Why become a Buddhist? To realize Buddhahood. But what is Buddhahood? What is enlightenment? What is Buddha Nature? Do you have it? Do you need to grow it? Do you find it? Do you realize it? Do you reveal it?
The first step in any journey is gathering as much information about the destination as possible. If the destination isn’t clear, the journey itself might be confusing. Amazingly, there is good news in this beautiful paradox of the Dharma in the Dharma: the destination is the same as your starting point. While this seems hard to believe, it’s true.In an even more wonderful twist, we are not something created; we are the universal creator. To understand this, you need to grasp Karma on a deep level and understand Buddha Nature. In this course, Rinpoche will guide us in ascertaining the view—one of the most crucial steps on the path to enlightenment.
While all Buddhist traditions—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—agree that there is Buddha Nature, when it comes to explaining it, everybody has problems. Even those that try to explain it don’t do it satisfactorily. In the Sutras, Buddha Nature is referred to as Tathagatagarbha, and in the tantras, especially the highest yoga tantra, this nature is also addressed. The Zhentong View, as taught in the Jonang and utilized on the Kalachakra path, offers the clearest explanation of Buddha Nature. Why? Because it draws from texts by highly realized beings, such as the 10th-level Bodhisattva Asanga and Maitreya.
In this 12-week course, we will study Buddha Nature through the Zhentong teachings with Khentrul Rinpoche from the Jonang perspective. We will work with his book, The Great Middle Way, and Dolpopa’s pivotal work, The Mountain Doctrine. Additionally, we will work with the section of Unveiling Your Sacred Truth Book 2, focusing on Zhentong.
This course is perfect for anyone curious about the path to enlightenment or those on the Kalachakra path who are still unclear or uncertain about the view. The profound Vajra yoga path depends on this view, and all of tantra is built upon it. Even if you are practicing the 8-fold path in any tradition, you need to have the Right View. There is no one studying Dharma who cannot benefit from having the Right View.
Please note:
The event will be offered in English. Live translation may be available in some languages, but this is yet to be confirmed.
The required reading materials for this event are in English only, and no translation will be provided.
Rinpoche will teach the majority of the classes. In the event of a scheduling conflict, he may have an assistant lead one or two sessions.
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
SATURDAYS
March 1, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM March 8, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM March 15, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM March 22, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM March 29, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM April 5, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM April 12, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM April 19, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM April 26, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM May 10, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM May 17, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM May 24, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
SATURDAYS
March 1, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM March 8, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM March 15, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM March 22, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM March 29, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM April 5, 2025 / 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM April 12, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM April 19, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM April 26, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM May 10, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM May 17, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM May 24, 2025 / 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Central Europe and South Africa
Central Europe and South Africa
FRIDAYS
February 28, 2025 / 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM March 7, 2025 / 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM March 14, 2025 / 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM March 21, 2025 / 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM March 18, 2025 / 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM April 4, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday April 5, 2025) April 11, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday April 12, 2025) April 18, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday April 19, 2025) April 25, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday April 26, 2025) May 9, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday May 10, 2025) May 16, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday May 17, 2025) May 23, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday May 23, 2025)
São Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
FRIDAYS
February 28, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM March 7, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM March 14, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM March 21, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM March 18, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM April 4, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM April 11, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM April 18, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM April 25, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM May 9, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM May 16, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM May 23, 2025 / 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
East Coast USA, Toronto
East Coast USA, Toronto
FRIDAYS
February 28, 2025 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM March 7, 2025 / 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM March 14, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM March 21, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM March 18, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM April 4, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM April 11, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM April 18, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM April 25, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM May 9, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM May 16, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM May 23, 2025 / 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
West Coast USA
West Coast USA
FRIDAYS
February 28, 2025 / 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM March 7, 2025 / 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM March 14, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM March 21, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM March 18, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM April 4, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM April 11, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM April 18, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM April 25, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM May 9, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM May 16, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM May 23, 2025 / 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This event is available Online and for Monastics ONLY.
