Maitripa Institute

Courses Offered Spring 2008 by Maitripa Institute's Advanced Buddhist Studies Program

PHL305 - Madhyamaka I
Yangsi Rinpoche
An overview and in-depth introduction to the heart of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the philosophy and practice of Madhyamaka, or the “Middle Way,” as presented by the renowned Indian Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna and his Indian and Tibetan commentators. Primary readings for this course include Lama Tsongkhapa’s Essence of Eloquence (Lekshé Nyingpo) and its sources. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in MDT305 Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka in conjunction with this class.

PHL315 - Buddhist Psychology
Yangsi Rinpoche
An introduction to the study of the mind as presented by Buddhist philosophical sources and commentators. This course includes presentation of lo rig, or mind and mental factors, as taught in the traditional monastic curriculum, as well as in-depth analysis and discussion of the classical distortions of the mind, the mental afflictions, their antidotes, perceptions of reality, and the relationship between mind and its object.

MDT305 – Techniques of Meditation: Madhayamaka
Yangsi Rinpoche
The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Madhayamaka I. The course will be taught in an interactive format, allowing students the opportunity to learn specific meditations as directed by the instructor, practice them, and discuss their experiences in class. Part of this class will include regular meditation sessions out of class, the keeping of a sitting journal, and the opportunity for objective discussion on the effect of these practices on the individual’s mind. If desired, the committed student will have the opportunity to work with the instructor to design a personal meditation practice.

MDT320 – Meditation on Calming the Mind
Yangsi Rinpoche
This class will be a workshop and practice class incorporating instruction, guided meditation, question and answer, and practice. It is designed to give the student a basis in the practice and theory of the meditative practice of calming the mind (shamatha, shiné). Students will receive meditation instruction on the practice, as well advice on the pitfalls and challenges of calming the mind practice, practical advice on its application to everyday life, and personal meditation instruction. Sitting practice will be included in class time.

THE ADVANCED BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAM
PORTLAND, OREGON: SPRING SEMESTER 2008

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 22, 2008: Spring 2008 Semester Begins
February 29 - March 14: Spring Break (no class)
April 15: Deadline for application for Fall Semester
May 25: Spring Semester End

SPRING 2008 COURSE SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Course #
Course Name
Offered
Credits
Instructor

PHL305 Madhyamaka I
Wednesdays 7-9 pm
2
PHL315 Buddhist Psychology
Tuesdays 7-9 pm
2
MDT305 Techniques of Meditation: Madhyamaka
Saturdays 10 am-12 noon
2
MDT320 Meditation on Calming the Mind
Saturdays 1-3 pm
2
TIB302 Beginning Tibetan II
Fridays 2-4 pm
2
TIB305 Advanced Tibetan: Translation Seminar
Mondays 7-9 pm
2
PHL450 Theories and Research Methods
Thursdays 7-9
(1st 8 weeks of
semester only)

1
CS002 Community Service: Practicum (Second semester students)
tba
1
CS005
Community Service: Practicum (Advanced Students)
tba
1

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