MAITRIPA COLLEGE:
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Courses Offered Fall 2008
PHL306 Madhyamaka II: A Dose of Emptiness
Instructors: Yangsi Rinpoche, James Blumenthal, PhD
Tuesdays 7-9 pm
A continuation of Madhyamaka I class, in which the exploration and debate of the philosophy and practice of Madhyamaka, or the “
PHL316 Stages of Meditation: Kamalashila’s Gom Rim in Theory & Practice
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Wednesday 7-9 pm
Structured around readings of the root text Stages of Meditation by the 9th century Indian scholar-saint Kamalashila, and supplemented by traditional and modern commentaries, this class will explore the philosophical and practical elements of a Buddhist worldview. Particular focus will be given to Kamalashila’s unique presentation of the logical sequence of meditational practice a practitioner should undertake in order to attain freedom from suffering and enlightenment, and its application to our lives in the modern world today.
MDT306 Madhyamaka Meditation: Preparation for Vajrayana
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Saturday 10 am-12 noon
The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in Madhayamaka II. 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.
MDT316 Stages of Meditation: Theory & Practice
Instructor: Yangsi Rinpoche
Saturday 2 pm-4 pm
This class will be a workshop and practice class incorporating instruction, guided meditation, question and answer, and practice. The subject matter of this course will parallel the topics of Buddhist philosophy as taught in PHL316. 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.
TIB103 Intermediate Tibetan
Using examples and short selections from texts, students continue working with Tibetan grammar and syntax.
TIB105 Seminar in Tibetan Translation
Instructor: James Blumenthal, PhD
Thursday 7-9 pm
Advanced Tibetan translation seminar. Prerequisites: Beginning Tibetan I, Tibetan II, & Intermediate Tibetan, or Instructor permission.
CS006 & CS003 Community Service Practicum
Students engage with community service partners while developing their practice of service using structured reflection techniques and training methods specific to a Buddhist worldview. Includes development of practice components related to engaged Buddhist practice, examination of personal strengths and challenges, and exploration of relevant social justice issues.
Courses Offered Spring 2008
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
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.


