Clarity & Calm
  • Daily Practice
  • Preliminary Practice 2: Double the Exhale
  • Calm Abiding Exercise 1: Twenty-one Breaths

Lesson 4: Ideal Place and Time

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Ideal Times to practice
  • Ideal Durations of Practice
  • Ideal Clothing
  • Ideal Seat
  • Teaching in Non-Ideal Conditions
  • Overview of the prayers for opening and closing the Practice
  • Ideal Place – Traditional & Modern Considerations
  • Preliminary Practice 4: Tactile Sensations

“If the conditions of tranquility are impaired, one may meditate intensively
for as long as a thousand years without achieving tranquil absorption.”
-The Bodhipathapradīpa

  • Daily Meditation
    • Finding a stable posture
    • Preliminary Practice 1: Regulating the breath
    • Calm Abiding Exercise 1: Twenty-one Breaths

Lesson 5: Mastering the Posture

  • Taught by Aruna Rig’dzin
  • Preparatory practices for sitting
  • Secrets to the 7 Point Posture
  • How to sit on the cushion
  • How to sit in a chair
  • Helping Others to Sit
  • Props as Sitting Support for Tight Hips or Back Problems
  • Half Lotus and Full Lotus
  • Correct placement of the ankle in half lotus and full lotus
  • Solutions for Pain and Body Limitations

Lesson 6: Preparation for Practice

  • Taught by Satya Shiva
  • Introduction to the preliminary somatic practice
  • Preliminary Practice 3:  Nine purification breaths
  • Why Inner Yoga Practices settle the mind

Lessons 7: Abiding in Peace and Calm

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Overview of the five main methods for finding calm
  • Common factors in all the Calm Abiding Methods
  • Structured exercises, unstructured spaces and non-elaborate meditation techniques
  • Importance of periods of non-guided meditation
  • What is ‘bad’ meditation, making sense of the dullness, agitation and impulses
  • Meditation as a space for encountering what we are

Lessons 8: Abiding in Peace and Calm

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Overview of the five main methods for finding calm continued
  • Overview of four of the five preliminary exercises for synchronizing body and mind
  • What is calm or tranquility? How is it distinguished from dullness?
  • Step by Step Detailed Instructions for the 5 Main Methods to teach for accessing meditative presence
  • Does meditation make the mind more busy?
  • Practicing in ease versus practicing in tension and aggression
  • Dealing with fidgeting and body movement, how much movement or stillness is required?
  • Discerning distractions as soon as they arise
  • The liberating power of focusing the mind
  • Defining mental freedom as the power to concentrate on chosen objects
  • Balance between effort and relaxation
  • Quality vs Quantity – why it’s important
  • What to do if the students are all distracted or struggling in the middle of the session
  • Sticking with one method at a time

Lessons 9: Abiding in Peace and Calm

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Overview of the five main methods for finding calm
  • Samten (Dhyana) meditative stability
  • Daily prayers opening prayers part 1 and Refuge prayer
  • Refuge prayer without the word Refuge
  • Concrete objects to tune into the non-concrete presence
  • Rigpa – the Intrinsic quality like the wetness of water
  • How to calm the emotional poisons which distort our vision, disturb our mind
  • Formless meditation instructions and theory

Lesson 10: Abiding in Peace and Calm

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Overview of the five main methods for finding calm continued
  • What is the difference between Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and other meditation techniques
  • How does lifting the gaze change the meditation
  • Meditating on an external object
  • The forceful aspect of Forced Calm Abiding
  • What is the Ah Thigle? What is the benefit of using the Ah Thigle as an Object
  • Step by Step Detailed Instructions for the 5 Main Methods to teach for accessing meditative presence
  • Tips for Instructing Meditation for beginners and advanced audiences

Lesson 11: Abiding in Peace and Calm

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Two factors that lead to the meditative state
  • The importance of enlightened intent (bodhichitta)
  • The intentional factor that leads to the meditative state
  • Subtle Body as Mind
  • Mind riding the Wind
  • The Five Vital Winds
  • Practicing with Body Speech and Mind
  • The Symbolism and meaning of Om Ah Hung Practices
  • Expressing enlightened intent in the opening and closing of practice
  • Calm Abiding Practice with Sending Light

Lessons 12 – 14: Obstacles and Antidotes

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Primary obstacles to meditation and their remedies
  • Considerations for preventing obstacles to meditation
  • Recognizing the source of obstacles
  • Working with special cases – tips for students with depression, addiction, and trauma
  • Uprooting every teacher’s worst obstacle
  • Cultivating ethics & Discovering consciousness as ethical

