Developing Method & Wisdom Series

Taught by Geshe Sonam Ngodrup, with translation from Tibetan to English by Venerable Khedrup

Only online!

Introduction of the teachings

Every season Geshela will be teaching on different root texts emphasizing both the method & wisdom side. In Buddhism, the two wings of the bird symbolize method (compassionate action) and wisdom (the insight into the true nature of reality). Just as a bird needs both wings to fly, a practitioner needs both method and wisdom together to progress toward enlightenment.

Method - Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun

This text is a practical guide to lojong, or mind training, teachings that use contemplative practices to transform difficulties into the path of awakening. Like the rays of the sun that nourish all life, these teachings illuminate how to cultivate compassion, reduce self-centeredness, and develop a wise, open heart in everyday life.

Wisdom – A Discussion Between Self-Grasping and Wisdom Realizing Emptiness

This illuminating text that presents a dialogue between two contrasting voices within the mind: Self-Grasping, which clings to the inherent existence of phenomena, and Wisdom Realizing Emptiness, which understands their lack of true, independent nature. Through their debate, the book vividly illustrates how attachment to self and phenomena fuels suffering and how the insight into emptiness undermines this mistaken perception. By personifying these opposing forces, the work makes the subtle teachings of Madhyamaka philosophy more accessible, guiding practitioners to recognize and eventually uproot the deep-seated habit of self-grasping that obscures the true nature of reality.. Click here for the text. 

Your teacher – Geshe Sonam Ngodrup 

Geshe la is a very experienced and highly talented Buddhist teacher and is praised for his lively teachings where he explains in clear and simple language profound Buddhist topics. He has been fully ordained already at the age of 21. He has been a well-loved teacher for a number of Monasteries in Asia. He has been teaching in the west since 2011 at e.g. Nalanda in France and our center. His vast scriptural knowledge is tempered by a naturally humble nature and profound non-sectarian approach to the study of the teachings. For years already, his teachings are translated by his interpreter Ven. Khedrup. In 2019, Geshe la is the resident teacher at the Buddhist center Lama Yeshe Ling in Canada. He will be supported by his long-term translator the Canadian monk, Ven. Khedrup. 

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to follow Geshe Sonam Ngodrup teachings. He is very knowledgeable and yet so humble. His emphasis on joy and happiness, on the positive side of the path is what inspires me most of all. The dynamic with his translator, Ven. Khedrup is light and easy-going and they are able to make one feel connected, both to them and to the teachings.” – Long time student at Maitreya Amsterdam

Student’s interests & profile

• The lessons are suitable both for starting and advanced practitioners.
• To be able to explore profound Buddhist wisdom & insights explained in a clear and accessible way.
• To be able to learn from a Tibetan Geshe – In the monastic system to graduate as a Geshe is to create the karmic imprints to take rebirth in Shambhala and takes a minimum of 17 years of study. “Ge” means “virtue” and “she” means “knowing.” Geshe thus means one who knows virtue, one who knows what should be practiced and what should be abandoned. A Geshe has undergone the vast and extensive traditional monastic studies on the five major treatises of Buddhist philosophical texts 

Practical details

• Dates: On the first Wednesday of the month (Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3)
• Time: from 19.00 - 21.30 pm CET.
• Language: It will be given in Tibetan, with English translation by Ven. Khedrup
• Online: via Zoom.
• Registration: You can register for the whole series, 4 teachings
• Last-minute registration: Please also send an email to amsterdam@maitreya.nl, to ensure we can send you the necessary information to join the class.
• Recordings & Transcripts 
  • Video & Audio recordings will be made available to the students.

Donation

Dāna (generosity) is one of the cornerstones of the Buddhist path. By virtue of their generosity, the Buddha and the ordained sangha offer us the teachings, and in exchange, the lay community supports Dharma centers and the monastic community. This interdependence is essential for us to share the Dharma and continue our work to benefit all sentient beings. With your donation we support our teachers in their cost of living and we uphold our dharma center, which is managed entirely by volunteers.

The suggested donation for this series of 4 classes is €60. For students and people with low income, the suggested donation is €40. Please send us an email if you'd like to make use of this option. Keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us if it might be an obstacle for you.