You are here: SI Home Page > Teaching Programmes >

The Madhyamakavatara Chandrakirti's Entering the Middle Way The third in a series of annual teachings on one of buddhism's key philosophical expositions with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche Participants: please see study recommendations below.

The teaching Beyond speech, thought, and description: Prajnaparamita, Unborn and unending, like the essence of space- You are the scope of our own individual wisdom. I bow to you, mother of all buddhas, past, present, and future. From the Prajnaparamita Sutra Siddhartha's Intent--Western Door is pleased to announce the third installment of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's teaching on the Madhyamakavatara, August 19-28, 2005. Out of his measureless compassion, the Buddha taught us how to free ourselves from suffering. Although our true nature is wisdom, we ignore this innate pure nature and, out of ignorance, create our own painful universe of confused experiences--samsara. The Buddha taught that while all these experiences appear as solid due to a series of conditions, in reality they are empty of any true existence, like the empty appearances in a dream. The great masters Nagarjuna and Chandrakirti, made the Buddha's teachings on this emptiness nature accessible in their philosophy known as The Middle Way, or Madhyamika. While the ultimate goal of Madhyamika is to introduce us to a simplicity that then needs to be experienced, the study of Madhyamika is a provocative challenge of ideas, beliefs, and philosophies. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche encourages a secular attitude in joining this session of studies. As before, the teaching will require concentrated study, but it will also be a delightful opportunity to challenge and exchange ideas as Rinpoche is known for his personal and humorous rapport with the audience. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche will be continuing this teaching for a total of four years.
Overview & Schedule		The Madhyamakavatara, Chandrakirti's Entering the Middle Way, is one of the key philosophical expositions of emptiness, and its study has been an essential part of Buddhist training in Tibet for many centuries. Though not very long, the text contains complex and subtle arguments in a condensed form. August 19, 2005 7PM-9PM: First teaching August 20-28, 2005 9AM-12:30PM Teachings 2PM-4PM Review Sessions Rinpoche strongly recommends that students attend every class. We regret that we are unable to accommodate children during this program.
Study Materials		Introduction to the Middle Way: Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara with Commentary by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche. Required. This 461 page text is based on Rinpoche's teachings in the Dordogne, France 1996-2000. Please remember to bring this text that was distributed by the Khyentse Foundation in June 2003. No replacement copy is available. The text is available in electronic format from The Khyentse Foundation. Introduction to the Middle Way: Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara translated by Padmakara Translation Group. Optional.
Venue		The teachings will take place at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA in the Golden Gate Room, Building A.
Registration		Registration is closed.
Accomodations		The teachings will be held at Fort Mason in the Marina district of San Francisco. While dormitories are not available, Hostelling International SF Fisherman's Wharf is a few minutes walk from the venue and can accommodate those who would prefer to prepare their own meals. The rooms are very simple, with up to 10 bunk beds per room, but inexpensive. Because August is a very busy month in San Francisco, it is necessary to book beds at the hostel AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The hostel will fill up very quickly during this season. To view further information or make reservations, please go to http://www.sfhostel.org. SIWD has also reserved blocks of rooms at these hotels and motels. (You will need Adobe Acrobat to view or print this list). For those who live in the San Francisco bay area: Because many students travel from far away to receive teachings, Rinpoche has requested that Bay Area sangha members host other attendees. If you are able to do so, please email .
Cancellation Policy		A $25 fee will apply to all cancellations. We will be unable to issue tuition refunds after August 15th.

Back to Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's Teaching Schedule