Nitartha Institute: Why Attend?


		Questions & Answers

Questions & Answers

Isn’t Nitartha primarily for advanced students or those who are really into studying?

The program at Nitartha is of benefit to any practitioner, new or experienced. Newer students can quickly gain a thorough grounding in the path, thus enhancing their future practice. Experienced practitioners and dharma teachers can open their minds and bring fresh insights into their practice in ways they haven’t experienced before.

Won’t studying all these concepts get in the way of understanding non-conceptual mind and opening my heart?

No one can simply jump into the unconditional state. In-depth study helps the practitioner understand the practicalities of how to realize non-concept, and how not to get lost in the clever side-tracks ego continuously presents. Concepts are essential for the student who is serious about going beyond concept. “Without concepts it is impossible to understand the non-conceptual state.” (Nagarjuna)

I heard that Nitartha is a whole month. I just don't have that kind of time.

There is a 9 Day Program in the spring that is equivalent to one two-week session at the Summer Program. One can do only 9 Day Programs, single sessions at the Summer Program or both. Though the Summer Program lasts a month in total it is based on 2 two-week sessions. One can come to the first two-week session and then come back to the second two-week session the following year. It is not necessary to come to the entire month.

Didn't I miss the boat by not starting earlier?

Although the Institute has been in operation since 1996, it is designed to function as an ongoing learning institution. Every year multiple tracks are offered which always include a first-year foundation track for students new to Nitartha. Likewise, returning students go into tracks that follow on their previous session(s) at Nitartha. In addition, Ponlop Rinpoche or other acharyas teach a new main topic each year which is open to all students.

I don’t think I can do debate. It brings back bad memories of school.

All students take Clear Thinking, courses designed to refine a student’s precision and understanding of how to work skillfully with conceptual refence points. But only Comprehensive Program students learn debate, it is not part of the Core Program curriculum. For Comprehensive students, debate is very gentle and quite do-able. It is actually a verbal form of analytical meditation and as such is very different from what one may have encountered previously.

Students work in teams and support each other in discovering hidden areas of unknowing, a provocative discovery in itself. By looking at unexamined assumptions one resolves what is true and what is not, and gradually discovers a more accurate and compassionate relationship with reality.