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Catalog of Courses

There are nine types of courses plus electives that do not fit easily in the major types and are included in the first type of courses of a more general nature.  Since almost all of the Dharma Discourses and texts are only readings of preliminary translations and were not reviewed or approved by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, they can only be used as general reference and not considered authentic Buddha Dharma. They have, however, been reviewed by a Translation Group of senior practitioners and certainly worthy of our study. We will revise our courses to include approved translations when they are available.

Credit Requirements by Types of Classes and Program

 

Category of Classes

Buddhist Studies Program

Xiuxing Seminary Program

Xiuxing Practice Program

Elective Courses

2

8

0

G=General-Miscellaneous

1

2

0

D=Dharma Discourses by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

12

24

0

V=Sutra about Dorje Chang Buddha II (Ven. Vimalakirti)

1 1

0

DCB=Sutras from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

8

9

8

SB=Sutras from Shakyamuni Buddha

3

7

0

C=Classic Commentaries, Treatises, or Shastas

3

8

0

B=Biographies of Holy Beings

2

3

0

P=Buddhist Practice & Events

3

6

3

R=Meditation Retreats

1

4

3

     TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS

36 72

14

  • NOTES:  Any course title that includes an (A) is available to all members–those with either a Free (Auditing Student) or Full Membership (Buddhist Studies or Xiuxing Seminary Students). They are mostly recordings of Dharma Discourses or texts based on Dharma Discourses by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and do not include instructions, quizzes, assignments, or most other course materials or resources. Only those who are Full Members can access the other courses, which do include those things. Any course code containing a “X” can only be taken by a full member who is enrolled in the Xiuxing Seminary. These (A) courses are not “for credit” towards a degree or certificate, but some may be required as prerequisites.
  • A course that contains a “+” in its Course Identification Number requires reading or listening to a translation of the text at either the Holy Vajrassana Temple or another temple that has the ability to translate the text. An English translation of the text is not yet available for reading on the internet. It may also indicate a type of retreat that needs to be taken at the Temple or similar facility.
  • Any course with an * is included on our wish list of important discourses for which we do not have a preliminary translation that can be shared on internet. We will add them as courses when they become available.
  • Electives can be from any of the nine categories, but most courses can only be counted once in meeting the required credits, although they may be taken any number of times.
  • If the title of the course is BOLD maroon, it is or will be available for enrollment according to the membership criteria and can be clicked to see more detail and enrollment instructions.
  • CLICK for more details on required courses and prerequisites for Buddhist Studies Program.
  • CLICK for more details on required courses and prerequisites for Xiuxing Seminary Program.
  • CLICK for more details on required courses and prerequisites for the Xiuxing Practice Program and/or requirements for doing a Solitary Retreat.

 

General-Miscellaneous & Elective Courses

This category includes courses that don’t fit anywhere else including several that are only offered as electives.

G01(A)-H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, A Treasury of True Buddha-Dharma is a collection of articles, testimonials, and examples of the Five Vidya accomplishments of His Holiness. This elective course provides the opportunity to study what His students affectionately refer to as “The Big Blue Book” and find out more about the holy being responsible for the content of the Learning from Buddha College & Seminary (LFBCS) program. The book was published with Chinese text and English translations of most of that text.

G02-Spiritual Autobiography. Comprehensive introspection of what you have done to date in terms of your spiritual evolution. This does not need to be just formal spiritual practices, but can also be events, work, volunteering, academic inquiry, anything that brought you to your present state. It also will include looking forward and what your spiritual goals are and specifically what you hope to gain my completing a certificate or master’s degree. It is a prerequisite  to being admitted into either the Buddhist Studies or Xiuxing Seminary Program.

G03(A)-Evolution of Buddhism & Five Vidyas :  This course provides a historical look at how Buddhism came to this world and evolved over the various cultures and times. It also explains what Buddhas do—the five vidyas. It maps out how one becomes a Buddha. Prerequisite for the  commentaries and biographies and useful for other courses.

G03-Evolution of Buddhism & Five Vidyas:  This course provides a historical look at how Buddhism came to this world and evolved over the various cultures and times. It also explains what Buddhas do—the five vidyas. It maps out how one becomes a Buddha. This course is only available through the paid memberships. 1 credit.

G31X-Establishing and Maintaining a Dharma Center. This course is for Xiuxing Seminary students who want to set up their own Dharma Centers and to help them prepare for the Master of Dharma Listening Sessions (MDLS) and other Exams.

G36-Dharma that Every Buddhist Must Follow by Dorje PaMu will be used as the text to study “Ten Superficialities,” “Twenty Types of Futility,” and “Understanding Cause and Effect and Clearly Believing in Cause and Effect.” ELECTIVE. 1 credit.

G40(A)-Thus Have I Seen: The Marvelous True Buddha Dharma & Its Power to Transform. Uses several books and articles by disciples of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III who tell of their experiences with and why they follow their Buddha Master. D56-Benefiting Living Beings

G40-Thus Have I Seen: The Marvelous True Buddha Dharma & Its Power to Transform.  This course uses several books and articles including the Big Blue Book known as H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha, A Treasury of True Buddha Dharma, Shi Zheng Hui’s Revealing the Truthand Zhaxi Zhuoma’s Thus Have I Seen: The Marvelous True Buddha Dharma and its Power to Transform to tell of the amazing experiences of disciples with H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III and why they follow their Buddha Master. This course is only available through the paid memberships.  It is an elective course for the Buddhist Studies student, but is a required course in the Xiuxing Seminary program. D56(A)-Benefiting Living Beings prerequisite. 1 credit.

G45-What the Buddha Thought and Taught is based on two more secular and controversial texts that provide background on what was happening in India at the time of Shakyamuni Buddha. It uses Walpola Rahula’s What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded Edition, which provides a discussion of some of the most popular Pali Suttas and Richard Gombrich’s What the Buddha Thought.

G47-The Dhammapada. The Dhammapada offers a popular collection of the sayings of Shakyamuni Buddha. This course is only available through the paid memberships.  It is an elective course. 1 credit.

 

Dharma Discourses by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

These courses are the core of the LFBCS curriculum. CLICK for  a brief article on these discourses and a partial list of discourses available in Chinese in 2008. There have been many more given since then. You will recognize many of the titles in the following list. There are other discourses by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III included in the Practices category.

D01(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The Supreme and Magnificent Dharma:  This Dharma Discourse on “The Supreme & Magnificent Dharma” provides the foundation for listening to Dharma and why it is important to listen to Dharma. An essential discourse for anyone wanting to obtain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. This class is a prerequisite to all other Dharma Discourses offered at LFBCS.

D01-Buddhism for Beginners, Listening to the Supreme and Magnificent Dharma:  This class will study and analyze “The Supreme & Magnificent Dharma,” which provides the foundation for listening to Dharma and why it is important to listen to or read Dharma. It is an essential discourse for anyone wanting to obtain liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.” It also provides Zhaxi Zhuoma’s notes on H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha’s Dharma Discourse on “It Will Be Fruitless If One Does Not Listen to Discourses in Accordance with the Dharma Expounded in This Discourse,” that established the Seven-Dharma System for listening to and learning Dharma, which will be used in most classes offered by LFBCS. Available to Full Members only. 1 credit.

D02(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, On Suffering: This Dharma Discourse is the first part of a discourse entitled “Why Learn Buddhism?” It provides an Introduction to impermanence, suffering, good fortune, and wisdom, key concepts that must be understood to progress on this path.

D02-Buddhism for Beginners, On SufferingThis Dharma Discourse is the first part of a discourse entitled “Why Learn Buddhism? It provides an Introduction to impermanence, suffering, good fortune, and wisdom, key concepts that must be understood to progress on this path that was given for beginning students on Kuan Yin’s birthday in China in the 1990s. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit.  Requires completion of D01(A).

D02.1(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Good Fortune & Wisdom: The second part of the Dharma Discourse “D02-On Suffering” from a longer discourse entitled “Why Learn Buddhism” given to beginning students on Kuan Yin Bodhisattva’s birthday in China in the 1990s.  It explains why you need both good fortune and wisdom to become enlightened in this lifetime.

