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The Madhyamakavatara

Chandrakirti's Entering the Middle Way

The first in a series of annual teachings on one of buddhism's key philosophical expositions with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Please note that registration for this program is now closed.
Participants: please see study recommendations below.


Recently Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche asked us to publicize a brief message from him regarding two teaching series he will be beginning this summer:

"All those interested in the teaching and commentary on the Madhyamakavatara (to be held in San Francisco, USA) and Uttaratantra (to be held in Dordogne, France), should be advised that I will be presenting these programs over several years, beginning this year. I do not want anyone to put off attending these teachings now in the hope that they might be offered again in such an extensive fashion at some future date."

Therefore, due to the large interest in the San Francisco teachings, Rinpoche has decided to expand the number of participants and registration is now open again.

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

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 confusion, samsara. The Buddha taught that while all our experiences appear as solid due to a series of conditions, in reality they are empty of any true existence, like the appearances in a dream. The great masters Nagarjuna and Chandrakirti, made these teachings of the Buddha 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 investigation of ideas, beliefs, and philosophies. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has taught this text in a western context twice already, and encourages a secular attitude in joining this session of studies. 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 teaching this text over the next four or five years. Because of the gradual progression of the topics, it is imperative that students attend from the very beginning. To facilitate preparation for those wishing to attend, if you are interested and let us know, we can send you a transcript of one Rinpoche's previous teachings on this text free of cost, once you have registered. Otherwise, it will be given to all participants at the teaching venue. Also recommend for prior study: Introduction to the Middle Way, Shambhala Publications.
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. Rinpoche also noted that these teachings are not essential for practice.

The class will be similar to a university course. The teaching series will continue over four to five years. Please note that this session is a prerequisite for the following four years' teachings. Rinpoche will teach for 3-4 hours each morning, and students will be expected to read the root verses beforehand, take notes, and review what has been studied each day. Optional study groups will be conducted in the afternoons. The subject matter is progressive and intricate therefore, Rinpoche strongly recommends that students attend every class. Those who miss more than three days of instruction during a session, will not find it fruitful to continue and need not return.

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. This 461 page text is based on Rinpoche's teachings in the Dordogne, France 1996-2000. It is available from the Khyentse Foundation. Participants are highly encouraged to study in advance the first year's material from this text.
  • Introduction to the Middle Way: Chandrakirti's Madhyamakavatara translated by Padmakara Translation Group
     

Venue
 
The teachings will take place at Seven Hills Conference Center, San Francisco State University, 800 Font Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132.
 

Program Cost
&Registration
 
The number of participants is limited. PLEASE NOTE THAT PRE-REGISTRATION IS AN ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESERVE A SPACE FOR ANYONE UNTIL REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND PAYMENT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. The cost of the program is $500. To register, please send your contact information including name, mailing address, email address, phone and fax numbers to:

Anne Meehan
P.O. Box 467 Aptos,
CA 95001-0467

Please include US dollar check or money order made payable to Siddhartha's Intent--Western Door.

If you are planning to participate in this program, we urge you to complete your paperwork early as space is still limited.

Upon completion of registration, the root text, and a transcription of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's previous Madhyamika teachings in France will be sent to you by e-mail enabling you to study the teachings beforehand.

If your e-mail or mailing address changes, you can update your contact information online. Please contact SIWD at WesternDoor@siddharthasintent.org or (213) 739-0246 if you do not receive a confirmation packet by May 15.
 

Accomodations
 
Reasonably priced dormitory accommodations adjacent to the venue, which include breakfast, ($29.50/per person double and $52.50/single plus tax) are available.

Dormitory accommodations can be obtained by typing "Dormitory" in the subject line of an e-mail and sending it to WesternDoor@siddharthasintent.org, or by phone/fax at (213) 739-0246. All dormitory rooms need to be reserved and paid for not later than May 12, 2003. DORM RESERVATIONS CANNOT BE MODIFIED NOR CAN PAYMENTS BE REFUNDED AFTER MAY 12, 2003.

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 Kathryn at WesternDoor@siddharthasintent.org.