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Curriculum
| "I came to Nitartha to study and practice the dharma in a more complete way. Little did I know that learning the dharma would also mean letting go of how I learn, plus repeatedly coming face to face with my mind. Meet my expectations? Far more than I ever imagined." |
| Summer Program student |
The fundamental goal of Nitartha Institute is to provide students with a systematic foundation in the central teachings of the Buddhist tradition, as presented by the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages of Tibet. Though the focus of our curriculum is the Kagyü/Nyingma understanding of the dharma, the Institute upholds the importance of non-sectarianism and appreciation of the many forms of Buddhism and thus students of any background are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The curriculum is devoted to the in-depth study of the Buddhist view and to the contemplative practices through which students can engage these teachings and apply them to their experience. The Institute offers a month-long Summer Program, divided into two two-week sessions. Students may come to one or both of the two-week sessions (first-time students are strongly encouraged to come to Session 1 if only coming to one session). Or, students may also come to the 9 Day Spring Intensive, equivalent to Session 1 of the Summer Program.
The overall objective of the curriculum is to provide students with a thorough grounding in the view of the three vehicles of Hinayana, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Intensive study of the view and the accompanying contemplative practices bring both theoretical comprehension of the material and personal engagement.
The Buddhist path is traditionally described in terms of the three trainings: view, meditation, and conduct. All three elements mutually support each other, and all three are key elements of the Buddhist path. The Institute’s training focuses on the first two elements, view and practice, with the intent that these will subsequently strengthen right conduct.
“In-depth study helps us to think precisely about our path and our mind, and work precisely with our basic state of being. Meditation plays a key role in actualizing the path, but is in some sense limited to individual experience. Study has a manifestation that reaches out to other people, not only in this time and century, but throughout the centuries. So this knowledge that we develop, share and try to preserve for future generations has a very important role in transplanting Buddhadharma to this culture.”
The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
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