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"For as long as space exists and sentient beings endure, Shantideva, "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" |
Palyul Changchub Dargyeling Dallas Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Study in the Nyingma Tradition HH Penor Rinpoche Practice Advice Ven Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche Bio Khenpo Norgey Dallas Program June 17-20, 2005: "How To Be A Hero Everyday" Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life: Spiritual Wisdom for Any Path Verses from "A Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life" Driving Directions to PCD Dallas: Don't Leave Home Without Reading! Contact Us Resources 2005 Dallas Meditation/Study Schedule Donations Gratefully Accepted
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Khenpo Tenzin Norgey Program Explanations Guide to a Bodhisattva’s Way of Life: Spiritual Wisdom for Any Path "How To Be A Hero Everyday" Live a Spiritual Life, Develop Compassion and Apply Compassion in Daily Living One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty and the simplicity of these concepts. Practitioners of any spiritual path may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of 'love your neighbor' and 'do unto others'.
Please Feel Welcome to Attend All Sessions or As Many As Time Permits! Even one evening with an authentic dharma teacher is valuable for spiritual practice in any tradition. Questions About Registration or Teachings? Please email:
Recommended Reading:
"A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Shantideva, et al. (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
The Dalai Lama delivered this teaching and commentary on Shantideva's "The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara)" for Westerners in a week-long instruction in Dordogne, France. Those who take the bodhisattva path promise to work toward attaining enlightenment and Buddhahood for the liberation of all sentient beings. The path thus involves the renunciation of self-centered goals and demands generosity, purification, attentiveness, patience, and wisdom. On many levels, the book is splendid as both an introduction to spiritual path and practice for contemporary Westerners.
The Dalai Lama's teaching and reflection on the text of Shantideva provide a gentle guide to compassion and enlightenment. Throughout his explanations, the Dalai Lama refers to the experience of daily living. For most readers his examples will ring true, particularly when he is talking about the very human emotions of anger and frustration. The call to serve others and think of others first may seem idealistic, but it is the goal of enlightenment - something to work toward whatever one's path. One does not have to be a Buddhist to appreciate the beauty of the teachings and the simplicity of the life presented here. Practitioners of any spiritual path may discover a refreshing new approach to the doctrines of love your neighbor and do unto others.
"The Way of the Bodhisattva: A Translation of the Bodhicharyavatara" by SHANTIDEVA (Shambhala Dragon Editions) The Bodhicaryavatara has ten chapters regarding the development of spiritual practice and Enlightened Mind. The Dalai Lama said of the Bodhicaryavatara: "If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the Bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it." Like the Book of Proverbs, the Bodhicaryavatara is a timeless work of wisdom, the longevity of which is due to the quality of its verse as much as to its wisdom. Shantideva's original poetic flow has been preserved by rendering the text in iambic lines. "Regard your body as a vessel, A simple boat for going here and there. Make of it a wish-fulfilling gem To bring about the benefit of beings.
And now as long as space endures, As long as there are beings to be found, May I continue likewise to remain To drive away the sorrows of the world."
Friday June 17 7pm - 9pm "The Three Excellences": Essence of Any Spiritual Practice Developing Compassionate Intent, Effective Practice, and Spiritual Realization
"The Three Excellences" is a heart teaching, usually given from teacher directly to student. We are fortunate that Khenpo Norgey has agreed to give this teaching to the general public in Dallas.
"The Three Excellences" was given as a heart teaching to the entire sangha group at the 2004 Palyul Summer Retreat by Thubten Palzang Rinpoche; who received it from his teacher.
Like His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Thubten Palzang Rinpoche radiates enormous compassion and wisdom. After his qualities as a teacher and spiritual practitioner became apparent at the retreat, many students began asking him for ‘special’ or ‘secret’ teachings. It is a persistent myth that realized teachers can impart Enlightenment at will. Actually (as was mentioned several times at the retreat) Realization mostly depends on the efforts of the student.
