Sarnath International Nyingma Institute

Course Overview:

The Advanced Classical Tibetan Reading (Level-III) course is designed for students who wish to enhance their reading proficiency in classical Tibetan literature. This course focuses specifically on the skills required to read classical Tibetan allowing students to engage deeply with the richness of Tibetan literary tradition. Instruction is led by native Tibetan speaker Dr. Tenzin Ghegay.

Course Topic:

Classical Tibetan Reading on Atiśa’s Bodhipathapradīpa 

(A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment)

Part -1

This course offers a guided reading of Bodhipathapradīpa (A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment), the seminal 11th-century work of the Indian master Atiśa, known in Tibetan as Byang chub lam gyi sgron ma. Widely regarded as the foundation of the Tibetan Lamrim tradition, the text presents a clear and influential synthesis of Buddhist teachings through Atiśa’s framework of three levels of spiritual aspiration—lesser, middling, and superior capacities.

Students will engage directly with the Classical Tibetan text, cultivating advanced reading skills with attention to its concise and poetic style. Emphasis will be placed on developing vocabulary, grammatical understanding, and methods of close textual analysis. The course will also introduce the philosophical themes and historical context of the work, including discussion of different printed editions and textual traditions. Reading sessions will focus on careful translation, interpretation, and appreciation of Atiśa’s distinctive literary and pedagogical approach.

The course is designed for intermediate and advanced students of Tibetan who wish to strengthen their Classical Tibetan proficiency and refine their ability to read and interpret Buddhist texts with accuracy, sensitivity, and insight through the close study of this foundational work.

Materials:

All resources provided via Moodle (accessible for one year).

Prerequisites:

Students must have prior knowledge of classical Tibetan reading, as this course will build upon foundational skills and enhance them through practical application.

Format and Teaching Methodology:

The course will be conducted online via Zoom, allowing for interactive sessions, group discussions, and personalized feedback. Students will benefit from a collaborative learning environment where they can share insights and ask questions in real-time.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Tibetan literature who wish to deepen their understanding of classical Tibetan texts and enhance their reading skills.

Enrollment Information:

For more information, please contact tenzin.ghegay@sinibridge.org. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Deadline of registration: Early registration encouraged.

Prepare to embark on a journey through the profound world of classical Tibetan literature, where ancient texts come to life through the art of reading!