The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Part I)
Buddhist Philosophy Online Course: Dharma Chakra Program
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Part I)
A 6-month weekly online course on the timeless authoritative manual for spiritual development in Mahayana Buddhism.
In this first cycle, His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche the 42nd Sakya Trizin will impart the precious teachings of the first six chapters of the Bodhisattvacharyavatara, composed by the eighth-century Mahasiddha Shantideva and cherished for centuries by all the great lamas of Tibet. To accompany your learning, Venerable Khenpo Jordan will provide monthly live Q&A review sessions online and in English.
🗓️ Starts on 20 of September 2025
🧑🏽💻 Online
About the interactive online course, The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life
Through its elegant and evocative verses, Shantideva reveals to us:
✨ The nature of bodhichitta: what it is, how to generate it, and the extraordinary benefits it brings to our spiritual practice.
✨ The three essential principles to cultivate genuine ethical conduct: heedfulness, vigilance, and mindfulness.
✨ A thorough presentation of the philosophy and methods to cultivate patience amid the challenges of everyday life and spiritual growth.
Each lesson cuts to the heart of the most essential Mahayana teachings, offering practical guidance as well as the philosophical depth necessary to advance on the Bodhisattva’s path.
Who was Shantideva?
Shantideva (8th century) was a distinguished yogi and scholar from northern India, whose life and teachings left an indelible mark on the Buddhist tradition. Trained at the prestigious Nalanda University, he achieved profound spiritual realizations, and under the guidance of Mañyushri, the Buddha of Wisdom, he composed his masterpiece: The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life. This work quickly transcended borders and became a fundamental reference in both India and Tibet, inspiring generations of lamas and practitioners. Shantideva’s canonical masterpiece offers us a comprehensive manual to live a life of fulfillment, altruism, and commitment to spiritual values.
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is part of the Dharma Chakra Program.
The Dharma Chakra Program is a five-year training led by His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin.
His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, the 42nd Sakya Trizin
His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, a throne-holder of the Sakya Tradition and one of the most revered Buddhist masters, will teach us the key elements of the philosophy and practice of the Bodhisattva. His Holiness will elucidate the classical treatises with his customary precision and profound knowledge. His transmission of the Dharma with humility, warmth, and authenticity has earned him the affection and admiration of students and masters alike.
This course is the essential gateway to the heart of Dharma usually reserved only for monastic universities or shedra programs. The Dharma Chakra Program is an open invitation to all who wish to embark on a four-year long deep-dive into the essential canon of the Mahayana teachings under the instruction and guidance of one of the greatest living masters in Tibetan Buddhism. >> More infornation
“If I understand anything about compassion and the Bodhisattva path, it is entirely due to the text of Shantideva.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
What does this interactive course include and how to participate?
• You will receive weekly online teachings given in English by H.H. the Sakya Trizin 42 in high-quality video format with subtitles.
• Downloadable audio files of each teachings.
• Exclusive access to a monthly online live Q&A session with the esteemed master Venerable Khenpo Jordan, who will review the course material of that month and attend to your questions.
Thanks to the generosity of our holy teachers, you can register for this course for free here.
About Ven. Khenpo Jordan
Khenpo Dr. Ngawang Jorden is one of the most learned masters in the Sakya tradition. Born in 1956, he began his monastic education at the Sa-Ngor-Choe-Tshok monastery at the age of 14. He studied Buddhist philosophy with Khenpo Lodro Zangpo and Khenchen Appey Rinpoche, earning a degree in Buddhist Studies. He taught at Sakya College and later completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies at Harvard University. He also served as a professor at the University of Chicago. In 2009, he became the director of the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu, where he continues to teach Dharma and work on translations to this days.
Do you have any other questions?
Contact us: info@sachenfoundation.org