Source of Mahamudra

Date: September 7-8, 2024 

| Location: Online and In Person |

Teacher: Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

Discover the Uttaratantra Shastra: Teachings on Buddhanature

In his third turning of the Wheel of Dharma, the Buddha taught that all sentient beings without exception possess enlightened nature. The Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra is Arya Maitreya’s detailed commentary on the third turning. It thoroughly explains the all-pervasive luminosity, replete with enlightened qualities, that is the essence of all our minds.  

In year 7 of this program, Rinpoche continues his transmission of and teachings on this text, as well as its commentary by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye. Throughout his teaching career, Rinpoche has emphasized this book as an indispensable means of developing confidence in one’s own Buddha nature. Without such confidence, Rinpoche often says, practicing the Vajrayana becomes like “trying to polish a lump of coal.”

“If an inexhaustible treasure were buried in the ground beneath a poor man’s house, the man would not know of it, and the treasure would not speak and tell him, ‘I am here!’ Likewise, a precious treasure is contained in each being’s mind. This is its true state, which is free from defilement. Nothing is to be added and nothing to be removed” — from the Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra

This weekend program will include four formal teaching sessions by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, periods of meditation, and discussion groups led by senior students.

“The fact that you have met the Dharma, and in particular the Vajrayana and this crucial text, proves that you have accumulated much merit in past lives. A lot of people in the West suffer from lack of self-esteem. But if you think about the infinite lives you’ve taken in samsara, you will realize that this life is a great life. So, with a sense of confidence, you can rise to the occasion of studying the Uttaratantra Shastra and learning to embody your buddha nature.” – Venerable Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

 

 

In Person + Study Set Registration—$250 includes:

  • Four talks by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
  • Periods of meditation
  • Discussion groups with senior students
  • Access to the Live Stream
  • One-year access to high-resolution video recordings
  • Downloadable audio recordings that are yours to keep
  • Optional boxed lunches for pre-purchase (order deadline Aug 30)

* Please note: Lunches are not included. Boxed lunches are available for pre-purchase until August 30th. If you choose not to purchase a lunch, please bring a bagged lunch. Complimentary coffee and tea will be available.

Register for In Person

Live Stream  – $150 includes:

  • Four talks by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche
  • Periods of meditation
  • Discussion groups with senior students via Zoom
  • One-year access to high-resolution video recordings
  • Downloadable audio recordings that are yours to keep

Audio Recordings — $35

  • Downloadable audio recordings that are yours to keep
  • Available approximately one month after the program ends
  • Available to pre-purchase here
Register for Live Stream

No one will be turned away for financial reasons. Click here for our financial aid application.

Program Schedule

Times listed are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Click here for time zone converter.

Saturday, September 7th

9:00–9:30am (EDT)  Meditation (in person and on Zoom)
10:00am–12:00pm (EDT)  Talk 1
1:15–2:15pm (EDT)  Discussion Groups (in person and on Zoom)                                                                                                2:30-3:00pm (EDT)  Meditation (in person and on Zoom)                                                                                                                  3:15–5:15pm (EDT)  Talk 2

Sunday, September 8th

9:00-9:30am (EDT)  Meditation (in person and on Zoom)                                                                                     10:00am-12:00pm (EDT)  Talk 3                                                                                                                                                                  1:15-2:15pm (EDT) Discussion Groups (in person and on Zoom)                                                                                                              2:30-3:00pm (EDT)  Meditation (in person and on Zoom)                                                                                                                              3:15-5:15pm (EDT)  Talk 4

                                                             

History of the Text

Lord Maitreya, the Buddha Shakyamuni’s regent, composed this text based on the Buddha’s Ten Sutras that Teach the Sugatagarbha. These sutras all come from the Third Turning of the Wheel of Dharma, which emphasizes the mind’s luminous nature. Later Arya Asanga met with Maitreya in Tushita heaven and brought the Uttaratantra Shastra and other teachings back to our world.

Because he considered this text too profound for the people of his time, Asanga concealed it as a treasure for practitioners of the future. In the eleventh century, the Mahasiddha Maitripa rediscovered the text and passed it on to Marpa Lotsawa and other disciples in the Mahamudra tradition.

His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche often spoke of how difficult it is to have deep confidence in the nondual approaches of Mahamudra and Dzogchen without understanding the Uttaratantra Shastra. Because it comes from the sutra tradition while at the same time laying the groundwork for the highest tantras, this text is considered to be a crucial bridge between the Sutrayana and Mantrayana.

Year Seven

This is the seventh year of Rinpoche’s in-depth commentary on the Uttaratantra Shastra. The text for the program, Buddha Nature, is available from Shambhala Publications, which you can order here.

Each year of this program is largely self-contained. It is helpful, but not absolutely necessary, to be familiar with the teachings from 2018-2023. If you’d like to purchase these recordings, please visit https://wisdomproductions.org/archive/SOM. You can also read summaries of the first six years’ teachings here.

Tibetan Terms

This document has a list of the Tibetan terms that Rinpoche used in talks from years 1-3. It was compiled by Khenchung Greg Seton.

Visiting Pema Osel

 

For more information about coming to Pema Osel, check our webpage, email or contact us by phone 802-333-4521. For directions, a list of accommodations and frequently asked questions,  please see the Pema Osel’s Visitor’s Guide (Please note updated directions due to road closure). You can also view Pema Osel’s location on Google Maps.