Lesson 15: Obstacles and Antidotes in Diet & Lifestyle

  • Taught by Satya Shiva
  • Dietary & Lifestyle Considerations for preventing obstacles to meditation

Lesson 16: Teaching Methodology

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Avoiding common pitfalls in teaching
  • Discovering your authentic voice
  • Integrating Meditation Teaching into your coaching practice, medical practice and other careers
  • Facilitating groups in welcomes, check-ins, and discussions
  • Avoiding sexist language and actions
  • Skills for addressing Racism & Bigotry
  • Remaining relevant

Lesson 17: Tips for Teaching in the Meditation Practicum

  • Taught by Aruna Rig’dzin and Satya Shiva
  • Finding places to teach classes
  • How to set up your 3 hour meditation practicum
  • The importance of serving under-served communities
  • Identifying and approaching underserved communities

Lesson 18: The Stages of Meditation

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Stages of developing practice
  • The nine stages of developing the meditative state of calm abiding
  • Signs of success on the path
  • Practices for adapting to the stages of meditation

Lesson 19: The Goal of Meditation

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • The Goal of Meditation as a Buddhist Practice
  • Advanced Considerations
  • Understanding the mind, perception and its objects
  • Non-self and open-ended experience
  • Non-conceptuality, bliss, and clarity
  • Working through meditative experiences without grasping

Lesson 20: Questions and Answers

  • Taught by Aruna Rig’dzin

Lesson 21: Instructor Parameters

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Secrets to Personal Discipline & Developing a Strong Practice
  • Working with students
  • Teaching Ethics – A Code to Live By
  • Scope of Practice

Lesson 22: Bonus Class

  • Taught by Pema Khandro

Final Words of Advice

  • Taught by Pema Khandro
  • Keeping a discipline after the course
  • Developing ongoing education
  • Values for a Meditation Instructor
  • Heart Advice for Meditation Instructors

ABOUT TUITION

  • Regular Tuition: $1895 
  • Payment plan: $2220 paid over four months @ $555/month
  • All Access Pass / Sustainer Members: AAP Members wishing to join the training and be certified as a meditation teacher may sign a one-year contract with automated payments, and be certified upon completion of all payments and course requirements. 
  • Additional Member Discounts Available: See Membership for details
  • Registration Fee: $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration to reserve space in the course.
  • Suggested teacher donations: $108

Financial Aid Considerations

The course costs are set at a minimum fee already, with financial aid built into all tuition rates. Because we are a non-profit organization, the costs of all activities and overhead of our organization must be covered by the participants of the courses or donations and all courses are offered at below cost. For those who are experiencing genuine financial hardship and wish to enroll in the course, Financial Aid applications are available. (Applications must be received in advance.)

OVERVIEW OF OTHER COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Submit Application
  • Submit Release of Liability Form
  • Complete all homework and assignments
  • Daily practice throughout the duration of the course
  • Must attend all live classes to graduate or:
    • Missing Classes
      • If a student must miss one or all of the scheduled group workshops due to timing, timezone, professional or family life, they may elect to receive private coaching in its place.
      • For each group workshop missed, you may schedule an hour of private coaching from one of the instructors or their assistants at the rate of $100 per session. Scheduling is based on the availability of the training instructors. 
  • During Practicum:
    • Complete teaching 9 hours of free meditation classes to friends and family
    • Complete teaching 9 hours in an underserved community
  • Graduation is subject to approval by faculty
  • Tuition and dana (teaching donation) for the entire course must be complete before graduation
  • Successful completion of all quizzes, final exam, and final teaching practicum
  • Daily practice and completion of the daily journals must be complete before graduation
  • All 150 course hours required for certification. 

PREREQUISITES

  • Minimum of three years of meditation practice experience or equivalent is suggested
  • Ability to devote time and energy to the program, to attend and complete all course components, to take time away from work and other commitments in order to complete the study, practice and attend group sessions.
  • Maintenance of a harmonious relationship with Instructors, Pema Khandro, co-leaders, and student community at the Buddhist Studies Institute.
  • Ability to cover tuition and practice of Dana (teaching offering) in support of all program components (see tuition for details).
  • Psychological health and stability:
    • a history of emotional maturity and personal development, psychological development
    • a history of psychological stability and well-being for the previous ten years.

