The Ornament of the Mahāyāna Sūtras

By Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen

English translation: Inka Wolf
Dutch translation: Antje Steenhuizen

A long-term course with explanations of a classical text, covering all major topics of Buddhism. This is weekend 10. The total number of weekends is not yet known.

The text “The Ornament of Mahayana Sutras” (Mahāyāna Sūtrālamkāra kārikā) is one of the five great texts of Buddha Maitreya as passed on to Asaṅga. (4th century) These five texts describe and explain all the profound and comprehensive topics of Buddhist teachings.

'The Ornament of Mahayana Sutras' is a presentation and summary of all topics in the Mahāyāna sutras such as motivation, meditation, behavior, and result on the Bodhisattva path. The basic text includes twenty-two chapters with a total of 800 verses. Among other things, the text covers:

• The reasons that demonstrate that the Mahāyāna teachings are valid, and that they are the teachings of the Buddha.
• The reasons why the Mahāyāna is superior to the “humble vehicle” in order to generate enthusiasm for the vast vision of the Bodhisattva path.
• The meaning of the core concepts of the philosophy of the Mahāyāna.
• A description of the state of perfected complete enlightenment and the practices that lead to enlightenment.

Because this is a classical Indian text and it is written in verse form, the meaning is not always immediately accessible. But through Geshe la's explanations we will be able to acquire a complete and detailed picture of Mahāyāna Buddhism, in both theory and practice. Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen's detailed and lively explanations, supplemented by the oral instructions of the lineage and his own deep experience, will explain the various topics with crystal clarity.

This classic text is part of the curriculum of Tibetan monasteries. It has never before been taught in the Maitreya Institute, and as far as we can ascertain has certainly never been commented on in Dutch. It will be a valuable deepening for anyone interested in the Lam Rim. The basic text is available in English.

These weekend courses include lodging, vegetarian meals, linen and a towel. On Friday evening there is a soup and bread meal at 6:30 p.m. for those who wish.

The weekends can be attended both online and live in Loenen. 

Minimum contribution: € 140, (Online 50%) For the online classes, a zoom link will be sent to you by email a few days before the start.