Year One -- Gradual Path to Enlightenment -- Lam Rim
Year Two -- Mind Training in Buddhism --Lo Jong
Year Three -- Mind in Tibetan Buddhism -- Lo Rig
Year Four -- Buddha Nature -- Mahayana Uttara Tantra
Year Five -- Prajna Paramita
Year Six -- Abidharma
Year Seven -- Tantra

This year, October 2001, we are studying Buddha Nature, using texts transcribed from Rinpoche's teachings on Uttara Tantra Sastra, that he gave over two summers in Vancouver, B.C.

Here is some advice on how to conduct the course, from Cyndy Roomy, US&T coordinator: 

"This portion of the course will be completed in two years. The study time is divided into three parts of approximately 45 minutes each:  meditation, contemplation of the reading, and group sharing. 

READING PORTION: 
"The readings are approximately 45 minutes in length. These teachings were given from beginning to end of the Uttara Tantra Sastra. Rinpoche gave those teachings over two summers. 

MEDITATION PORTION: 
"If possible, Rinpoche suggests the meditations be related to the day's reading.  45 minutes of meditation can of course include time for inner contemplations or time for applications of parts of the readings, perhaps being re-read.  Also, if you prefer to have mindfulness of breathing or resting in present moment awareness -- really up to you. 

GROUP SHARING PORTION: 
"For the third component - group sharing.  Lama Tzong Khapa really stresses the value of group study in his Lam Rim Chen Mo.  He says that we have the potential to gain so much more in group than through individual study.  The value is to be able to learn to express one's inner wisdom.  By articulating we learn what we know or think we know, etc. 
One of the original ideas of US&T was to get away from passive learning. Presenting topics to discuss, clarify, review, restate, etc. from the readings help. We try to get away from just socializing or ONLY talking about personal problems; rather, the attempt is to have people have the opportunity to deepen the Dharma as presented that day. 
Rinpoche had suggested, for example, one good technique from the Tibetan system which is as follows for three or more participants.  One person presents the topic as a "valid cognition" or as the topic worthy to be contemplated (hopefully from that day's topics). That person, in other words may take a topic:  "Buddha Nature is the potential I have to be enlightened. It is that sublime radiance, albeit obscured, which is always with me." Now, the second person's job is to deepen the first person's direct experience of that statement.  She may probe, deepen through questions, etc - but that second person is not to confront, blame, criticize. For example, one may ask:  "If you (the first person), really believed what you say, how would that effect your mind?" 
Depending on how the conversation goes, another question might be how to apply that effect into one's formal practice or daily life.  The third person or persons are witnesses to the process between the two.  If the questioner (2nd person) get stuck and asks for assistance, maybe the witnesses can help to further deepen the experience.  Then, all change after a set time so everyone gets a chance. 
This is a great exercise, thanks, Rinpoche." 

Each Sunday at 10:45 a.m., we cover a portion of the text and have discussion, questions, maybe even debate! We then conclude with meditation on the text.

Those who complete a year of study may choose to be tested and receive a certificate of completion. 

Buddha Nature Class Schedule as yet to be determined.

Read Rinpoche's Teachings on last year's studies

Here are our notes from the last three years of our studies as well as recommended titles and websites.