Dharma Chakra Program
Extended Study Program on the Essentials of Classical Buddhist Philosophy
About the Program
From the Buddhist perspective, engaging in the progressive steps of study, contemplation, and meditation acquaints us with wisdom, empowering us with the potential to become great practitioners. The Dharma Chakra Program (DCP) is designed to provide the indispensable elements of the philosophical tradition in a succinct manner. This program is an extraordinary opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the main tenets of classical Buddhist philosophy through one of the most esteemed erudites of our time, His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.
This extended study program provides the everyday practitioner in the modern world with rare access to the essence of Mahayana philosophy through an unbroken lineage, a privilege traditionally available only in monastic universities.
What You’ll Learn
Year 1 (2024): Abhidharma
Year 2 (2025): Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 1 – 6
Year 3 (2026): Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 7 – 10
Year 4 (2027): Madhyamaka
Year 5 (2028): Uttaratantra
About the teacher
His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, is one of the primary holders of the Sakya Tradition. From his earliest childhood, His Holiness received extensive philosophical and meditative training from his noble father, H.H. Gongma Trichen, as well as under the personal guidance of numerous renowned Tibetan masters.
Today, His Holiness is dedicated to tirelessly transmitting the treasure of teachings and meditations of the Sakya lineage to a whole new generation of practitioners, both lay and monastic, with humility, warmth, and naturalness that have earned him the affection and admiration of students and teachers alike.
Who Should Enroll
This program welcomes anyone interested in learning, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.
Program Format
• Self-study online course beginning in September each year with new lessons each week over the course of six months.
• Students can participate at their own pace or follow the suggested one lesson per week.
• Participants can take the program free of charge through Sachen Foundation’s online learning platform.
• A new course will be offered each year online in English, Chinese, and Spanish.
Dates
Registration for the first-year course, Abhidharma, begins May 23, 2024.
The first course, Abhidharma, will begin September 21, 2024 (Saturday).
The online-only program begins in 2024 and runs through 2028.
Cost
There is no fee for the entire program. However, donations are welcome to support the continuation and expansion of Dharma programs.
Enrollment
Join Us Today
Embark on a journey of learning and understanding classical and fundamental Buddhist philosophy studies beyond the traditional setting. Enroll now to begin your path to liberation and awakening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the course cost?
A: The course is offered free of charge with an optional donation.
Q: Do I need to participate in prior years in order to enroll in subsequent years?
A: It is highly recommended that you take all courses in their intended order, but this is not a strict requirement.
Q: Are their prerequisites?
A: No, there are no prerequisites for this program.
Q: What language will His Holiness teach in?
A: His Holiness will teach in English and offer subtitles and translated study material in Spanish and Chinese for all lessons and courses.
Q: How can I enroll?
A: Please choose Enroll in English, 中文報名鏈接, or ver el curso en Español.
Q: Can I sign up as a group?
A: Absolutely! We encourage anyone who is able to take the course with others to do so as participants in groups often are able to extract the most benefit.