Shedra

Slogan: May the brilliance of three wisdoms pervade.

Objectives: Our country Bhutan is blessed and encounter with Vajrayana Buddhism in the early 8 th century. The Dharma activities and practices has been start since then in Bhutan. Later in 1616 His Holiness Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to Bhutan and unify the country as a set of nation.

Moreover, Bhutan after forming a monarchy kingdom in 1904, the generations of Dharma kings ruled the country as per the religious concepts. By the grace of these kings, the citizens of Bhutan proof that they achieve the fulfillment of Gross National Happiness.

Bhutan is only country in this present world having the national religion as Buddhist. But there is fear that due to the fast growing technologies, the Buddha’s teachings is in danger to fade away.

Therefore, to reform the debased and improve the ongoing activities of Buddha’s teachings and to fulfill the philosophy of Gross National Happiness of Bhutan, this foundation aims to provide significant learning on Buddhist.

(Next step is to open the Shedra, the Buddhist institute for 9 years course)

May the peace prevail on earth.

Curriculum for Shedra (Higher Buddhist studies) proposed in year 2019

1st year

  1. Duedra Chung Dring Che Sum (Parts 1, 2 and 3)
  2. Situ Gongjen  (Tibetan Grammar:) by Je Gedun Rinchen
  3. Computer course
  4. English language

2nd year

  1. Lorig (Classification of Minds) by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
  2. Tagrig (Classification of Reasons) by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
  3. Sum Tak Situ Drelchen, commentary on Tibetan Grammar by the 8th Tai Situpa Choekyi Jungney
  4. Computer course
  5. English language

3rd year

  1. Sa lam (Bhumis and Paths) by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
  2. Drubtha (Principles of the Buddhist Doctrine) by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
  3. So thar and Jang dhom (The Moral Conduct of Individual Liberation and Bodhisattva Vows) by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
  4. Computer course
  5. English language

4th year

  1. Root text and commentary of the Tsedrup Leau (The Formation of Valid Cognition; Pramana literature) by Acharya Dharmakirti and Lhawang Lo
  2. Tsedma Rig Zhung Gyamtso (a commentary on the first chapter of “The Formation of Valid Cognition”, a treatise on the Corpus of Syllogistic Pramana Literature) by the 7th Gyalwa Karmapa Choedrak Gyamtso
  3. Root text and commentary on the Bodhisattvacharyavatara (Engaging in the Conduct of a Bodhisattva) by Acharya Shantideva and Gyalway Lha
  4. Chod Juuk Pawoi Drelchen (Pawo Rinpoche’s commentary on “Engaging in the Conduct of a Bodhisattva”)
  5. Religious history
  6. English language and literature

5th year

  1. Root text and commentary on the Rang Dhon Leau (One´s Own Benefit, Pramana literature) by Acharya Dharmakirti and Lhawang Lo
  2. Tsedma Rig Zhung Gyamtso, a commentary on the 3rd chapter of “One´s Own Benefit”, a treatise on the Corpus of Syllogistic Pramana Literature by the 7th Gyalwa Karmapa Choedrak Gyamtso
  3. Root text and commentary (Part One) of the Madhyamakavatara (Entering the Middle Way) by Acharya Chandrakirti
  4. Part One of the “Chariot of the Siddhas of the Dagpo Kagyu,” an extended commentary on the Madhyamakavatara by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje
  5. Religious history
  6. English language and literature

6th year

  1. Root text and commentary (Part Two) of the Madhyamakavatara (Entering the Middle Way) by Acharya Chandrakirti
  2. Part Two of the “Chariot of the Siddhas of the Dagpo Kagyu”
  3. Root text and commentary of the Abhidharma Kosh (The Treasury of Explicit Teaching) by Acharya Vasubhandu
  4. “The Grace of the Happiness Arising,” a commentary on the Abhi Dharma Kosh (The Treasury of Explicit Teaching) by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje
  5. Religious history
  6. English language and literature

7th year

  1. Chapter One of Abhisamayalankara Karika (“The Ornament of the Explicit Realization) by Lord Maitreya
  2. First part of the commentary on Abhisamayalankara, called “The Clear Meaning” by Acharya Haribhadra
  3. First part of the root text Abhisamayalankara by Lord Maitreya and first part of the commentary by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje, called “The Refreshment and Rest of Lord Maitreya”
  4. First part of the root text and commentary on the Vinaya Sutra (Vinaya Discipline) by Acharya Gunaprabha
  5. First part of the commentary on the Vinaya Sutra, called “The Sphere of the Sun” by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje
  6. Religious history
  7. English language and literature

8th year

  1. Chapters 2-8 of the Abhisamayalankara Karika (The Ornament of the Explicit Realization) by Lord Maitreya
  2. Second part of the commentary on Abhisamayalankara, called “The Clear Meaning” by Acharya Haribhadra
  3. Second part of the root text Abhisamayalankara by Lord Maitreya and second part of the commentary by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje, called “The Refreshment and Rest of Lord Maitreya”
  4. Second part of the root text and commentary on the Vinaya Sutra (Vinaya Discipline) by Acharya Gunaprabha
  5. Second part of the commentary on the Vinaya Sutra, called “The Sphere of the Sun” by the 8th Gyalwa Karmapa Mikyo Dorje
  6. Religious history
  7. English language and literature

9th year

  1. Mahayana Uttara Tantra (The Supreme Teachings on the Greater Vehicle) by Lord Maitreya
  2. The commentary on the Mahayana Uttara Tantra by Acharya Asanga
  3. “The Lion’s Roar of the Not-Taking-Place of Relapses,” a commentary on the Mahayana Uttara Tantra by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
  4. “The Jewel Ornament of Liberation” by Je Gampopa
  5. “The Vajrayana Moral Conduct” by Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thaye
  6. Oral exam