D02.1-Advanced Buddhism, Good Fortune & Wisdom: The second part of the Dharma Discourse “D02-On Suffering “from a longer discourse entitled “Why Learn Buddhism” given to beginning students on Kuan Yin Bodhisattva’s birthday in China in the 1990s.  It explains why you need both good fortune and wisdom to become enlightened in this lifetime. It also explains supernormal powers and other forms of good fortune. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D03(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Impermanence: This Dharma Discourse on “Impermanence” that you need to fully understand to be able to become enlightened in this lifetime. It was transmitted in China in the 1990s.

D03-Buddhism for Beginners, Impermanence: Listen to and analyze this Dharma Discourse on “Impermanence” that you need to fully understand to be able to become enlightened in this lifetime. It was transmitted in China in the 1990s. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit.  Requires completion of D01(A) and D02.

D03.1(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Buddha Dharma:  This is a Dharma Discourse on “Various Aspects of Buddha Dharma.” It introduces the concepts of Buddha Dharma, the six great elements, the Great Consciousness Element, emptiness, impermanence, death, the various types of suffering, why you learn Buddhism, ghosts, demons, the six supernormal powers, and the Western Paradise.

D03.1-Buddhism for Beginners, Buddha Dharma:  This is a Dharma Discourse on “Various Aspects of Buddha Dharma.” It introduces the concepts of Buddha Dharma, the six great elements, the Great Consciousness Element, emptiness, impermanence, death, the various types of suffering, why you learn Buddhism, ghosts, demons, the six supernormal powers, and the Western Paradise.You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D03.4(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Karmic Effects:   This is Part 2 of a 1995 discourse from Taiwan on “The Never Erring Principle of Receiving the Effects of the Causes You Plant.”

D03.4-Buddhism for Beginners, Karmic Effects:  Listen to and analyze Part 2 of this 1995 discourse from Taiwan on “The Never Erring Principle of Receiving the Effects of the Causes You Plant.” Discusses the need for resources to be able to practice esoteric dharma. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D04(A)-Buddhism for Beginners:  Determining Who Is a True Vajra Master: This is the Dharma Discourse on “Determining Who Is a True Vajra Master” from the 2008 Exposition of Dharma During Trip to the East. The first part deals with what to look for in a master and whether the dharma master or rinpoche is a person of good virtue. The second part includes a chant that every master must follow entitled “The Wrongs of Others Are My Wrongs.” It also discusses how to recognize four types of Masters.

D04-Buddhism for Beginners:  Determining Who Is a True Vajra Master: Listen to and analyze this Dharma Discourse on “Determining Who Is a True Vajra Master” from the 2008 Exposition of Dharma During Trip to the East. The first part deals with what to look for in a master and whether the dharma master or rinpoche is a person of good virtue. The second part includes a chant that every master must follow entitled “The Wrongs of Others Are My Wrongs.” It also discusses how to recognize four types of Masters. 1 credit. Requires completion of G02, D01(A).

*D05(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Why People get Sick:  This is a Dharma Discourse on the reasons people get sick that was given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in China before 1999.

D06(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Main & Preliminary Practices: This class is based on a Dharma Discourse given in 1995 on the Trip to Taiwan on “The Differences between the Main & Preliminary Practices.”

D06-Buddhism for Beginners, Main & Preliminary Practices:  Listen to and analyze a Dharma Discourse given in 1995 on the Trip to Taiwan on “The Differences between the Main & Preliminary Practices” and the Dharma Discourse given in 2021 on “Taking Refuge to Become a Buddhist Disciple and Practicing According to the Teachings of the Buddha Will Eradicate All Sins, Including the Retribution of Descending to Hell: You Can Naturally Become a Great Holy Person with Enormous Supernormal Power, Boundless Good Fortune, and Be Free from Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death” and discourses given in 1995 on the Trip to Taiwan. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze these discourses and be able to explain the Buddhist principles contained therein to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D07(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Cause and Karmic Affinity: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Cause and Karmic Affinity” given on the Trip to Taiwan in 1995.

D07-Buddhism for Beginners, Cause and Karmic Affinity: Listen to and analyze a Dharma Discourse on “Cause and Karmic Affinity” given on the Trip to Taiwan in 1995. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D07.1(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The Concise DiscoursesThis is a series of Brief Dharma Discourses where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III answered the questions of certain disciples.

D07.2(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Discourses on Questions Asked by Western Disciples in 2009:  This is a Dharma Discourse where H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III answered the questions of certain Western students.

+D08(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Buddhism is Not a Religion:  This is a discourse on “The Intrinsically Existing Truth of No Arising and No Ceasing in the Universe and in Human Lives Realized by the Buddha Was Not Created [Originated] by the Buddha” that covers many important concepts including why plants may be living but not sentient beings; the fact that causality never errs; the dangers of feng shui, yin-yang, fortune telling, fatalism, and the like; transcending your eighth consciousness; and how there is only one truth in the Dharma, but many expedient methods. This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center or temple.

+D08-Buddhism for Beginners, Buddhism is Not a Religion:  Listen to and analyze the Dharma Discourse on “The Intrinsically Existing Truth of No Arising and No Ceasing in the Universe and in Human Lives Realized by the Buddha Was Not Created [Originated] by the Buddha” that covers many important concepts including why plants may be living but not sentient beings; the fact that causality never errs; the dangers of feng shui, yin-yang, fortune telling, fatalism, and the like; transcending your eighth consciousness; and how there is only one truth in the Dharma, but many expedient methods. This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D09(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The Bardo & Consciousness: This is a recent Dharma Discourse given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha in response to question raised by a Western student on where you go after you die and the presence of evil.

D11(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, All Dharmas Arising from the Mind: These are Dharma Discourses given on Trip to Taiwan in 1995 on the “Principle of All Dharmas Arising from the Mind” and “The Eight Winds.”

D11-Buddhism for Beginners, All Dharmas Arising from the Mind:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourses given on Trip to Taiwan in 1995 on the “Principle of All Dharmas Arising from the Mind” and “The Eight Winds.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D12(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Twenty Dharmas: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Cutting Off the Twenty Dharmas Relating to Ordinary Feelings” given in 2009 on the Trip to the East Coast.

D12-Buddhism for Beginners, Twenty Dharmas: Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourses on “Cutting Off the Twenty Dharmas Relating to Ordinary Feelings” given in 2009 on the Trip to the East Coast. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D13(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Cutting-off Attachment to Self This is a Dharma Discourse expounding that “One Needs to Cut Off the Attachment to Self in Worldly Matters First to Begin Self-Cultivation,” given on Trip to Taiwan in 1995.

D13-Buddhism for Beginners, Cutting-off Attachment to Self:   Listen to Dharma Discourse expounding that “One Needs to Cut Off the Attachment to Self in Worldly Matters First to Begin Self-Cultivation,” given on Trip to Taiwan in 1995 . You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D14(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Opening the Crown:  This is a Dharma Discourse on “To Attain Accomplishment and Liberation, One’s Crown Must Be Opened” expounded in 2009.

D14-Buddhism for Beginners, Opening the CrownListen to and analyze Dharma Discourse on “To Attain Accomplishment and Liberation, One’s Crown Must Be Opened” expounded in 2009. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D15(A)-Buddhism for Beginners,  Supernatural Powers and Qigong This is a Dharma Discourse on “Will Supernatural  Power End the Cycle of Birth and Death? Qi-Gong Is Different from Buddhism.”

D15-Buddhism for Beginners,  Supernatural  Powers and Qigong:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse on “Will Supernatural  Power End the Cycle of Birth and Death? Qi-Gong Is Different from Buddhism.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit.  Requires completion of D01(A).

*D16(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Merit: This is a Dharma Discourse on “If One Is Not Attached to the Thought of Merit, One’s Actions Will Definitely Result in Merit.”

*D17(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, What Is Buddha Dharma? This is a Dharma Discourse on “Buddha Dharma Is a Form of Construction.”

