Tuesdays, 7:00—8:30 PM (February 11 – April 1, 2025)
Online & In-Person at the Nyingma Institute
The Bodhisattva path “offers a precise and effective response to the dynamic blend of chaos, confusion, and bright intelligence that characterizes our times,” the Introduction to Dharma Publishing’s translation of Zhechen Gyaltsab’s Path of Heroes states. This Tibetan book was written in the first part of the 20th century as a summary and commentary on the Mahayana path. It incorporates many teachings of the Mahayana in presenting a path of self-mastery. In this term we will cover such topics as the preliminary practices of meditation, the training in the four thoughts that turn the mind to the Dharma, the development of bodhicitta, exchanging self and other, and making self-mastery your way of life. The Path of Heroes is an excellent introduction to the fundamental concepts of the Mahayana, and Tarthang Tulku’s introductory essays to each section are the basis of this superb, accessible program of essential practices for developing a bodhisattva way of life in the 21st century. Open to all those with an interest in understanding the Mahayana path in Buddhism and engaging its teachings. One Saturday workshop elaborating the Four Thoughts that turn the Mind to the Dharma is also part of this class.
Note: This course represents the first half of a comprehensive four-month program. To support your practice, we offer two components: this main class and an optional daily practice component with separate tuition.
Instructors: Mark Henderson and Hugh Joswick.