This course is open only to ordained monks and nuns. It is not available to Ngakpa or those with other forms of ordination. If you are not yet ordained but have applied for ordination or are currently in training, please contact us at [email protected] to request special access to the course. If you are already ordained, simply enroll.
Vinaya is the foundation of monastic life and practice. In this course, Khentrul Rinpoche will lead discussions addressing questions about the Vinaya and exploring the non-contradictory perspective of the Vinaya across the three vehicles. While there is no required reading for the course, Khentrul Rinpoche has previously recommended Perfect Conduct by Dudjom Rinpoche for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Vinaya.
If you are considering ordination and are interested in this course, please first apply for ordination through the Monastics page and speak with Marco, who oversees our monastics program.
Schedule by Timezone
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
THURSDAYS
December 5, 2024 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM December 12, 2024 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM December 19, 2024 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM December 26, 2024 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM January 2, 2025 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM January 16, 2025 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM January 23, 2025 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM January 30, 2025 / 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Mongolia, Singapore and Taiwan
THURSDAYS
December 5, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM December 12, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM December 19, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM December 26, 2024 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM January 2, 2025 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM January 16, 2025 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM January 23, 2025 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM January 30, 2025 / 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Central Europe and South Africa
Central Europe and South Africa
THURSDAYS
December 5, 2024 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM December 12, 2024 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM December 19, 2024 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM December 26, 2024 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM January 2, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM January 16, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM January 23, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM January 30, 2025 / 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM
São Paulo, Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
THURSDAYS
December 5, 2024 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM December 12, 2024 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM December 19, 2024 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM December 26, 2024 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM January 2, 2025 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM January 16, 2025 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM January 23, 2025 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM January 30, 2025 / 12:00 AM – 2:00 AM
East Coast USA, Toronto
East Coast USA, Toronto
WEDNESDAYS
December 4, 2024 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY December 5, 2024) December 11, 2024 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY December 12, 2024) December 18, 2024 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY December 19, 2024) December 25, 2024 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY December 26, 2024) January 1, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY January 2, 2025) January 15, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY January 16, 2025) January 22, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY January 23, 2025) January 29, 2025 / 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM (THURSDAY January 30, 2025)
West Coast USA
West Coast USA
WEDNESDAYS
December 4, 2024 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM December 11, 2024 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM December 18, 2024 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM December 25, 2024 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM January 1, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM January 15, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM January 22, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM January 29, 2025 / 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
This event is available IN-PERSON ONLY.
To register for this event, please click here.
This is a FREE Public Talk by Khentrul Rinpoché, a nonsectarian master of Tibetan Buddhism with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will go to Althea Center.
It takes courage to transform. It takes courage to change. It takes courage to bring about a time of abundance and peace. We are in an incredible moment in time right now. The world is changing rapidly. While some people may think it is getting worse with the riots, pandemic, and economic and political problems, it’s a rare opportunity for rapid transformation.
Do you have the courage to be one of the people who transform it for better? We are not passive observers in the world. Through our genuine dharma practice, we have a profound opportunity to change our world into the Golden Age of peace, harmony and abundance.
What does it mean to manifest peace and harmony?
Khentrul Rinpoche will give teachings on the meaning and origin of Dzokden Dharma (Golden Age Dharma) referred to by Taranatha and Dolpopa. He will explain how the Kalachachakra tantra prophesizes a time of peace and harmony for our planet and how we can speed up that time. Form a stronger connection to Shambhala by understanding the stages that Shambhala pure land went through to realize peace and harmony. Learn and decide what you can do yourself to contribute to the manifestation of Dzokden, the golden age.
Through discussion, questions, and answers and sharing throughout the day we will come to an understanding of how we personally can be part of this global shift to bring about the Golden Age now.
Khentrul Rinpoche’s main website succinctly explains What IS the Kalachakra.