In response to requests for 'special' teachings, Tulku Thubten Palzang Rinpoche gave a Heart Teaching: "The Three Excellences". "The Three Excellences" are the very essence of any spiritual pursuits: path, practice and fruition (Realization). This kind of teaching is also known as a pith or 'essence' teaching. Spiritual practitioners in old Tibet would travel months (or even years) to receive 'essence' teachings from an authentic and qualified spiritual teacher. In that sense, this teaching is priceless. And in terms of ability to guide personal practice and spiritual realization (no matter what spiritual tradition), it is invaluable.
By special request of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, Thubten Palzang Rinpoche attended the entire one-month teachings at our Palyul Summer Retreat 2004. Thubten Palzang Rinpoche is His Holiness Penor Rinpoche's classmate. It was a rare chance for students to receive teachings from this spiritual master, who has only visited outside of Tibet on two other occasions. It is unknown if such a trip will ever be repeated.
Saturday June 18 "How To Be A Hero Everyday" Live a Spiritual Life, Develop Compassion and Apply Compassion in Daily Living
10am - 12 noon Meditation Stages in "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" Part I 2pm - 4pm Meditation Stages in "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" Part 2 4pm - 5pm Vajrasattva and Mandala Practice from the Nam Chö Ngondro
Verses from A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
The Bodhicaryavatara, translated as A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life or Entering the Path of Enlightenment, is a famous text written by Shantideva around year 700 CE. Shantideva was a renowned 8th-century Buddhist scholar and realized Buddhist practitioner at the great Nalanda University of Buddhist Study (India). In Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a practitioner that has the compassionate determination and intent to aid all beings to achieve complete Enlightenment. This type of compassionate motivation is known as bodhichitta.
The Bodhicaryavatara has ten chapters regarding the development of spiritual practice and Enlightened Mind. The Dalai Lama said of the Bodhicaryavatara: "If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the Bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it." Like the Book of Proverbs, the Bodhicaryavatara is a timeless work of wisdom, the longevity of which is due to the quality of its verse as much as to its wisdom.
Sunday June 19 10am - 12 noon 21 Taras Practice/Tsog (Tara: Female Buddha of Compassion)
Please refrain from eating meat/meat products Sunday morning before the tsog. And please bring finger foods (cookies, crackers, chips, cheese, etc) to share!
Monday June 20 7pm - 9pm Meditation Stages in "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" Part 3
Please Feel Welcome to Attend All Sessions or As Many As Time Permits! Even one evening with an authentic dharma teacher is valuable for any spiritual practice.
* Scholarships Available * *No one turned away due to lack of funds! Please contact us for full or partial scholarship information*
Weeknight Program Tuition: $20 Friday and $20 Monday evening Weekend Program Tuition: $40/Sat all day, $40/Sun all day or $25 for Weekend am or pm session only Total Program Tuition at Door: $100.00
100% of funds from the tuition fees are applied to payment of Khenpo Norgey's travel and lodging costs and for Program expenses. All workers at the event are volunteers and accept no fees for their time. The only ‘salary’ Khenpo Norgey receives is the donations of students.
(Please NOTE: Charge cards are accepted ONLY at this website in advance - not at the door)
Mail Registration Checks to: PCD Dallas, P.O. Box 836408, Richardson, TX 75083-6408 Registration Info by Email:
*No one turned away due to lack of funds!* * Please contact us for full or partial scholarship information*
Khenpo Tenzin Norgey Returns to Dallas!
Dallas is very fortunate to receive teachings from Khenpo Tenzin Norgey again this June 2005! This is Khenpo Norgey's second trip to Texas - please join us to give him a warm Texas welcome!
Khenpo Tenzin Norgey is the Resident Instructor at Palyul NY Retreat Center (www.palyul.org). Buddhists, academics and all those interested in Eastern philosophies will benefit and delight as Khenpo Norgey, an outstanding Buddhist scholar, presents teachings from the Nam Chö lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Khenpo Norgey speaks excellent English and has a very good sense of humor; he enjoys sharing laughter with students and friends.
