The Ewam Buddhist Institute is focused on imparting the comprehensive views of the three vehicles of Buddhism: the foundational vehicle (Hinayana), the Mahayana, and the Tantras (Vajrayana). Achieving an in-depth understanding of these three vehicles paves the way to the pinnacle of Tibetan Buddhist teaching, the great Dzogchen of Vajrayana. Taught by Ewam’s renowned faculty, Namchag KhenRinpoche, Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo, and Dorlop Chonyi Sangmo, the courses offered in Ewam’s Shedra program teach both the theory and practice of the entire Buddhist path.
The Shedra Program is suitable for those new to Buddhism wishing to learn more, or regular Buddhist practitioners looking to enhance their understanding of the practice and philosophy of the entire Buddhist path.
Shedra is a 5-year program, taught each July for 10-12 days per course. Courses are taught sequentially year-on-year, with the completion of each year requisite to continuing to the next.
Keeping the courses to an intensive, annual, shorter schedule makes the program accessible to more students worldwide, while at the same time, providing them with comprehensive teachings of the subject matter, and first-hand experience with Buddhist Philosophy. Practice instructions offered throughout the courses are an invaluable benefit to practitioners. For additional accessibility for students, this year's courses will be offered online or in person at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas in western Montana.
The Sutra courses (first three courses) are taught from the root text, Treasury of Precious Qualities by Jigme Lingpa. Upon completion of the sutra section and completing the pre-requisite practices (accumulations of Ngondro), students may apply to attend the Vajrayana portion of the program. The students of the Vajrayana classes will receive Mahayoga, Anuyoga, and Ati-yoga empowerments in accordance with canonical tradition. Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche will bestow the empowerments at the beginning of the Vajrayana Shedra.
For a brief history about Ewam's Shedra Program, and a message from it's founder, Tulku Sang-Ngag Rinpoche, follow the following link:
http://Ewam.org/ewam-buddhist-institute
Ewam will award the following two types of certificates upon graduation:
- Undergraduate certificate upon the completion of Sutra studies with a total of 18 credits.
- Graduate certificate upon the completion of both Sutra and Tantra studies with a total of 37 credits.
The following Syllabus includes all courses for the entire program, including extension courses. Please note that not all courses are offered each year. Please check the schedule following this Syllabus for 2024 class offerings.
SYLLABUS
Main Courses:
- First Course: General Outer Preliminaries
Course no: SUT101 (Credit: 5)
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities (Sutra) - Chapter 1- 5 - Second Course: The Extraordinary Inner Preliminaries I
Course no: SUT102 (Credit: 5)
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities (Sutra) - Chapter 6- 8 - Third Course: The Extraordinary Inner Preliminaries II
Course no: SUT103 (Credit: 5)
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities (Sutra) - Chapter 9 - Fourth Course: Vajrayana I
Course no: TAN104 (Credit: 5)
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities (Tantra) - Chapter 10
Prerequisites: completion of SUT 101-103 and Completion of Ngondro accumulations - Fifth Course: Vajrayana II (Great Perfection)
Course no: TAN105 (credit: 5)
Text: Treasury of Precious Qualities (Tantra) - Chapter 11- 13
Prerequisites: completion of SUT 101-103, TAN104, and Ngondro accumulations.
Extension Courses:
Extension courses are open to all. No prerequisites.
- Course Title: Guide to Ngondro Practices
Course no: NYON111 (Credit: 3)
Text: Namchak Ngondro Practices - Course Title: Analytical/Calm Abiding Meditation Course
Course no: MED112 (Credit: 3) - Course Title: Introduction to Vajrayana (Mahayana Practice)
Course no: VAJ113 (Credit: 3)
Texts:Guide to Ritual of Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes Sadhana, Treasury of Precious Qualities - Course Title: Introduction to Vajrayana
Course no: VAJ114 (Credit: 3)
Texts: Oral Instruction on Garland of Views by Guru Rinpoche, and Treasury of Precious Qualities
Total: 37 credits
Please note: Not all Shedra and Extension courses are offered each year. Refer to the current year’s program schedule.
(This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the class or unforeseen circumstances)
2024 Shedra Course Schedule:
Courses are 10 days class time, 1 day prep, last day exam
SUT101 - General Outer Preliminaries - 5 credits
Dates: 7/1/24 - 7/13/24 Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Instructor: Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo
Course Description: Teaches the general outer preliminaries of the four thoughts that turn the mind toward the dharma. The teaching includes the first five chapters of the root text.
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VAJ113 - Spontaneous Fulfillment of Wishes Sadhana - 3 credits
Dates: 7/01/24 - 7/12/2024 Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am & 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm daily
Instructor: Dorlop Choenyi Sangmo
Course Description: Instructions on the practices of visualization, mudra, mantras and rituals of inner Mahayana Sadhana. From the treasure book revealed by Namchak treasure revealer, Tsasum Lingpa.
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SUT102 - The Extraordinary Inner Preliminaries I - 5 credits
Dates: 7/15/24 - 7/26/2024 Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am & 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Dorlop Choenyi Sangmo
Course Description: An in-depth teaching on the extraordinary inner preliminaries of Refuge and Bodhicitta practices.
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VAJ114 - Oral Instruction Garland of Views I - 3 credits
Dates: 7/15/24 - 7/26/2024 Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Instructor: Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo
Course Description: This course will introduce the view, meditation and conduct of all nine vehicles of Sutra and Vajrayana in detail.
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MED112 - Analytical/Calm Abiding Meditation - 3 credits
Dates: 7/01/24 - 7/10/2024 and 7/15/24 - 7/24/24 Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Jetsunma Jamyang Palmo
Course Description: The practice of sitting meditation is aimed at gaining concentration and understanding. We will have group discussions about the topics of the course, in addition to the meditation instructions. MED112 will be taught twice during this summer to coincide with the SUT schedules. Students can chose which dates work best for them.
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Tuition
$500 per course - In person or online via Zoom
Lodging and meal programs are available. Details will be included during the registration process. Registration will open in March and remain open until June 20.
To sign up to receive all updates including the link to registration, please subscribe below https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/CMHpNQX/Shedra2024