*D18(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Learning in Stages: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Buddha Dharma Must Be Learned in Stages to Quickly Obtain Beneficial Effects: that shows how the Lifting the Pestle EXam relates to certain basic buddhist principles and concepts and explains the six elements.

*D19(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Empowerment: This is a Dharma Discourse on “If Casually Empowering Others Can Cause their Liberation, Shakyamuni Buddha Would Have Long Ago Liberated Everyone.”

+D20(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Self-Delusion:  This is the Dharma discourse on “Living Beings Are Lost in their Deluded Self, Not Seeing Their True Self.” This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center or temple.

+D20-Buddhism for Beginners, Self-Delusion:  Listen to and analyze the Dharma discourse on “Living Beings Are Lost in their Deluded Self, Not Seeing Their True Self.” This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit.  Requires completion of D01(A).

+D21(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Self-Deception:  This is the Dharma discourse on “Many People have Deceived Themselves Yet They Do Not Even Know.” This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center or temple.

+D21-Buddhism for Beginners, Self-Deception:  Listen to and analyze the Dharma discourse on “Many People have Deceived Themselves Yet They Do Not Even Know.” This is a discourse that has been recorded on a bilingual CD with the Buddha Master’s voice and empowerment and may be only available at a recognized Dharma Center. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D22(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Dharma Lineage: This is a Dharma Discourse entitled “Am I Controlling You? What Would My Purpose Be?” that talks about the nature of lineages and the folly of fatalism.

*D23(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Matters after Death: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Have you Thought about the Matters after Death?”

D24(A)-Buddhism for Beginners; Demons, Ordinary Persons, & Holy Beings: This is a Dharma Discourse on “The Differences in Wisdom Power among Ordinary People, Practitioners, and Holy People” from the Trip to the East Coast taken in 2009.

D24-Buddhism for Beginners; Demons, Ordinary Persons, & Holy Beings: Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse on “The Differences in Wisdom Power among Ordinary People, Practitioners, and Holy People” from the Trip to the East Coast taken in 2009 and other related discourses. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D25(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Application of Buddha Dharma: This is a Dharma Discourse on “What Is Applying Buddha Dharma to Daily Life?”

*D26(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Taking Refuge: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Without Truly Taking Refuge, One Cannot Attain Liberation.”

*D27(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Vajra Masters: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Cultivating Yourself, Learning Dharma, Obtaining Beneficial Effects from Dharma Practice, and Attaining Accomplishment All Depends on the Degree of your Devoutness” and being a Guidance Master and the Guaranteed Delivery Dharma.  1 credit. Requires completion of G02, D01(A), D04.

*D28X-Buddhism for Beginners, Matters after Death:Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse on “Shariras Causes H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III to Expound on the Requirements of a Vajra Master.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Xiuxing Seminary Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of G02, D01(A), D04(A).

*D29(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, What Is a Holy One? This is a Dharma Discourse on “How to Be a Human, a Holy One?”

*D30(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Becoming a Bodhisattva: This is a Dharma Discourse on The Accomplishment of Bodhisattva Should Be Quested through Intelligence and Wisdom.”

*D31(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Dharma Protecting Deities: This is a Dharma Discourse on “H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III Gives a Discourse on Dharma Protecting Deities.”

*D32X-Buddhism for Beginners, Good Roots: Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse on “It Is a Matter of Good Roots, Not a Matter of Pulling People in.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Xiuxing Seminary Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D33(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Buddhist Works: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Do Not Always Say, ‘I Am Doing Buddhist Work.’”

*D34(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Slandering the Buddha: This is a Dharma Discourse on “To Say That Just by Relying on Chanting a Buddha’s Name or Instantly Becoming Enlightened One Can Attain Accomplishment is to Slander Sakyamuni Buddha, Because It Means that the Buddha Is Not Compassionate!”

D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views:  This is a Dharma Discourse transmitted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha to explain the “128 Evil and Erroneous Views” included in the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL). A preliminary translation of the SAUMOL is available as a Dharma Manual as P01X for Xiuxing Seminary students to practice and will be available with related discourses  to everyone when it is formally published as P01(A). Other discourses on the SAUMOL will also be established when their English translations are available.

D35-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views This is a Dharma Discourse transmitted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha to explain the “128 Evil and Erroneous Views” included in the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL). A preliminary translation of the SAUMOL is available as a Dharma Manual as P01X for Xiuxing Seminary students to practice and will be available with related discourses  to everyone when it is formally published as P01(A). Other discourses on the SAUMOL will also be established when their English translations are available.  You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D36(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Source of Empowerment: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Where Does Empowerment Come From?”

*D37(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Classification of Practitioners: This is a Dharma Discourse on “What Is My Sect? Classification from Buddha to Ordinary Cultivators.”

*D38(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Can You Marry in the World of Ultimate Bliss? This is a Dharma Discourse that answers the question, “Can a Person Who Is Reborn in the World of Ultimate Bliss Get Married?” Explains what it is like living in this world.

D44(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Esoteric Dharma:  This is a Dharma Discourse given in China in the 1990’s by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III directed at beginning level students on Esoteric Dharma that provides examples of incarnated Buddhas & Bodhisattvas including Master Taixu, Master Zhengguo, and the Pachen Lama as well as discusses sharira, the rainbow body, demons, supernormal powers, and the Age of Maitreya.

D44-Buddhism for Beginners, Esoteric Dharma:  This is a Dharma Discourse given in China in the 1990’s by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III directed at beginning level students on Esoteric Dharma that provides examples of incarnated Buddhas & Bodhisattvas including Master Taixu, Master Zhengguo, and the Pachen Lama as well as discusses sharira, the rainbow body, demons, supernormal powers, and the Age of Maitreya. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D45(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, Skillful Means: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Cleverness and Convenience versus Forging and Fraud.”

*D46(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Demons of the Five Aggregates: This is a Dharma Discourse on “H.H. Dorje Chang III Gives a Discourse on the Demons of the Five Aggregates and the Profound Esoteric Dharma.”

*D47X-Advanced Buddhism, Performing Initiation and Dharma Lessons:  Listen to and analyze a Dharma discourses on the “Right to Perform Initiations and the Dissemination of the Officially-Issued Recorded Dharma Lessons” and “Inner-Tantric Initiations, Ethics, and Bodhicitta.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Xiuxing Seminary Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D49X-Advanced Buddhism,  Initiation:  Listen to and analyze a Dharma discourses on “The Only Requirement for Initiations” and “If You do Not Understand Initiations, Do Not Brag that You can Perform Initiations” and “The Important Lesson of ‘No Casual Initiations and transmission of Dharma.’” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Xiuxing Seminary Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

*D50(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Barrier of the Known: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Barrier of the Known Is Seed of Devolving; Holding on to It Will Cause You to Lose All Good Fortune and Happiness in Impermanence.”

*D51(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Intellectual Frivolity: This is a Dharma Discourse on “Those Who Engage in Intellectual Frivolity are Not Cultivating Themselves” and also explanation of just what nectar is.

D52(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Making Vows: This is a Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Making Vows in Order to Seek Empowerment.”

D52-Advanced Buddhism, Making Vows: Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Making Vows in Order to Seek Empowerment.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D53(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Beginning-less-ness: This is a Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Beginning-less-ness, Boundlessness, and Impermanence.”

D53-Advanced Buddhism, Beginning-less-ness: Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Beginning-less-ness, Boundlessness, and Impermanence.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D54(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Differences Among Rinpoches:  This is a Dharma Discourse from 2009 Trip to the East Coast on Consciousness and Differences in Powerful Virtue Among Rinpoches.”

D54-Advanced Buddhism, Differences Among Rinpoches:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2009 Trip to the East Coast on Consciousness and Differences in Powerful Virtue Among Rinpoches”, You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D55(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Vajra Power & Karmic Affinity:  This is a Dharma Discourse from 2009 Trip to the East Coast on “Differences in Vajra Power among Rinpoches, Dharma Teachers, and Laypersons; The importance of Karmic Affinity; and How to Treat Cultivators Who Repent.”

