Sakya Monastery Dharma Lectures

As one of the pillars of the Theravadan tradition as well as the Mahayana path, the Four Applications of Mindfulness comprise the foundation of the Buddha's teachings. Also known as the Four Essential Recollections, these are simple instructions to be mindful of the body, of feelings, of the mind, of the dharmas, and the phenomena of perception. This teaching is based on Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra, or Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The teaching is followed by short instructions on how to meditate on the Four Applications of Mindfulness. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

Mahasiddha Nalong Sangye Zangpo lived in the late 18th and early 19th century in Jyekundo area of Kham, Tibet. He was an ordinary monk who went on pilgrimage to Lhasa, Sakya, and Ngor on foot when he was 16 years old. He received teachings from Ngor abbots, returned to Kham, and then he meditated in a cave for seventeen years on Vajrayogini. He sustained himself by eating only barley flour and water. He became realized and gave teachings, showed spiritual power, and helped others. Through his life and his story, he influenced thousands of practitioners.

Compassion and the view of emptiness are at the heart of all the Buddha’s teachings. Without the view of emptiness and practice of compassion one cannot liberate oneself and others. It is important to understand their inseparability and realize the true nature of all phenomena. This is the weapon that is needed for cutting the ego of self-cherishing. Ven. Tulku Yeshi will discuss Nagarjuna’s text Ratnamala.

For Mahayana Practitioners, there are so many teachings and meditations. But in our short lives, we don’t have as much time to devote to study and practice as we’d like. Fortunately, there is a short practice that is very helpful to develop love, compassion, and wisdom. Since the 14th century Tibetan practitioners have practiced this text in their daily lives. The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices was composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo (1295-1369). Tibetans believe he was the emanation of Chenrezig because he practiced love and compassion actively in his life. In this teaching, Tulku Yeshi will share about this extraordinary master and give a commentary on the first half of the 37 practices.

The purpose of mind training (lojong) is to develop bodhicitta, the mind intent on attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of others. Without bodhicitta, Buddhahood is not possible and, for those intent on following the Bodhisattva path, the practice of training the mind is essential. The Eight Verses of Mind Training of Langri Tangpa are a very approachable set of aphorisms in verse form which contain the essentials of mind training. This practice-oriented class will be based on the Eight Verses and the Four immeasurable qualities together with the central practice of Tonglen as part of daily mind training practice. There will be a brief introduction to mind training and we will discuss the Eight Verses and their meaning with primary emphasis on the practice of Tonglen. We will discuss a daily framework within which to provide personal continuity to this most essential practice.

There are five special levels of meditation that are practiced in both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Venerable Khenpo Jampa explains each level and leads students in meditation on each of them. Translator: Thupten Jampa.

In Buddhism, it is essential and very beneficial to give daily offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya covers the eight kinds of offerings and explain how the many different forms of offerings relate to the body, speech, and mind. Common Tibetan offerings include flowers and tormas but an offering can be as simple as a bowl of water on your shrine. She will cover the proper motivation and presentation of katags, candles, and other offerings.

On the path to happiness, it is not what we do that matters but the way that we do it. In this talk, Lama Choedak explains the practical benefits of meditation in developing the Good Heart. “Come and enjoy learning a time-proven skill that will bring you lifelong happiness.”

Each year, members of Tibetan Buddhist traditions participate in prayer festivals known as 'Mon-lam Chenmo' and recite Samantabhadra's King of Prayers for ten days . Many participants know this prayer by heart as they recite it among their daily prayers. But they often do not know the significance of this famous prayer, also known as Aspiration of Samantabhadra. In this specially requested teaching, Lama Choedak offers an overview of this special prayer.

This class gives an introduction and explanation of the profound and fundamental teaching of the Lamdre (The path and its result), of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Lamdre is a precious teaching from the realized Mahasiddha Virupa (whom our educational institute is named after). The Sakya Lamdre teachings cover the entire Buddhist path from the time of taking refuge until full enlightenment. In addition, Venerable Khenpo Jampa describes the Lamdre lineage and during the last ten minutes leads the students in meditation. Translator: Thupten Jampa.