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Madhyamikavatara
Entering the Middle Way

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche 

The third in a series of
teachings on Chandrakirti’s famous philosophical text
at the Centre d’Etudes de Chanteloube, Dordogne, France. 
Teaching in English translated into French.

At the heart of Buddhist thought and practice is the notion of emptiness. This subject, by its very nature, evades intellectual understanding. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's subject will be one of the key philosophical expositions of emptiness, the sixth century Indian scholar Chandrakirti’s  "Entering the Middle Way". 

The text explores the subtle relationship between emptiness, compassion and Bodhicitta which enables one to become a Bodhisattva. It is a tremendous opportunity to have Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, one of the most brilliant modern exponents of Buddhism, to bring it within our grasp. 

A study of this work has been an essential part of Buddhist training in Tibet for many centuries. Though not very long, it contains complex and subtle arguments in a condensed form. The course will be similar to a class in a university: students will be expected to read the root verses beforehand, to take notes, and reread what has been studied each day.

Rinpoche began his explanation in 1996, with the intention that it should continue over a period of four or five years. In 1997 he was in retreat, but he able to continue last summer. Consequently, this is the third year of his teachings. He thinks we may not understand that much at first and strongly recommends us to follow the entire course in order to acquire a real grasp of the subject. 

It is for this reason that, like last year, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has announced certain requirements for attending his teaching in July and August 1999 : 

Aware that a number of people who did not attend in 1996 or 1998 were nonetheless very keen to follow his teaching, Rinpoche has asked Chanteloube to organise a revision course, which might also be useful for students who attended previously : 

The teaching will be open only to: 
1) students who attended his teaching in 1996 and 1998 
2) students who have taken part in the revision session, which will be organized from 24 to 27 July 1999. 

24 - 27 JULY 1999 REVISION of the teachings on Entering into the Middle Way given by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche in 1996 and 1998. In English and French, led by the members of the Padmakara Translation Group.

COST of teachings only: 
1) Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche:  Entire programme: 1 500 French Francs 
2) Revision:  Entire programme: 240 French Francs 

VENUE 
La Sonnerie, St Leon sur Vezere, Dordogne, France. 
Railway stations: Les Eyzies de Tayac (15 Km), Brive (50 Km ), Perigueux (45 Km) 
Airport: Bordeaux (150 Km) 

ACCOMMODATION 
Due to the three year retreat, no accomodation will be available in Chanteloube. 

MEALS 
Lunch available on site.

For information and reservation:
Association du Centre d’Etudes de Chanteloube
La Bicanderie
24290 St-Léon-sur-Vézère
France 
Tel: 33 (0)5 53 50 75 24 
Fax: 33 (0)5 53 51 02 44 
E-mail : Chanteloube@wanadoo.fr 
Office hours: 10 AM - 12 PM Monday to Friday