This event is available IN-PERSON ONLY.
To register for this event, please click here.
Join us for a special weekend with Kalachakra Master Khentrul Rinpoche. Rinpoche will share teachings about how the External Kalachakra, the cosmos, relates to the Internal Kalachakra mandala, the individual’s subtle body.
Don’t miss an opportunity to connect with these rare and precious teachings.
This introductory weekend will help us understand the role of yoga asana, pranayama, astrology, and the subtle body in Kalachakra preliminary and completion stage practices.
Khentrul Rinpoche is working diligently to bring all of these practices to the world to offer us a complete yogic path to non-monastics for Kalachakra. He started by teaching the profound 6 Vajra Yogas, the completion stage of Kalachakra, in Europe. In the next year or two, he plans to teach a Kalachakra yoga asana program founded from the Jonang Tibetan Buddhist lineage that anyone can do to prepare themselves for the completion stage.
This weekend is best for people who are practitioners or would-be practitioners who are curious to learn about a wholistic tantric yogic system that can go from entry-level to enlightenment or for those who have an interest in the Kalachakra tantra.
This event is available Online only.
In-person event to be determined.
There is a reason why great spiritual teachers, from Rumi and Osho to many others throughout history, speak so much about love: the path to realization is the path of the heart. All of tantra is simple—it’s contained, from start to finish, in the path of devotion to the Guru. In modern times, we often want to know and understand everything, to elaborate and dive into details. For this, we have highly elaborate Tantras. But if you want to cut to the heart, to the essence, and follow the simplest and most direct path, then that is the path of Guru devotion. You can start with the Guru, but no matter what form of Tantra you choose to practice, and no matter where you begin, you are guaranteed to end up with the Guru.
All Vajrayana traditions may have significant doctrinal debates, but when it comes to the path of Guru devotion, there is absolute agreement. There is no debate between traditions because this path has been proven through centuries of experience.
A scholar who is currently the most respected and highly regarded at Larung Monastery, and whom Khentrul Rinpoche deeply respects, says:
“Unconditional love is the highest form of desire. Ultimate Bodhicitta is Buddha-nature, the Guru. As we increase this Love and Bodhicitta, our awareness increases. Devotion to this cause is devotion to the ultimate Guru, the ultimate love. Devotion is simply keeping the view.”
In Vajrayana, if you have the View, you have the key to everything. When you truly love your beloved, everything happens naturally and spontaneously. Does a mother need to think about whether she should try to save her dying child? No, she just acts out of love and attachment. This love and desire are incredibly powerful. If a mother can feel that love for her child, imagine how powerful that feeling could be if you have that same love for your Guru.
We all know that the most powerful force in the human mind is love, and there is no Buddhahood without ultimate love. Guru devotion means loving the Guru unconditionally and dedicating yourself to that path. In tantra, we integrate everything from our life experience into the spiritual path. We may not have direct life experiences with gods or Buddhas, but we can have direct experiences with the Guru. By doing so, we bring the path closer to us in our everyday lives through the human Guru. The most profound connection a human can have is the divine love for the Guru. Devotion is a process that helps uncover all of our limitations and self-cherishing, while also opening the door to a downpour of incomparable blessings.
This course will explore what it means to take devotion as the path.
Who is this for? This course is for those who want to understand the heart essence of all tantra paths and the fastest way to accumulate merit. You do not need to have a current Guru to whom you are devoted. You don’t need to take the Guru as your path just yet. If you want to explore and understand the ultimate path of Vajrayana, this course offers a good introduction.
Topics to be covered include:
Examining and understanding the three levels of Guru
Guru devotion as a process: gaining clarity on the maximum and minimum
Training your mind and heart through Guru yoga and Jonang Kalachakra Guru Puja
Clearly understanding how all aspects of the Kalachakra tantra path are the Guru
Approaching this path with honesty and clarity
Discussing pure view and authentic versus inauthentic Gurus