D55-Advanced Buddhism, Vajra Power & Karmic Affinity:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2009 Trip to the East Coast on “Differences in Vajra Power among Rinpoches, Dharma Teachers, and Laypersons; The importance of Karmic Affinity; and How to Treat Cultivators Who Repent.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only. 1 credit.  Requires completion of D01(A).

D56(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Benefiting Living Beings:  This is a Dharma Discourse from 2009 Trip to the East Coast on “Up to Now, I Have Always Supported Propagating Dharma and Benefiting Living Beings, However, I Have Not Taken Charge of Propagating Dharma and Benefiting Living Beings.”

D56-Advanced Buddhism, Benefiting Living Beings:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Up to Now, I Have Always Supported Propagating Dharma and Benefiting Living Beings, However, I Have Not Taken Charge of Propagating Dharma and Benefiting Living Beings.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D57(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Walking Steadily:  This is a Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “How to Walk Steadily in the Course of Cultivating Yourself.”

D57-Advanced Buddhism, Walking Steadily:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “How to Walk Steadily in the Course of Cultivating Yourself.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of D01(A).

D58(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Cultivation & Powers:  This is a Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Verify Cultivation Thru Powers; Obtain Powers thru Cultivation; Cultivation & Powers are One Integral Body; Each Is Indispensable.”

D58-Advanced Buddhism, Cultivation & Powers:  Listen to and analyze Dharma Discourse from 2008 Trip to the East Coast on “Verify Cultivation Thru Powers; Obtain Powers thru Cultivation; Cultivation & Powers are One Integral Body; Each Is Indispensable.” You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze this discourse and be able to explain these Buddhist principles to others. Available to Full Members only.  1 credit. Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

*D59(A)-Advanced Buddhism,  The Samboghakaya: This is a Dharma Discourse on “In Addition to the Middle Way, There Is esoteric Dharma to Achieve the Samboghakaya (Reward Body).”

*D60(A)-Advanced Buddhism, Sutras: This is a Dharma Discourse on “One Must Attain Realization of the State of Virtue in Order to Understand the True Meaning of the Sutras.”

*D61(A)-Advanced Buddhism,  A Deviated Mind and Differentiation: This is a Dharma Discourse Dharma Discourse on “A Deviated Mind Attached to Phenomena is Mara; Differentiation under Any Circumstances Diverges from the State of Meditation.”

D62-Advanced Buddhism, The Differences between Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism:  Listen to and analyze the Dharma Discourse on “The Differences between Exoteric and Esoteric Buddhism and the Conferring of an Empowerment” given in 1995 in Taiwan. You will use the Seven-Dharma System to study and analyze these discourses and be able to explain Buddhist principles contained therein to others.  1 credit.  Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

 

Sutra about Dorje Chang Buddha II (Venerable Vimalakirti)

V01-Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra—Mahayana: In this sutra the second manifestation of Dorje Chang Buddha in this world, the layman Ven. Vimalakirti, offers very profound teachings on the nature of reality to the Arhat students of Shakyamuni Buddha and other beings. It is noted for its humor and imagery. There are two translations from the Chinese Canon by Burton Watson and Charles Luk and a third from the Tibetan by Robert Thurman. Some translations are available on-line. 1 Credit. Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

 

Sutras from H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III

Other sutras by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III are included under Discourses: D35(A)-The 128 Evil & Erroneous Views as well as under Practices: P01-Introduction to the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL), P02X The SAUMOL, P03X, P04X, and P10-The Great Dharma of Zen Practice.

+DCB10-The Monk Sutra (A Monk Expounds the Absolute Truth to a Layperson: This sutra discusses the truth of emptiness. The sutra has not been translated into English for distribution, but it can be heard at classes given at the Holy Vajrasana Temple. 1 credit. Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation Transmitted by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III (What Is Cultivation?): This is what you need to get started and to guide you throughout your journey on the path to enlightenment. This book is based on a discourse given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in response to a question raised by Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche concerning how to best propagate the dharma to Western students. It was such a special transmission that it was included in the treasure book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III in both Chinese and EnglishWhen the discourse was given, beings came from the holy realms and illuminated the room. It is the foundation that everyone needs to understand how to manage your karma and ultimately become a Buddha. Without this dharma and the actual practice of this dharma, it is doubtful that any of the other dharmas will be effective. 1 credit. Requires completion of G02, D01(A), and D35(A).

DCB13-“What Is Cultivation?” Revisited: This course is offered for those students who have completed or are currently enrolled in courses on two important texts: DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation (WIC?) and the P01-Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL). Its purpose is to probe the meaning and benefits from WIC? more deeply by using the teachings contained in the SAUMOL and the insights gained from practicing it. The first part will take a detailed or granular approach to studying the WIC? as informed by the SAUMOL, while the second will offer the students an opportunity to present their personal experiences with both texts in their daily lives and practice. 1 Credit. Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

+DCB21-26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra:  This book by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was released in Chinese in 2014 but is not yet available in English. It is based on a series of very famous discourses given in China in 1992, using the text, meaning, and principles of the Heart Sutra to transmit Dharma. It clearly explains the relationships between mind, Buddha, and living beings. It tells everyone what the absolute truth of Buddha-dharma and liberation is. Several years ago, His Holiness told a number of Western disciples that this is the only book you need to read to understand emptiness and become enlightened. This text is for acquiring prajna or transcendental wisdom, although it also teaches the importance of cultivating character.

This text is so important that a very spectacular Buddhas Bestow Nectar Dharma Assembly was held in March 2014 in Pasadena to honor the publication of Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra. Three-colored nectar spontaneously appeared in a special bowl with no one conducting the ceremony. The nectar was then used to make the ink that stamped the memorial edition of the book that was released later that year in Hong Kong.

The main text of Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra takes every word or phrase of the Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra to transmit us the dharma relating to prajna. Since it is transmitted by a Buddha, it then also becomes a sutra. The entire text is essential to studying, understanding, and finally realizing emptiness. However, an official translation of this great sutra is not yet available in English. A preliminary translation is available for study at the Holy Vajrasana temple.

A discourse given by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III explaining how to practice and realize the Dharma contained in the book is also included at the end of the book and is included as DCB26. All of the following courses require completion of G02 and D01(A).

+DCB21-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra:  Forwards, Introductions, & PART ONE-Title: 1 credit.

+DCB22-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra:  PART TWO-I: 1 credit.

+DCB23-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: PART TWO-II:  1 credit.

+DCB24-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra:  PART TWO-III: 1 credit.

+DCB25-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra:  PART TWO-IV: 1 credit.

+DCB26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra: How to Realize Prajna1 credit

 

*DCB33-The Sutra on Understanding and Realizing Definitive Truth (The Truth Sutra): This sutra is useful in developing your wisdom or having an understanding of emptiness. During the trip to the East Coast taken in 2008 by His Holiness and several of his more senior disciples, He gave a series of discourses on this sutra that are also available in Chinese. Neither these discourses nor the sutra itself have been translated into English for distribution, but preliminary translations are available at the Holy Vajrasana Temple.  2 credits. Requires completion of G02 and D01(A).

DCB35-Learning From Buddha: This important teaching from the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III was given as a discourse in America and released as Chinese CDs in 2016. It has three parts: One on the practice of cultivation, one on the formal practice of tantric dharma, and one on how you implement both of those practices in your daily life.

Learning From Buddha is essential for anyone wanting to do yidam practice.  It is available for anyone to read and study, but you would need to take refuge and be willing to have the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as your role models to receive benefits from the tantric dharmas explained therein. The three parts of Learning From Buddha are:

Part I:  “One Who Learns Dharma but Does Not Cultivate Oneself Cannot Attain Accomplishment,” which focuses on cultivation of your behavior or character—how you treat others and developing bodhichitta.

Part II:  “If You Cultivate Yourself, But Do Not Learn Dharma, You Cannot Generate Realization Powers,” which explains how you do tantric meditation practice with a yidam  including the preliminary, formal, and concluding practices.

