Shedra Study College
Inspired by the vision of Sogyal Rinpoche and the achievements of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards.
The main Shedra programme takes place at the beginning of each year in the Palyul Retreat Centre in Pharping, Nepal, under the guidance of Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, one of the leading Khenpos of the Nyingma tradition.
Inspired by the vision of Sogyal Rinpoche and the achievements of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, such as Nalanda in India, Shri Singha shedra at Dzogchen Monastery, Kham-jé at Dzongsar and more recently, Larung Gar, established by the great Khen Rinpoche Jikmé Phuntsok, the Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards.
The main Shedra programme takes place at the beginning of each year in the Palyul Retreat Centre in Pharping, Nepal, under the guidance of Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche, one of the leading Khenpos of the Nyingma tradition. It is based on traditional proven methods of the unbroken lineage of learning and realisation dating back to ancient India, and encourages not only formal study, but also deeper integration of the teachings through contemplation and meditation.
For those students with less time, we have developed weekly online courses, in which the highlights of Buddhist classical texts are taught. This way students can still experience what it’s like to study a classical text. Other weekly courses are topic based, such as a course on the Ten Yanas in the Nyingma tradition.
Inspired by the vision of great centres of buddhist learning from the past, the Rigpa Shedra seeks to provide a thorough and comprehensive Dharma education of the very highest standards.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to support the needs of the wider Rigpa Sangha, and to complement the teachings and courses offered in Rigpa centres throughout the world. We also welcome students from other sanghas who wish to immerse themselves in the study of the classical Buddhist texts.
The curriculum features the most important writings of the great Indian and Tibetan masters, including works on both sutra and tantra. Each year’s programme is chosen in consultation with Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche. Students can come for one or more years to study texts of their interest and according to the level of their path.
For those students with less time, we have developed weekly online courses, in which the highlights of Buddhist classical texts are taught. This way students can still have an experience of what it’s like to study a classical text.
The Rigpa Shedra is open to all students wishing to deepen their understanding of the Dharma. The Shedra team reviews all the applications for joining the programme to support students in chosing studies according to their level of experience.
Study Texts
The following are the main texts taught in Rigpa Shedra, offering a firm grounding in the classical Buddhist texts.
A
1st Sutra Studies
A1
The Way of the Bodhisattva
A2
The Gateway to Knowledge
A3
The Ornament of the Middle Way
B
2nd Sutra Studies
B1
The Ornament of Clear Realisation
B2
Introduction to the Middle Way
B3
The Sublime Continuum
C
3rd Sutra Studies
C1
Luminous Essence
Ösel Nyingpo – Mipham Rinpoche’s commentary on the Guhyagarbha-tantra
C2
Key to the Precious Treasury
Dzökyi Demig – Dodrupchen III’s commentary on the Guhyagarbha-tantra
C3
Dzogchen text by
Teachers
The teachers providing commentary on these texts are highly qualified khenpos and lopöns. Additional teachings and guidance are also sought from many of the lamas connected with the Rigpa sangha. Several texts, such as the Bodhicharyavatara, are taught by Western Shedra teachers who have been following the Rigpa Shedra and/or other classical textual study programme(s) for many years.
The main teaching sessions are complemented with mandatory review sessions, held by a Rigpa Shedra Teacher or facilitator.
Tibetan Language Study
In addition to studying the most important classical writings, students in Nepal have the option to study the Tibetan language. Learning the basics of the Tibetan language will allow them to read their practice texts directly in Tibetan. Going deeper, students can find that learning Tibetan will offer the key to understanding the original, nuanced meaning of one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist scriptures, a depth often lost in translation.
Study With Us
Study at the Rigpa Shedra is based on traditional proven methods of the unbroken lineage of learning and realisation dating back to ancient India, and encourages not only formal study, but also deeper integration of the teachings through contemplation and meditation.
Students can come for one or more years to study texts of their interest and according to the level of their path. The Shedra team reviews all applications and supports students in choosing studies according to their level of experience.