CONSISTENCY OF CONDUCT

The Buddhist studies institute advocates for observation of Buddhist ethics, maintaining personal discipline and observing practices necessary for suitable health throughout the course and throughout one’s teaching career.

  • Embodying Buddhist principles:
    • generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, compassion, equanimity
    • respect for teachers and sangha
    • harmony with teachers and sangha.
  • Ethical integrity:
    • upholding the five precepts and Commitment to Buddhist ethics
    • especially maintaining sobriety (in terms of being free from substance addictions)
    • and refraining from sexual misconduct (includes refraining from romantic relationships with students and refraining from breaking vows or causing others to break their vows.)  
    • Refraining from hate speech (including hate speech on social media).
  • Ethical commitment to refrain from engaging in sexual relationships with any students.
    • The Buddhist Studies Institute follows a zero tolerance for abuse policy. Sexual relationships with students is grounds for having certification revoked.
  • Continuing psychological and emotional stability and well being throughout the duration of the course.
  • A wish to lead, based on service, gratitude, humility, and kindness rather than ego-driven ambition or narcissism. This includes:
    • a conscious awareness of one’s own limitations;
    • understanding the scope of one’s competence and authority;
    • the willingness to draw on support from teachers and other professionals;
    • adopting the practice of referring when students have needs outside one’s scope of competency; attribution of credit to sources/teachers when repeating or using their works.
  • Personal and interpersonal maturity:
    • ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with teachers and peers, emotional maturity to work through difficulties in practice and interpersonal difficulties, maintaining respect for past teachers and dharma community
  • Respect for diversity:
    • Respect towards other religious views, expressing kindness towards all beings regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or sectarian affiliation; respect for all types of Buddhism.
    • Completion of required self-paced modules on anti-racism, anti-sexism, and trauma informed teaching

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

The course curriculum is designed and led by Lama Pema Khandro Rinpoche, internationally renowned teacher and scholar of Buddhist philosophy. Pema Khandro has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree specializing in Tibetan buddhism, she is currently completing her Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies. Her scholarly research focuses on the intellectual history of Buddhist meditation in Tibet, the history of Dzogchen and on gender studies. She is the founder of Ngakpa International and its three projects, The Buddhist Studies Institute, Dakini Mountain and the Yogic Medicine Institute. In her work as a Buddhist teacher she is an authorized Lama and lineage holder of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions and was enthroned to carry on the lineage of her predecessor, the first Pema Khandro, a twentieth century yogini in Eastern Tibet. She is certified in two systems of natural medicine, Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine as well as three times certified as an Advanced Yoga teacher, and she has led dozens of courses in nutrition, meditation teacher trainings, yoga teacher trainings and natural medicine courses for health workers from every field. In her humanitarian work she has supported children, orphans and elders in the Himalayas.  She has led a vibrant world-wide community since 1999. Through the Buddhist Studies Institute, she also offers a complete curriculum of training in Tibetan meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. 

Aruna Rig’dzin was ordained in Nyingma Lineage by Pema Khandro Rinpoche in 2007.  She is one of the Directors of Ngakpa International and the Community of Buddhist Yogis, as well as Director of the Yogic Medicine Institute. She is a NAMA certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and has over 18 years’ experience as an Advanced Yoga and Meditation Instructor.  Aruna is passionate about healing, sustainable living and giving people the tools to live a vibrant, healthy and joyous life.

Dr. Satya has been studying with Pema Khandro since 2001. She is the Chief Operating Officer for Ngakpa International since 2010, and is a member of the Board of Directors. Satya is the Panchakarma Clinic Director of the Yogic Medicine Institute since 2004, a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of Traditional Oriental Medicine, as well as a NAMA certified Ayurvedic Practitioner and Panchakarma Specialist. Her Doctoral Research specialized in Healthy Aging and Longevity, and she is a consultant helping to transition traditional “Residential Care for the Elderly” businesses toward more ecologically sustainable and alternative medicine based practices. 

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have to miss a portion of the Saturday Live Online Group Sessions?
A student can make up missed Live Group Session by purchasing a 1-hour private session with a facilitator.

At what point will I be ready to begin offering my free meditation classes to my community?
You may begin the Teaching Practicum in your community at the midpoint of Module 4, after completion of hours teaching to friends and family, and on recommendation of facilitators or teaching assistants. Students must arrange and organize these classes for themselves.
 
