SHEDRA COURSES

Level 1

Mind & Its World I with Clear Thinking

TEACHERS

DR. PHIL STANLEY

DR. ARNE SCHELLING

This level encompasses three main topics: valid cognition, modes of engagement, and Clear Thinking.

Mind & Its World I: Valid Cognition (BUD 501)
This course explores the criteria of valid cognition (pramana) based on the teachings of the pramana tradition, or Buddhist epistemology. We will analyze our consciousness and determine to what degree, if at all, it is in agreement with its observed object. We will also look at the difference between non-mistaken, non-deceiving, conceptual and non-conceptual types of awareness. On a practical level, this course will also provide you with the tools for distinguishing between conceptual and nonconceptual types of mind in your meditation practice.

Clear Thinking (BUD 502)

Clear Thinking helps us to clarify and deepen our understanding of knowable objects through learning methods for thinking clearly. This is developed by formulating definitions, examples, equivalents and classifications, and by exploring the four types of logical relationships between two phenomena.

Mahamudra Shamatha and Valid Cognition

Generally speaking, Mahamudra shamatha can be correlated with the pramana view of the classifications of mind, and especially with the essential modes of engagement of mind. Shedra level 1 and Mahamudra shamatha teachers help participants to see these correlations. It is, therefore, highly beneficial to take these Mahamudra and shedra courses together.

Mind and Its World II

TEACHERS

JIRKA HLADIŠ

Mind & Its World II: Modes of Engagement (BUD 510)
This course completes the introductory exposition of topics drawn from the Pramāna and Abhidhama traditions, based on the Classifications of Mind and Collected Topics root text. It provides participants with the tools for delineating conceptual and non-conceptual mind in meditation, known as the essential modes of engagement of mind.

Additional Course Description:

After exploring how mind cognizes in a valid or non-valid way in the first course in the Mind and Its World series, we are ready to look at how the mind works from the perspective of the way in which it engages with its objects, also known as “modes of engagement.”

We spend a lot of our time engaged with our concepts, though we are rarely aware of this. Of course the conceptual mind is very useful, we need it to navigate our experiences of the world. But it is not a direct perception, it does not accurately represent the things that it cognizes. Instead, in order to organize all those limitless phenomena that are constantly bombarding it, the mind generalizes, eliminates, negates, and draws connections and contradictions. These modes of engagement apply to all of the minds that were discussed in Mind and Its World I.

READ MORE

Prerequisites: Mind & Its World I

Level 2

Madhyamaka Philosophical Tradition: Not Even a Middle

TEACHER

MARK SEIBOLD

This course is an exposition of the Middle Way philosophical tradition based on Jamgön Kongtrül Lodrö Thaye’s presentation of Madhyamaka in his Treasury of Knowledge root text. Participants explore the presentation of the two realities and cultivate certainty in the view of the emptiness of all phenomena by examining the five great Madhyamaka reasonings, which are set forth in terms of the commonalities and differences between the Consequentialist and Autonomist systems. The course is completed by the exposition of the basis, path and result of Madhyamaka.

Prerequisites: Mind & Its World I and II (BUD 501 and 510) are required. Mind & Its World III and IV and Clear Thinking (BUD 520 and 530) are recommended.

Mahamudra Vipashyana-I and Madhyamaka

Mahamudra Vipashyana-I is correlated with the Madhyamaka view, as is expressed well in this song by the yogi Milarepa:

“Throughout the day and night look at your mind.
When you look at your mind you don’t see anything.
When you don’t see anything let go and relax.”

Shedra level 2 and Mahamudra Vipashyana-I teachers help participants to see the correlations between these levels of study and practice. It is, therefore, highly beneficial to take these Mahamudra and shedra courses together.

Level 3

TEACHER

FRANCIS SULLIVAN

SUSAN STEWART

Buddha Nature: Luminous Heart of the Tathagata (BUD 630)
The teachings on Buddha Nature present an overview of the Tathagatagarbha, or Buddha Nature tradition, which is the view of the luminous essence of awakening, the heart of goodness shared by all beings. Our exploration will rely on the key section of the Uttaratantra of Maitreya (ca. 4th century), which establishes Buddha Nature through the three reasonings, its ten facets, nine analogies and five reasons why it needs to be taught.

Prerequisites: Mind & Its World I and II (BUD 501 and 510) and Madhyamaka (BUD 610) are required. Mind & Its World III and IV (BUD 520 and 530) are recommended.

Mahamudra Vipashyana II and Buddha Nature

The Buddha Nature tradition primarily teaches about the luminosity of mind, which is correlated with continued training in Mahamudra vipashyana meditation. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take Shedra Level 3 and Mahamudra Vipashyana-II together.

Level 4

Paths & Bhumis: The Path to Enlightenment

TEACHER

ISRAEL LIFSHITZ

Complete the Intermediate Course Level this year at the 2025 Summer Institute! This level is offered for participants who have completed all three Summer Institute Mahamudra and shedra levels and have taken all the foundation and intermediate courses except for Paths & Bhumis, the last course in the intermediate level of study courses. It is also a great time to repeat the course if you have already taken it and have completed the three Summer Institute levels.

Paths & Bhumis (BUD 620)

This course is an exposition of the Buddhist path based on The Presentation of Bhumis, Paths & Results in the Treasury of Knowledge root text. Participants learn what is necessary for entering and progressing on the path and what the goal of spiritual journey is, through exploring the five paths, the ten bodhisattva bhūmis, as well as the result: nirvana, kayas, wisdoms and enlightened activity.

Prerequisites: BUD 501, BUD 510, BUD 520, BUD 530, BUD 601, BUD 610, BUD 630