Part III:  “If You Do Not Put Into Practice the Lessons You Have Heard on Cultivation and Dharma, It Will Be Like Trying to Scoop Up the Reflection of the Moon on Water,” which tells you how to apply the other two parts to your daily life. The Buddha Master tells us we need to stop and reflect on what we have learned from the Buddha three times during the day. It also includes background on “Kuan Yin Bodhisattva’s Great Compassion Empowerment. “

This little book has been so important to the Chinese students that they dared not go to see the Buddha Master without having it with them. They were tested on their understanding of all three parts by the nuns before they would be allowed to see the Buddha Master. The book also contains photos of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III before and after He changed His appearance from a wrinkled old man to a beautiful youth. It also includes a discourse He gave about the event insisting He is just an ordinary man. However, He told us that He does “…have what Buddhists need, the highest-level great dharma of the Tathagata to attain perfect liberation and accomplishment; this is also the invariant dharma jointly possessed by all Buddhas in the ten directions. 1 credit. Requires completion of G02, D01(A), D35(A), DCB12, and D22(A).

 

Sutras from Shakyamuni Buddha

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III included the Agamas as sutras that should be studied. They represent the early teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha that were translated from Sanskrit text into Chinese. Because they are not so readily available in English translation, we offer the Nikayas instead, which are easily available as translated from Pali as suttas.  Many are very similar, but each collection has some that are unique to that collection.

SB31(A)-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-ITheravada:  The Pali Canon of the Digha Nikaya, the Majjhima Nikaya, the Majjhima Nikaya, the Samyutta Nikaya, the Anguttara Nikaya, and the Khuddaka Nikaya—The Khuddaka Nikaya also includes the Dhammapada, a popular collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form. This body of teachings represent what is sometimes called the “First Turning of the Wheel.” Nine different Suttas will be offered in each of four courses–this one plus SB32, SB33, and SB34. The Dhammapada is included as an elective in G47.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III told us in Learning from Buddha that “If you are a master with disciples, you must at least study in depth some sutras and commentaries as a foundation, such as . . .  the Agama Sutras . . . , and others. Doing so will reduce the possibility of leading others astray in the process of teaching.”

Since these important discourses are available as free courses they do not carry credit, but are still required as part of both the Buddhist Studies and Xiuxing Seminary programs.

SB31-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-ITheravada:  Same as SB31(A) but with introspection and action assignments. Credit 1.

SB32(A)-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IITheravada:  See description in SB31(A).

SB32-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IITheravada:  Same as SB31 but with introspection and action assignments. Credit 1.

SB33(A)-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IIITheravada:  See description in SB31(A).

SB33-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IIITheravada:  Same as SB31 but with introspection and action assignments. Credit 1.

SB34(A)-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IVTheravada:  See description in SB31(A).

SB34-A Journey through Shakyamuni Buddha’s Early Suttas (Nikayas or Agamas)-IVTheravada:  Same as SB31 but with introspection and action assignments. Credit 1.

*SB41-The Diamond Sutra Plus–Mahayana:. A translation of the Diamond Sutra that will be read along with a reading of a preliminary translation of recent discourse by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha “Beware of Falling Captive to the Demon of the Two Extreme Malady” that discusses this sutra and the Heart Sutra, as well as causality, icchantikas, the Empty Extinction Buddha, Determination by Holy Selection, and Bsosong Fa (Guranteed Delivery Dharma, See D27(A)). H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III told us in Learning from Buddha that “If you are a master with disciples, you must at least study in depth some sutras and commentaries as a foundation, such as . . . the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, . . . and others. Doing so will reduce the possibility of leading others astray in the process of teaching. ”Required for Xiuxing Seminary students. 1 credit.

SB43-Avatamsaka Sutra (The Sutra of the Garland of Flowers)—Mahayana: It is among the largest and greatest of the scriptures of Mahayana Buddhism and is considered the first sermon given by the Buddha after His enlightenment and is centered on the philosophy of interpenetration and mutual containment of all phenomena, often depicted in the image of “Indra’s Net.” It was taught to Bodhisattvas and celestial beings. H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III told us in Learning from Buddha that “If you are a master with disciples, you must at least study in depth some sutras and commentaries as a foundation, such as . . . the Avatamsaka Sutra, . . . and others. Doing so will reduce the possibility of leading others astray in the process of teaching.” “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” is a requirement for admission into the program and “D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views” may be used to evaluate the translations of this holy text and used to evaluate the translation itself. 2 credits.

SB47-Sukhavatiyuha (Pure Land) Sutras–Mahayana.  Sukhavatiyuha (Pure Land) Sutras are Mahayana sutras that describe the “Land of Bliss” or Sukhavati, the Western Paradise of Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. These sutras describe how Amitabha Buddha came to preside over this marvel-filled paradise and describe the layout and wonders of the Pure Land. They also describe the preconditions that lead to rebirth in this Buddhist paradise. They form the spiritual foundation for the Pure Land schools of Buddhism. “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” is a requirement for admission into the program and “D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views” imay be used to evaluate the translations of this holy text and used to evaluate the translation itself. 2 credits.

SB52-Lankavatara Sutra–Mahayana:  This Yogacara sutra was brought by the Indian Bodhidharma to China in the 5th century, to Japan in the eighth, and Tibet in the ninth. It is used by the various Zen sects and is based on the “Mind Only (Cittamatra)” perspective. “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” is a requirement for admission into the program and “D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views” is a prerequisite for studying all translations of this holy text and used to evaluate the translation itself. The Red Pine translation will be the text for the course. 2 credits.

SB54-Saddharmapundarika (Lotus) Sutra—Mahayana:  The Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law is one of the most famous and widely-read sutras of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Lotus Flower symbolizes the enlightened mind that all sentient beings intrinsically possess. This sutra emphasizes the continual practice and pursuit of this enlightened mind lifetime after lifetime on the road to the ultimate accomplishment of Annutara Samyak Sambodhi. Indeed, the Lotus Sutra offers glimpses of the past lives, the past associations, and the prophesied future lives of many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The Lotus Sutra introduces defining Mahayana principles in colorful ways that speak to both intuitive and practical mind processes. Its similes, parables, and stories help us to deeply understand Buddhist principles while working out the meanings of the symbols and stories in the text.

H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III told us in Learning from Buddha that “If you are a master with disciples, you must at least study in depth some sutras and commentaries as a foundation, such as . . .  the Lotus Sutra . . . , and others. Doing so will reduce the possibility of leading others astray in the process of teaching.”

In this course, students are encouraged to figure out the underlying meanings of the similes and parables wherever they can, and to cherish as questions those parts of the text they do not yet fully understand. It is long sutra with 28 chapters. Reading and question assignments are generally grouped into lessons of two chapters each. Students may advance through the course at their own pace. The text is uploaded as a pdf file of the Burton Watson’s translation published in 1993. You may download this file as part of the first Lesson and save it to your own computer. Students may feel free to search the internet for additional insights if they feel that would be helpful. Many translations exist.

Several schools of Buddhism developed around this text including the T’iantai (Tendai) and Nichiren sects. “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” and “D35(A)-Buddhism for Beginners, The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views,” may be used to evaluate the translations of this holy text and used to evaluate the translation itself.  2 credits.

 

Classic Commentaries, Treatises, or Shastras

These are the commentaries studied in Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries and universities. The Buddha Master told us that if you are a master with disciples, you must at least study in depth some sutras and commentaries including the five treatises: Master Asanga’s The Jewel of Realization (Abhisamaya-lamkara), a commentary on the Prajnaparamita Sutras that he received from Maitreya Bodhisattva; Master Nagarjuna’s The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way (Mulamadhyamakakarika Treatise) or Master Chandrakirti’s Guide or Introduction to the Middle Way (Madhyamakavatara or Madhyamaka Treatise); Master Vasubandhu’s Abhidharmakosa Treatise; Master Dharmakirti’s The Commentary on Valid Perception (Pramana Varttika or Hetu-Vidya Treatise); and Master Gunaprabha’s A Summary of Vowed Morality (Vinayasutra), also referred to as the Precepts and Discipline Treatise. Valid translations are not available of all of these in English, but we will study those that we can.

