UPCOMING EVENTS

TEAHCINGS ON WISDOM FROM SHANTIDEVA'S WAY OF THE BODHISATTVA WITH KHENPO TENZIN NORGEY

April 19 May 3, May 17, May 31, June 14, June 21

Saturdays, two sessions per day: 10:30am - Noon, and 1:30pm - 3pm

Suggested donation: $20/session, $30/day, or $150/series Nyingma Palyul Dharma Center, 121 Bowery 3rd Floor, New York NY 10002

Please join us as our Saturday series on the Way of the Bodhisattva continues with the famous ninth chapter, which elucidates the Buddhist teachings on Wisdom:

"All aspects of the doctrine Were taught by the Buddha for the sake of Wisdom. Therefore those who wish to pacify suffering Must develop Wisdom."

This opening verse not only summarizes the entire ninth chapter, it also perfectly encapsulates the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha - the whole purpose of practicing dharma is to put an end to the ocean of suffering known as samsara, and the absolute solution to all forms of suffering is the Wisdom of Emptiness. Through an understanding of Emptiness one dispels the fundamental ignorance at the very root of suffering. All other practices, including the Six Perfections, are thus seen as preliminary approaches to the attainment of Wisdom. The Wisdom chapter from the Way of the Bodhisattva demonstrates one of the most authoritative explanations of Emptiness as espoused by the Madhyamaka School of Mahayana Buddhism. The complex philosophical arguments presented in this chapter are portrayed in the form of a debate between various Buddhist and non-Buddhist schools of thought. But it is best to not interpret these arguments as critiques of philosophical belief systems. Instead, one is much better served to study the dialogs as a method for undermining those conceptual constructs that are the source of our suffering. Khenpo Tenzin Norgey will base this series of teachings on an extensive commentary written by the 19th century master Khenpo Kunzang Palden. Because the entire six-part series presents a sequence of teachings progressively built upon one another, students are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions in order to appreciate their full import.