Samye Institute offers home study courses based upon Dharma instruction which has been passed down from master to master over many generations since the time of the Buddha. We have arranged the materials into a few courses of different lengths and depths. Phakchok Rinpoche suggests that students spend at least one year of dedicated practice in the Mahamudra Level One and Mahamudra Level Two courses.
Each course is complete unto itself, but they can also build on each other. The key points of Dharma practice are always the same. We seek to transform our minds, and reduce suffering. We learn how to best practice loving kindness and compassion for the benefit of all beings.
Path of Transformation
Wellbeing
Mobility for Meditators
Trainer Neil Roberts presents a series of gentle stretches designed specifically to improve our mobility.
Yoga Asanas for Sitting Meditation
Somānanda Yogi presents exercises designed to improve body pliancy from the Indian, Himalayan and South East Asian yogic traditions.
Path of Transformation
Compassion
The Seven Points of Mind Training
In this course, Matthew Zalichin, resident teacher at Samye Hermitage New York, will lead students through the seminal text, The Seven Points of Mind Training, brought to Tibet by the great Atisha Dipamkara and committed to writing by Chekawa Yeshe Dorje.
Training in Compassion
Dr. David Shlim gently guides us to make the connection between relaxed open mind and natural compassion.
Path of Transformation
Meditation
Training the Mind
Phakchok Rinpoche introduces a step-by-step approach to understanding how our minds function.
The Noble Wisdom of the Time of Death Sutra
Using a classic Mahayana Sutra, Phakchok Rinpoche gives pithy practice advice covering five core topics on the Buddhist path.
Path of Meditation Level One
Phakchok Rinpoche guides students through a year-long experiential meditation practice program.
Path of Meditation Level Two
Phakchok Rinpoche guides students to recognize the essence of thought and to distinguish mind from awareness.
The Nine Yanas: Shravakayana
Approach the Buddha’s teachings gradually, learning how to integrate study, reflection, and meditation.
Path of Realization
The 37 Bodhisattva Practices
In this teaching series, Tulku Migmar Tsering provides detailed teaching and commentary on Gyalse Tokme Zangpo’s 37 Bodhisattva Practices.
Tukdrub Barché Kunsel Ngöndro
The Four Foundations practices form the gateway for the Traditional Vajrayana path. Each element purifies the body, speech, and mind.
The Seed of Supreme Awakening
Teachings on the Seed of Supreme Awakening, the extensive Ngöndro of the Lamé Tukdrup Barché Künsel.
The Concise Sang Offering
This support program offers video and audio teachings on the Vajrayana practice of fragrant smoke offerings.
Tibetan for Practitioners
Guided by translator Oriane Lavole, this course helps students connect with the Tibetan language and its rich dharmic context.