Institute's Sacred Instructions

Guru Rinpoche's Teaching

Study diligently at the master's feet, be skilled in questioning and contemplating dharma, Master the three baskets and inner-outer tantric vehicles, attain proficiency in all vehicles. As all knowledge should be comprehended, master the study of the five sciences. When receiving others' respect, in times of abundance and gathering, Abandon pride and jealousy, refrain from acts of self-importance, Study with joy and speak kindly, interact well with dharmic beings, Abandon thoughts of sole understanding whilst others are confused, reject boastful and deceptive speech. In teaching whatever dharma one desires, towards one's guru and teachers, Show respect in body, speech and mind, make offerings of robes and sustenance. Do not slander dharma for fame, verify teachings with scholars. Avoid exaggeration for vainglory, let merit and dharma pervade all. Abandon disputes with dharma siblings, when gaining even slight merit, Avoid pride and selfishness, focus primarily on compassionate benefit of beings. Use the four immeasurables as armour, without taming oneself through dharma, How can one tame others' minds? One must be skilled in self-discipline.

From "Guru's Biography • Instructions of the Noble Teacher" These worldly and liberating instructions of Guru Rinpoche form the foundation. Supplemented by the twofold advice of Rongzom Pandita, Longchenpa, Ali Pandita, Mipham Rinpoche, and Rinzin Chengpo Rinpoche.

Academic Calendar and Course Structure

Term Dates

• Academic year commences in April
• Specific start dates will be announced prior to each academic year

Ten-Year Programme Structure:

1. Five-Year Undergraduate Course:
   • Year 1: Basic Buddhist knowledge, biographies, and Buddhist history
   • Years 2-4: Common vehicle studies
   • Year 5: Vajrayana studies
2. Four-Year Postgraduate Studies: Research and in-depth study of relevant scriptures and treatises
3. One-Year Vajrayana Practice: Study and intensive retreat practice

Study Materials

Based on Guru Rinpoche's "View Garland of Oral Instructions", primarily following works by Rongzom Pandita and Longchenpa, supplemented by their commentaries and writings of their lineage holders.

Primary Texts

• Works by Mipham Rinpoche
• Works by Rinzin Tsewang Norbu (Second Rinzin Chengpo)
• Works by Jigme Lingpa
• Commentaries by Patrul Rinpoche

Five Major Treatises

1. Valid Cognition
2. Ornament of Clear Realisation
3. Introduction to the Middle Way
4. Treasury of Knowledge
5. Treatise on Discipline

Supplementary Materials

• Longchenpa's Works:
  • Three Rests
  • Three Self-Liberations
  • Seven Treasuries
  • Four Heart Drops
• Rongzom Pandita's Works:
  • Entering the Mahayana
  • Extensive Commentary on Samaya
  • Four Commentaries and Fifteen Branches
• Mipham Rinpoche's Works:
  • Lamp of Definitive Understanding
  • Commentary on Wisdom Chapter: Clear Crystal
  • Explanations of the Five Sciences
  • Interpretations of Sutra and Tantra

Broad Learning

Educational Objectives

• Develop wise and responsible students
• Train protectors and promoters of religious cultural heritage
• Foster practitioners benefiting self and others

Scope of Study

• Core theories of Buddhism's three traditions (Theravada, Chinese, Tibetan)
• Essential viewpoints of Tibet's five schools (Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, Jonang, Gelug)
• Beneficial modern knowledge for humanity

Study Principles

1. In-Depth Focus: Specialising in Buddhism's three vehicles, particularly the Great Perfection approach, history, theoretical research and practical realisation.
2. Unity of View and Practice: Harmonising theory and practice, emphasising correct view while supporting it with virtuous conduct, ensuring learning never departs from good conduct and practice never strays from learned views.