The Buddha Master has also listed Master Asanga’s Mind-Only Treatise (Bodhisattvabhumi or the entire  Yogacarabhumishastra), Lord Tsongkapa’s Broad Commentary on Levels of the Bodhi Path (Lam Rim Chen Mo), and Shantideva’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Bodhisattvacharyavatara) as being important. A translation of Asanga’s Bodhisattvabhumi only recently appeared in English. All of these are recommended for anyone wanting to take disciples. Ordinary students can just focus on understanding Imparting the Absolute Truth Through the Heart Sutra, which explains the essence of most of these other treatises in a much clearer and precise language. However, it is not readily available in English. You will need to read a preliminary translation in English at the Holy Vajrasana Temple as part of the Learning from Buddha College and Seminary programs.

NOTE: Wikipedia states that the “Five Works of Maitreya” in China are different from those studied in Tibet, stating that the Abhisamayalamkara was unknown in the Chinese tradition and the Yogacarabhumi was used instead. This is not how they were presented by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III. The Buddha Master emphasized we should study both the Abhisamayalamkara and the Yogacarabhumi. The other treatises that are usually listed as the five by Maitreya are listed here for reference only.

 C05-Mulamadhyamakakarika Treatise (The Fundamental Wisdom or Root Stanzas of the Middle Way by Indian Mahasiddha Nagarjuna (150-250) expresses the doctrine that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, that is, that nothing exists substantially or independently. Despite lacking any essence, Nagarjuna argues, phenomena nonetheless exist conventionally, and that indeed conventional existence and ultimate emptiness are in fact the same thing. This represents the radical understanding of the Buddhist doctrine of the two truths, or two levels of reality. It represents the Profound Division of the Mahayana based on the “Second Turning of the Wheel” teachings. we will probably use Nagarjuna’s Middle Way: Mulamadhyamakakarika (Classics of Indian Buddhism) by Mark Siderits and Shoryu Katsura as our text although several English translations exist. 2 credits.

C06-Madhyamakavatara (Introduction to the Middle Way)by Indian Mahasiddha Chandrakirti (7th century) is an introduction to Nagarjuna’s Madhyamika teachings, a systematization of the Prajnaparamita literature, the sutras on the elusive concept of emptiness.

C11-Abhisamaya  Allamkara (The Ornament of Clear Realization) by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376) and was transmitted from Maitreya Bodhisattva, to Venerable Asanga in the Tushita Heavens as a commentary on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is considered one of “Five Treatises of Maitreya.” It comprises one of the major foundations of the Methods and Practices Division of Mahayana Buddhism based on the “Third Turning of the Wheel” teachings. The focus of this text is the profound emptiness of the Prajnaparamita teachings. This approach to emptiness reveals the hidden meaning of the Prajnaparamita sutras by examining the five paths and spiritual levels. Through this approach one understands how emptiness is realized. We will use the English translation Gone Beyond: The Prajnaparamita Sutras, The Clear Realization and Its Commentaries-Volumes I & II (Kagyu perspective) and Groundless Paths (Nyingma perspective) by Karl Brunnholzl.  2 credits.

Mahayana Sutralamkara (The Ornament of the Mahayana Sutras) by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376) was transmitted from Maitreya Bodhisattva, to Venerable Asanga in the Tushita Heavens as a commentary on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is considered one of “Five Treatises of Maitreya.” It’s intent is to explain the intent of the sutras to teach extensive conduct or cultivation on how to fully practice great generosity, patience, energy, discipline or effort, concentration, and wisdom. Translated by the Dharma Translation Committee as the Ornament of the Great Vehicle Sutras.

Madhyanta Vibhanga (Distinguishing the Middle from the Extremes) by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376) was transmitted from Maitreya Bodhisattva, to Venerable Asanga in the Tushita Heavens as a commentary on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is considered one of “Five Treatises of Maitreya.” It’s intent is to explain the intent of the sutras to teach extensive conduct or cultivation. Translation by the Dharmachakra Translation Committee as the Middle beyond Extremes.

Dharma Dharmata Vibhanga (Distinguishing Dharma and Dharmata) by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376) was transmitted from Maitreya Bodhisattva, to Venerable Asanga in the Tushita Heavens as oral commentary or practice manual on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is considered one of “Five Treatises of Maitreya.” It’s intent is to explain the intent of the sutras to teach extensive conduct or cultivation on using both the sutras and tantras in ordinary life experiences. Several translations exist including the translation by Karl Brunnholzl’s  Mining for Wisdom within Delusion (Distinction between Phenomena and the Nature of Phenomena).

Ratnagotra Vibhaga (Uttaratantra Sastra or The Sublime Continuum) by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376) was transmitted from Maitreya Bodhisattva, to Venerable Asanga in the Tushita Heavens as a commentary on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is considered one of “Five Treatises of Maitreya.” It’s intent is to explain the lineage of the Three Jewels and the inconceivable nature of reality–Buddha Nature, the innate potential in all living beings to become awakened Buddhas. Several translations exist including When the Clouds Part: The Uttaratantra and Its Meditative Tradition as a Bridge between Sutra and Tantra translated by Karl Brunnholzl and Buddha Nature,translated by 

C20-Mahayanasamgraha by the Indian Mahasiddha Asangha (294-376)  is an important text in the Yogachara School with special emphasis on the alaya consciousness.  Translated by Karl Brunnholzl in three volumes as A Compendium of the Mahayana: Asanga’s Mahayanasamgraha and Its Indian and Tibetan Commentaries (also includes extensive Chinese commentaries). 

C23-Bodhisattvacharyavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva or A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life) by Indian Mahasiddha Shantideva (650-750) was composed while he was at Nalanda University. It is one of the classic works describing how to follow the path of a Bodhisattva. Shantideva was believed to be an emanation of Manjushri Bodhisattva or at the very least, received direct guidance from this holy being. There are many English translations of this short text. The account of how he gave this as a discourse while a student at Nalanda, the great ancient Indian Buddhist University is interesting. The other students thought he was a very poor student and not qualified to study with them. He never appeared to study or participate in classes or anything. They conspired to embarrass him so that he would leave in humiliation. They asked him to give a discourse, thinking he would not be able to do so. They invited everyone and erected a dias or high platform upon which he would deliver his talk. When he arrived, he saw what they had done and asked them which they would prefer to hear: a commentary on something they were studying or something original?  They snickered and said the latter, thinking it would be even more impossible for him to do. They didn’t provide stairs to get up on the dias either. However, that did not upset Santideva in the least. He merely flew up to his seat and proceeded to give this classic and profound teaching on the “Six Paramitas.” It did not take the other students long to realize they had made a major mistake. This was the work of a great holy being, not an ordinary person like themselves. When he got to the chapter on the sixth Paramitas of wisdom or prajna, Santideva disappeared into the clouds, but they could continue to him. He flew away and never went back to the university no matter how much the students begged him to do so. There are many translations for this popular text from Tibetan and Sanskrit sources including several on-line. Stephen Batchelor’s A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life in 1979 to Kenpo David Karma Choephel’s Entering the Way of Bodhisattva: A New Translation and Contemporary Guide in 2021. 2 credits.

C28-Madhyamakalankara (The Adornment or Ornament of the Middle Way) by Indian Mahasiddha Shantarakshita (8th century) effects a synthesis between the Madhyamaka of Nagarjuna, the Mind-Only or Yogachara (Cittamatra) teachings traced back to Asanga, and the logico-epistemolological tradition of Dignaga and Dharmakirti.This great work marks the final stage in the evolution of Madhyamaka and was the last major development of Buddhist philosophy in India. Toward the end of the 19th century, the Tibetan scholar, Jamgon Mipham, composed the commentary on this commentary. Translated by the Padmakara Translation Group as The Adornment of the Middle Way.

