| "Incredible. It's a study program but at times felt like a retreat. It surpassed my expectations." |
| Summer Program student |
WWU is about one hour and 30 minutes from Seattle and Nalanda West, North American seat of The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, our Spiritual Director.There are shuttles available direct from Seatac airport to WWU, about 2 to 2 ½ hours, depending on traffic.
The facility at Western Washington is secluded and beautiful, perfect for the Nitartha program. The area has grand forests, mountains and ocean all within easy driving distance.
For all summer sessions, an optional main course is offered to all students that may be drawn from any of the Foundation, Intermediate, or Advanced material. In 2009, for the main course Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen will teach on the difficult points of Lorik as taught by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, using portions of the 7th Karmapa's Ocean of Texts on Reasoning.
Most courses are taught six days a week, for a total of twelve classes over a two-week session. Supporting discussion, debate and analytical meditation groups bring the subject matter to the laboratory of experience. These not only allow students to probe more deeply into their understanding but also provide a forum for the sharing of insight amongst the students.
There are two two-week sessions each summer, designated as Session 1 and Session 2. The curriculum is modular and designed so that students can attend one two-week session annually. For example, if a student takes Session 1 courses one year, s/he can return the next year and attend the Session 2 courses. One can also go on to complete subsequent sessions after first completing one or more of the 9 Day Program. For example, one may do Module 1 at a 9 Day Program and then complete Module 2 at the Summer Program.
First-time students will take Mind & Its World I and Clear Thinking I, in addition to the optional main course. Returning students will re-enter at their level of the curriculum. For course descriptions please click here.