What if I am not able to lead the required hours of meditation classes in my community within the time period of the training?
A student may schedule meditation classes in their community at any time that works for their schedule, however, they will not be certified as a meditation instructor until these hours are completed and confirmed by the facilitators. If the hours are not completed by the scheduled graduation, an extension of 30 days may be granted, however, all coursework, practice hours and make-up sessions must be completed within that timeframe.
 
What are the daily meditation journal questions?
1. What time did you start practicing today, and what time did you finish practicing?
2. What were the positive things about your practice today?
3. Name one challenge about your practice today?
4. Where did you practice?
5. Which practice did you complete today?
 
Example entry:
  1. I started practicing this morning at 7:30am and finished practicing at 8am.
  2. My knee problems didn’t bother me, my body felt good and stable!
  3. My mind was very active today.
  4. In the meditation room upstairs by the window, I found the light helped.
  5. I practiced the 21 breath practice. Also, the preliminary exercise was double breathing.
If I have the All-Access Pass (AAP) – can I still attend the training pieces that I chose even if I don’t want to become a Certified Meditation Instructor?
Yes. AAP who have been in good standing for at least 1 year may attend any and all portions of the MIT by watching the videos – except the workshops and exams. Live Workshops and exams are for registered students only. New AAP members who wish to be certified will sign a contract for 1 year of membership and will receive certification upon completion of 1 year member terms and all course requirements.

If I complete the training, will I automatically be a Certified Meditation Instructor and authorized to lead classes and one-day meditation retreats?

  • Graduation is subject to approval by the faculty.
  • Successful completion of all exams 80% or above, plus completion of the practicum.
  • Daily practice and completion of the daily journals 
  • Documentation and completion meditation classes in your community.
  • Satisfaction of all prerequisites.
  •  


Changing Your Karma – Self Paced Cleanse

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April 1 – 9, 2022

Online Daily from 9am – 12pm

Cleanse & Clear Your Body & Mind in this Guided 9-Day Online Course

Real change is difficult to attain because our mental and emotional patterns are hard-wired into our bodies. But this is also our strength. By harnessing the body-mind connection, we can support mental and emotional transformation.

Cleansing is a necessity of life. Letting go of physical and emotional toxins that have built allows us to heal and open up to life, to a new day, to new ways of being.

Cleansing and healing take time, effort and expertise – and it’s difficult to do this alone. But you are not alone, give yourself the support you need! Changing Your Karma – is a guided online course that brings the experts to your own home. We invite you to join the support of this online course where you will practice meditation, apply Ayurvedic wisdom, rest your body in a nine-day detoxification diet, learn potent yoga practices and release stress and toxins from your body and mind.

Three teachers will bring you the wisdom of Buddhism, Yoga, and Ayurveda for deep cleansing to support true change in your body, heart, and mind.

Join Pema Khandro PhD, Aruna Rig’dzin Ross, and Dr. Satya Shiva for 9 days of cleansing practices to increase energy, clarity, and well-being. Learn what Karma is and how to change it by applying powerful yet simple practices from the Yogic Medicine Institute.

9 Day Program Includes:

  • Changing Your Karma instruction with Pema Khandro
  • Wellness Evaluation Quizzes
  • Daily Cleansing with Aruna Rig’dzin Ross & Dr. Satya
  • Daily Health Challenge
  • AM Yoga – Invigorate and break through blocks
  • PM Yoga – Wind down with relaxation and ease
  • Changing Your Karma Daily Meditation with Pema Khandro
  • 4 Additional Online Classes with Discussion and Q&A
  • Ayurvedic Recipes and Shopping List
  • Daily Self-Assessment Journal

About the Teachers

2013_PemaKhandro_ NgakpaPema Khandro is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, scholar, and Tibetan naturopath. She is the founder of the Yogic Medicine Institute, learn more about Pema Khandro here. Pema Khandro will share Buddhist knowledge of karma, change, and the Body-mind connection to help guide you into a week of release and renewal.

 

 

Satya Shiva_Buddhist YogisSatya is Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, as well as a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Meditation Instructor, and Yoga Teacher. As the Panchakarma director of the Yogic Medicine Institute she has guided hundreds of deep cleansing retreats.

 

 

Aruna Rig'dzin_Buddhist Yogis

Aruna is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Teacher Trainer, Meditation Instructor and is ordained in the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. As a faculty member of the Yogic Medicine Institute, she specializes in helping clients let go of unconscious blocks while also working with natural diet, supplements and lifestyle changes to bring about well-being on every level.

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