C30-The Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa (1079-1153). This is the essential practice manual for the Karma Kagyu School from starting the path to achieving Buddhahood by one of the patriarchs and a disciple of Milarepa, another patriarch of the school.

C33-Taking the Result as the Path: Core Teachings of the Sakya Lamdre Tradition by Cyrus Stearns presents the most important tantric teachings of the Sakya system of meditation.

C35-Mountain Doctrine by Dolpopa Sherab Gyeltsen (1292-1361). This sect is the primary holder of the complete Dro transmission and practice linage of the Kalachakra Tantra, the Six Yogas of the Kalachakra completion stage, and the shentong or “emptiness of other” view. Founded in the twelfth century by Yumo Mikyo Dorje. In 1650, for political reasons (The Jonang had strong ties with the Mongolians), the Dalai Lama V prohibited the teaching of the shentong view of emptiness, sealed Jonang libraries, burned Jonang books, and forcibly converted the Jonang monasteries in Central Tibet to the Geluk. It was generally believed that the sect had become extinct. However, many remote monasteries did survive in Eastern Tibet and have continued practicing uninterrupted to this day. It is the most mystical of the Tibetan traditions with many highly accomplished practitioners including the current Dharma King H.H. Jigme Dorje.

C40-Lam Rim Chen Mo (Broad Commentary on Levels of the Bodhi Path) by Tibetan Master Tsongkapa (1357-1419) is considered the general training handbook used by the Geluk sect of Tibetan Buddhism and and excellent introduction to the critical concepts and principles of the Tibetan tradition. It is one of the commentaries recommended by the H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.  We will probably use Michael Richards’ translation of Master Pabongka Rinpoche’s (1878-1943), Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand:  A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment, which Master Pabongka offered in 1921 based on the Lam Rim,  as the text for the course.  2 credits.

C41(A)-Three Principal Stages or Paths of Buddhism by Master Tsongkapa (1357-1419). This course includes a survey of several discourses and sutras by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III within the framework of Je Tsongkapa’s Lam Rim with commentaries by Pabongka Rinpoche.  Includes reading DCB12 & DCB38, Listening to readings of P01 and P02X, as well as Zoom Discussions on DCB21-26 and other material. 1 credit.

 

Biographies of Holy Beings

All of these courses require completion of “G02-Spiritual Autobiography” and “D35(A)-128 Evil and Erroneous Views” as  prerequisites.

B01-Early Disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha( 5th-6th century BCE): Great Disciples of the Buddha Their Lives, Their Works, Their Legacy by Nyanaponika Thera & Hellmuth Hecker:  Survey of the background, practice, and accomplishments of Shakyamuni Buddha’s greatest disciples including Sariputta, Maha-mogallana, Mahakassapa, Ananda, Anuruddha, Mahakaccana, Great Women Disciples, Angulimala, Anathapindika, and others. 1 credit.

B05-Master Garab Dorje (6th century BC to 2nd century CE): Patriarch of Nyingma Sect, who is credited with being the first to teach dzogchen. He was from the country of Uddiyana, a country north west of India.  His level of realization was such that he received the teachings directly from the Samboghakaya realms through Vajrasattva and Vajrapani. Vajrasattva received the dharma directly from Dorje Chang Buddha. The text used for this course,The Golden Letters, incudes his teachings and commentary on his teachings, as well as his biography. 1 credit.

B09-Guru Padmasambhava (536 BCE to 8th century CE):  Indian patriarch of Nyingma and other Tibetan Sects– Natural Liberation: Padmasambhava’s Teachings on the Six Bardos, includes commentary by Gyatrul Rinpoche: This terma text is on the life and teachings of Padmasambhava including his teachings on the Bardo and specific profound instructions given to Yeshe Tsogyal. This course will use Yeshe Tsogyal’s Padmasambhava Comes to Tibet with its description of his 25 closest disciples, prayers, and mantras.

B10-Master Xuanzang/Hsuan Tsang(596-664): Chinese Patriarch and Founder of the Fa-hsian School—The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the Western Regions; A Biography of the Tripitaka Master of the Great Ci’en Monastery of the Great Tang Dynasty;  Xuanzang: A Buddhist Pilgrim on the Silk Road by Sally Wriggins; Ultimate Journey: Retracing the Path of an Ancient Buddhist Monk Who Crossed Asia in Search of Enlightenment by Richard Bernstein, and the Journey to the West:  This seventh century Chinese monk left China against his emperor’s orders and traveled to India in search of Buddhist texts that were not then available in China. After traversing the famous Silk Road, he reached his destinations, met the rulers of the land at that time, and studied his favorite text Yogacarabhumi-shastra under the famous teacher Shilabhadra of Nalanda University. Nearly fourteen years of his life (from 630 to 644 CE) were spent visiting Buddhist temples and monasteries, cities and places of interest in the Indian subcontinent including what is now known as Afghanistan. His study of the Bamiyan monasteries and colossal Buddhas have inspired art historians to make a thorough study of the cultural history of Afghanistan. He recorded his pilgrimage in great detail, capturing the state of Buddhism in the world at that time and documenting many sites and events. He returned to China a hero and spent his remaining years translating the many sutras and commentaries that he brought back to China. 1 credit.

B14-Master Vairochana (7th to 8th centuries): Tibetan Patriarch of the Nyingma Sect who was a great Tibetan dgozchen master and, like Padmasambhava, is credited with bringing the highest dharma to Tibet. His autobiography, as told to his closest disciples near the end of his life, not only tells of the great trials he endured to learn the precious doctrine, but also gives the origin and history of the dzogchen transmission itself. We will use as text this autobiography: The Great Image: The Life Story of Vairochana the Translator.

B20-Lady Yeshe Tshogyal (777-837 CE): Tibetan Matriarch of the Nyingma Sect. We will use as a text Mother of Knowledge:  The terma written by one of her fellow disciples that tells the life-story of this major disciple of Guru Padmasambhava and the dramatic story of her flight from home, her life as a queen of Tibet, the stages of her spiritual training, and her enlightened accomplishments. The most important woman in the Nyingma lineage, she received all of Padmasambhava’s teachings and was instrumental in transmitting them to future generations. This text demonstrates the qualities and attitudes essential for the pursuit of the Vajrayana.

B24-Lady Niguma (10th -11th centuries): Tibetan Matriarch of the Shangpa Kagyu Sect–Niguma, Lady of Illusion by Saha Harding:  Niguma was a mysterious eleventh-century Kashmiri woman who became the source of a major Tibetan Buddhist practice lineage. There are thirteen works that have been attributed to Niguma in the Tibetan Buddhist canon. These collected works form the basis of an ancient Shangpa lineage held by the great mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo, Kalu Rinpoche, and others. 1 credit.

B26-Master Milarepa (1052-1135): Tibetan Patriarch of the Karma Kagyu Sect— A Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa and the Life of Milarepa by Heruka: Jetsun Milarepa is generally considered one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and poets. He was a student of Marpa Lotsawa, another patriarch of this sect. 1 credit.

B28-Lady Machig (Machik) Labdron (1055-1149): Tibetan Matriarch and Founder of the Chod lineage – Machik’s Complete Explanation: Clarifying the Meaning of Chod ˆby Sarah Harding: She developed a system, the Mahamudra Chöd, that takes the Buddha’s teachings as a basis and applies them to the immediate experiences of negative mind states and malignant forces. Her unique feminine approach is to invoke and nurture the very “demons” that we fear and hate, transforming those reactive emotions into love. It is the tantric version of developing compassion and fearlessness, a radical method of cutting through ego-fixation.

B33-Master Dogen (1200-1253): Japanese Patriarch and Founder of Soto Zen Sect—Shobogenzo: This Zen master, Eihiei Dogen Zenji, was central in bringing Zen from China to Japan. 1 credit.

B37-Master Dolpopa (1292-1361): Tibetan Patriarch of Jonang Sect—The Buddha from Dolpo by Cyrus Stearns and Mountain Doctrine by Dolpopa:  Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen was the most famous scholar of the Jonang school, who is most well-known for his articulation of the shentong view of other emptiness. 1 credit.