At Ngagyur Nyingma Institute in India, the prestigious Namdroling shedra (or seminary school for the training of Khenpos: professor of Buddhist studies), Khenpo Norgey is one of the most respected and sought after instructors. His teachings are very clear and academically sound; given from a base of personal realization.
Out of generosity and concern for students geographically distant from the NY retreat center, Khenpo Norgey founded the Palyul Cyber-Shedra in 2003. Using the internet, he presents profound teachings in basic Buddhism interactively in an easily understood and user-friendly format. Khenpo Norgey also now gives short internet teachings on the Palyul List at YahooGroups. These teachings are also published on the PCD Dallas YahooGroups announcement elist, subscribe at the bottom of this page.
May All Beings Benefit!
Short Biography of Khenpo Tenzin Norgey
Khenpo Tenzin Norgey holds the title of Khenpo (Professor of Buddhist Studies) and has recently been a teaching professor at the Palyul Monastery in Tibet and at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute, the prestigious Buddhist studies and research center, at Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery near Mysore, India.
He was born in the Tashigang District of Bhutan in 1965. In 1986, he joined the Shedra (college) at Ngagyur Nyingma Institute. At the Institute he studied under Khenchen Pema Sherab, Khenpo Namdrol Tsering and Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso and other visiting professors, including Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok and Khenpo Pema Tsewang from Tibet.
He completed the Shedra program at the Institute in 1995 and joined the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute teaching staff, teaching there for three years. He was formally enthroned as Khenpo by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche in 1998 and was then assigned by His Holiness to teach at the Buddhist Shedra (college) at Palyul monastery in Tibet.
He has received all the major empowerments of the Rinchen Terzod, Nam Chö, Nyingthik Yabshi and Nyingma Kama from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche as well as the Mipham Kabum from His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Because of his knowledge, experience and fluent command of the English language (and fortunately for us in the United States!), His Holiness Penor Rinpoche has assigned Khenpo Tenzin Norgey to teach students in the United States in conjunction with the ongoing U.S. teaching programs offered by Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche.
‘Dana’: Donations to the Teacher The only ‘salary’ Khenpo Norgey receives is the donations of students. 100% of funds from the door fees are applied to payment of Khenpo Norgey's travel and lodging costs and for Teaching Program expenses. These funds are the operating expenses for the teaching event. Teaching Program expenses. These funds are the operating expenses for the teaching event. All workers at the event are volunteers and accept no fees for their time.
In Tibetan Buddhist tradition (and many other spiritual traditions) it is considered ‘good karma’ to make a personal donation to a teacher who has helped clarify spiritual understanding and awareness. The amount is not as important as the action of donating.
The motivation for dana (giving), one of the Buddhist Six Perfections* (paramitas), is utterly pure - free from all desire, conceit or misguided views. Thus in the perfection of giving one should seek no return for oneself and be impartial, like the sun: that casts its radiance over all without a hint of favor.
In ultimate terms, there is no giver, no recipient and nothing is given - yet we still give! This is an important insight.
Generosity is a positive virtue we can practice even when the time is not available for study or meditation. It is a good way of developing a shift away from basically egocentric orientation. The ego is always trying to expand its province by accumulating, whereas to freely give is to reverse this 'I'- building process so that for once the energy flows the other way. Naturally, one may gain merit from giving, but even this can be given away to benefit all sentient beings.
Many who start practicing generosity report the sense of joy it brings.
*The Six Perfections: (1) Generosity - Giving without seeking reward
All human beings want happiness and want to avoid suffering. Human beings desire happiness, but in fact they are creating the causes for suffering. Since the teachings explain happiness as being the result of a peaceful mind, in order to become happy it is necessary to train the mind. When practicing the Six Perfections the mind is trained to perfection. The bonus is that the practice of the perfections also benefits other people, not only oneself. If the goal is that of a bodhisattva to attain enlightenment for the sake of all living beings, the practice of the Six Perfections is indispensable.
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