2025 Nitartha Summer Institute
Friday July 18 – Tuesday August 5, 2025
Session 1: July 18 – July 26 | Session 2: July 28 – August 5
Online and Onsite in Portland, Oregon
Main Teachings
Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche
We are delighted that Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche will teach on
Reflections of Mahamudra Siddhas.
(Session 2)
Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen
We are also fortunate that Acharya Lama Tenpa Gyaltsen will teach on Distinguishing Phenomena and Pure Being by Maitreya.
(Session 1)
Rinpoche is confirmed to teach during Session 2 and
Acharya Lama Tenpa is confirmed to teach during Sessions 1 and 2.
This year’s Summer Institute will include two full onsite and online sessions with shedra study courses,
Mahamudra teachings and practice, and onsite enrichment courses.
Due to scheduling complexities, this year there will be no Session 3 Silent Retreat.
More Teachings and Practice Opportunities
Shedra Study Courses
The shedra curriculum is devoted to the in-depth study of the Buddhist view and to the contemplative practices through which students can engage these teachings and apply them to their experience. This year’s courses include: Mind and Its World I with Clear Thinking, Madhyamaka, Paths & Bhumis and an additional course to be announced soon.
Mahamudra Curriculum
The standard Mahamudra curriculum includes Mahamudra Shamatha, Vipashyana-I and Vipashyana-II. The faculty for the Mahamudra curriculum help students to see the correlations between each Mahamudra level and their corresponding shedra levels. For example, Mahamudra shamatha corresponds with Mind and Its World (Level 1) and Mahamudra Vipashyana-I corresponds with Madhyamaka (Level 2).
Onsite Enrichment
Enrichment courses involve a high degree of interaction, which is why they are offered only onsite. Last year’s courses included thangka drawing, health and healing, space awareness, and debate. Participating in these activities complement and support our Summer Institute experience. Stay tuned for details about the enrichment courses that will be offered this year.
Tibetan Language
Tibetan language courses are also included in your tuition. This is an excellent opportunity to begin or continue your study of the language with our exceptional faculty. Nima Bhuti and Gerry Weiner will teach Colloquial Tibetan and Mark Seibold will teach Literary Tibetan.
Onsite location: All air-conditioned spaces at Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Oregon
Space will be limited, as will the number of air-conditioned dorm rooms.