B40-Master Longchenpa (1308-1364): Tibetan Nyingma Master— Longchen Nyingthig. A Treasury Trove of Scriptural Transmission and The Life of Longchenpa: The Omniscient Dharma King of the Vast Expanse by Jampa Mackenzie StewartLongchenpa combined the Vima Nyingtig and Khandro Nyingtig lineages to lay the ground for the fully unified system of Dzogchen teachings. 1 credit.

B42-Master Tsongkhapa (1357-1419):  Tibetan Patriarch of the Geluk Sect– Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows by Thupten Jinpa.

B44-Master Thangtong Gyalpo (1361-1485):  Tibetan Patriarch of the Shangpa Kalpa— King of the Empty Plain by Cyrus Stearns:  Known as the wild engineer-saint of both Tibet and Bhutan, this heroic mahasiddha was known for his accomplishments in technology (he invented a process for building iron bridges that were amazing structures that lasted until modern times), the arts (he founded the first Tibetan Opera Drama troupe), medicine (some of his cures are still used in Tibetan medicine), and transmission of the highest dharmas of liberation. Although most unconventional in appearance and methods, he was also the most traveled of the early Tibetan holy men, traveling all over India, Afghanistan, probably Sri Lanka, and visiting the holy Mt. Wu-Tai in China. 1 credit.

B48-Master Jamgon Kongtrul (1813-1899): Tibetan founder of the nonsectarian Rime movement— The Life of Jamgon Kongtrul The Great: Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye was one of the most prolific writers in the Tibetan world. His Retreat Manual on how to conduct and participate in a three-year/three-month/three-day retreat is still followed in some Tibetan traditions. 1 credit.

B52-Venerable Ajahn Mun (1870-1948): Thai Theravada Master and founder of the modern Forest Tradition—Spiritual Biography by Maha Boowa Nanasampanno:  The life and teaching of this Theravada master, who was the teacher of Ajahn Cha and other well-known Theravada masters. 1 credit.

B58-H.H. Dudjom Jigdral Yeshe Dorje (1904-1987): The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism: Its Fundamentals and History, is included here because it includes short biographies of most of the major Patriarchs and Dharma Kings in the Nyingma lineage. It also includes reference to the second Dorje Chang Buddha in this world, Venerable Vimalakirti who was one who beseeched the Buddhas to send someone to continue the work of Shakyamuni Buddha after that great Buddha left this world. 1 credit.

B60-H.H. Dilgo Khyentse  (1910-1991):Tibetan Dharma King of Nyingma Sect—Brilliant Moon: Autobiography of a Modern Rinpoche. 1 credit.

 

Buddhist Practice

P01-Introduction to the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL) by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: You do not need to become a Buddhist to practice this very high Dharma as it can be practiced at many levels. However, we are only making the preliminary translation of this introduction to the SAUMOL and the  “Xiaman Most Excellent Oceanic Mind-Essence (Part I)”  available to both Buddhist Studies  and Xiuxing Seminary students at this time. This course is to prepare you for the more detailed practice in P02X described below. Prerequisites include  “D02(A)-On Suffering,” “D02.1(A)-Good Fortune & Wisdom,” “D03(A)-Impermanence,”  ”D35(A)-The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views,”  “DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation,” “DCB35-Learning from Buddha” “D44(A)-Esoteric Dharma.” 1 credit.

P02X-Practice of the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL) by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III: Includes the “90-day Challenge”, which includes the “Xiaman Most Excellent Oceanic Mind-Essence” and the “Most Excellent Enlightenment Emptiness-Practice Oceanic Mind-Essence.” It will also include the Dharma Manual when it is available for downloading in English. You will need to complete “P01-Introduction to the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL)” and the prerequisites for that course before you will be able to take this course which is only available to Xiuxing Seminary students at this time. It is anticipated that this course will also be available to Buddhist Studies students when the Dharma Manual is available for distribution.  1 credit.

P03X-Vajra Yoga Perfection Dharma: The Four-Armed Kuan Yin Bodhisattva Tantra, a  Dharma practice with Preliminary (Prayoga), Main, and Concluding Practices. It does include some mantras, but no mudras. Prerequisites include D02(A)-On Suffering,” “D02.1(A)-Good Fortune & Wisdom,” “D03(A)-Impermanence,”  ”D35(A)-The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views,”  “DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation,”  “DCB35-Learning from Buddha,” P02X-The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL)” and “G36-Dharma that Every Buddhist Must Follow” and is only available to Xiuxing Seminary students.

P04X-Green Tara Dharma Discourse at Dharma Assembly: Dharma Discourse by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III given on the Green Tara Dharma. This is not the Dharma practice manual, but is a detailed discourse on the tantra. You can only receive the Dharma practice itself from someone who has the lineage to transmit it.  Prerequisites include D02(A)-On Suffering,” “D02.1(A)-Good Fortune & Wisdom,” “D03(A)-Impermanence,”  ”D35(A)-The 128 Evil and Erroneous Views,”  “DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation,”  “DCB35-Learning from Buddha,” and “P02X-The Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL” and is only available to Xiuxing Seminary students.

P08-Grand Assembly of Debates: Individual students may petition to hold a Grand Debate based on their courses taken to date. May be taken more than once. Xiuxing Seminary students must take this at least once to graduate or take P09.  1 credit, Maximum of 2 credits count toward graduation. Requires completion of G02 & D01(A).

P09-Oral Exam: Students may elect to take an Oral Exam in lieu of a Grand Debate (P08). 1 credit.

P10-The Great Dharma of Zen Practice: This is teaching is to help you develop your mind—to acquire wisdom, transcendental wisdom or prajna. This translation of a discourse originally intended for Western students provides background on the origin of zen practice, as well as instruction of how to do the meditation practice and instructions on how to remove obstacles to practice. Unlike other zen practice manuals, this dharma also introduces three mantras that will help you be able to meditate.  The mantras need to be transmitted by a vajra master who has the authority to transmit them. Also included is an extensive Q&A discussion via ZOOM after the reading of the discourse on August 8, 2021 as part of the Lemonade Sangha classes. The PDF of the actual sutra is available for anyone to download as public preview of the course. 1 credit. Requires completion of G02 & D01(A).

P90-Final Comprehensive Exam: Comprehensive exam covering all completed courses required in lieu of P95-Dissertation to receive certificate or degree from LFBCS. 1 credit.

P95-Dissertation: Paper required in lieu of P90-Final Exam to receive certificate or degree from LFBCS. 1 credit.

 

Meditation Retreats

R95(A)-Short Term Meditation Retreats: All Xiuxing seminary students are required to take the equivalent of 2 seven-day retreats and at least one needs to be an actual seven-day retreat, while Buddhist Studies students are required to take one. The Buddha Master has told us that it is not really a retreat if it is less than seven days. These retreats may be solitary or part of a group. PREREQ: P10-The Great Dharma of Zen Practice. 1 credit.

R97X-Solitary Retreat-Xiuxing Practice Program:  This course requires a particular Dharma Protector Dharma that the rinpoche who will facilitate this class will provide. It also requires an active yidam practice. It is required for Xiuxing Seminary students. Prerequisites include at least one seven-day retreat prior to taking a thirty-day retreat although exceptions may be granted for special needs. You also need to have taken refuge and progressed with your “Four Preliminary Practices” as well as mastered D01(A)-Supreme & Magnificent Dharma, D02(A)-Suffering, D02.1(A)-Good Fortune & Wisdom, D03(A)-Impermanence, D03.1(A)-Buddha Dharma, D06(A)-Main and Preliminary Practices, D12(A)-Twenty Dharmas, D13(A)-Cutting-off Attachment to Self, D22(A)-Dharma Lineage, D35(A)-128 Evil & Erroneous Views, D44-Esoteric Dharma, DCB12-The Dharma of Cultivation, DCB21-26-Expounding the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra, DCB35-Learning from Buddha, P10-The Great Dharma of Zen Practice, P01-Introduction to the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation, P02X-Practice of the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation, and a R95(A)-Retreat.

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