Rongton Buddhist Training College

The Rongton Buddhist training course is named after Rongton Sheja Kunrig, a celebrated 15th century Tibetan Buddhist scholar who founded the famous Nalendra monastery outside Lhasa.

As the first patriarch of Nalendra, Rongton is renowned as a highly respected scholar of the Prajnaparamita tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is known to have written more than 100 treatises.

It is most auspicious that His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, the 26th Patriarch of the monastery, endorsed the course during his first visit to Australia in 1996.

The course was established to provide students with a systematic approach to the study of Buddhist thought and is a contemporary alternative to the more involved training programs found in the Tibetan monastic system.

The course is not only academic but places a strong emphasis on the practical implementation of Buddhist principles in daily life.

The main aims of the courses held by the College are to train students to acquire a thorough understanding of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, lineages and their teachings, as well as the practical application of their ideas and philosophy.

Distance Education Programme

Organise a group or study by yourself.  Most Rongton classes have been recorded - see course list (Word, 64kb).

Course Director

The course director and resident teacher, Lama Choedak Rinpoche, has taught in many Buddhist centres worldwide.

Lama Choedak Rinpoche has also published many books including "Healing Relationships" (Lothian 2005), "Lamdre - Dawn of Enlightenment" and a complete translation of Panchen Ngawang Choedak's "The Triple Tantra".

Overview

The teaching program is a comprehensive course covering fundamental features of Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

It is concerned with the major Buddhist traditions in Asia, their philosophy, history, teachings and practices.

The course employs a dynamic approach to Buddhist education, combining both traditional and modern teaching and study methods.

The course consists of five components (Pañcavajra). They are based on the two Buddhist conceptual trilogies of listening, thinking and meditation, morality, meditation and wisdom.

1. Shravakavajra: listening and study
2. Prajñavajra: research, writing and translating
3. Samadhivajra: contemplation, meditation retreats and daily practice
4. Karmavajra: social service, behaviour and obedience
5. Shilavajra: morality and precepts.

The subjects, nature and intensity of the program vary from year to year.

Students are required to receive and maintain at least three of the five Buddhist precepts both during and after the course.

Eligibility

To attend the course candidates must show a genuine interest in its program of study.

Timetable

The course runs over four terms each year.

Weekly classes are on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9.45pm each school term.

New students are welcome to attend any session for a cost of $15 per night.  Otherwise per term the cost is $100 for non-members or $75 for members and those on concession.

Participation

Enrolled students:

• Attendance of the weekly classes, monthly seminars and annual 10-day residential retreats is highly recommended.

Casual students:

• All members of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong or members of the public may also attend the weekly classes, monthly seminars and annual retreats on an ad hoc basis.

Course fees

(in Australian dollars)

Enrolled students: $100 per term ($75 for members or with concession)

Casual students: $15 per weekly class.

Candidates wishing to enrol full time and who have genuine financial difficulties may apply in confidence for a special concession.

Discounts apply for ordained Sangha.

Financial members of Sakya Losal Choe Dzong are entitled to a range of concessions for workshops and seminars at the centre.

Course details

Annual 10-day Residential Retreat

• Selected visiting teachers may be invited to lead part of the annual retreats. Costs and topics will be determined annually.

Mini Retreats

• Mini retreats such as Ngondro are recommended in consultation with the centre's Spiritual Director, Lama Choedak Rinpoche.

Texts

• Translations of Buddhist canonical works, Sutras and commentarial works by noted Indian Pandits and Tibetan scholars will be used as textbooks for the course.

Books and study materials

• Audio tapes or CDs of all lectures, seminars and retreats are available from Jambala Bookshop run by Sakya Losal Choe Dzong.

Tutorial participation

• Read course notes and revise previous weeks teachings.

Tibetan Language Classes

• To complement the course candidates are encouraged to acquire skills in reading and comprehension of written Tibetan, although this is not essential. A Tibetan language class for beginners is held regularly. An intermediate class is also offered on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7pm run by Lama Choedak Rinpoche.

For further information, contact us.