A Gradual Path of Study & Practice
Students join the Nine Yanas program and approach Vajrayana more gradually through more intensive study and contemplation.
The first Six Yanas of the program include teachings, contemplation, and reflection exercises that unfold gradually. Within these three stages, the student practices the Treasury of Blessings sadhana as a framework for meditation practice.
This progressive approach provides a structured framework with which to better understand and implement the Buddha’s precious teachings. By studying, contemplating, and meditating in stages like the levels of a staircase, we can gain realization more swiftly.
New Content From the Nine Yanas
The Spiritual Significance of the Samye Seal
Phakchok Rinpoche explains the meaning behind Guru Rinpoche’s seal.
Working with Pride and Judgement
Learn from Phakchok Rinpoche in this video about how to work with pride.
Tulku Migmar Tsering: An Introduction to the Path of Meditation
In this teaching, generously sponsored by Samye’s Vietnamese Sangha, Tulku Migmar Tsering introduces the Path of Meditation.
First Yana: Shravakayana
Shravakayana refers to the foundational vehicle of Buddhism. Shravaka means “hearer” or “listener”. A follower of this path develops a strong sense of renunciation and weariness with the cycle of rebirth. In order to attain this liberation, the hearer trains to realize the view of selflessness of person. Shravakas avoid the ten non-virtues, practice ethical behavior, and cultivate contentment. Meditation training begins with calm abiding, or shamata meditation.
Courses
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.
The 37 Bodhisattva Practices
In this teaching series, Tulku Migmar Tsering provides detailed teaching and commentary on Gyalse Tokme Zangpo’s 37 Bodhisattva Practices.
The Nine Yanas: Shravakayana
Approach the Buddha’s teachings gradually, learning how to integrate study, reflection, and meditation.
Training in Compassion
Dr. David Shlim gently guides us to make the connection between relaxed open mind and natural compassion.
Second Yana: Pratyekabuddhayana
The Pratyekabuddha refers to a “self-realized” practitioner who studies without the direct guidance of a teacher. Like the Shravaka, they cultivate detachment and renunciation. The primary focus of their contemplation is the 12 Links of Dependent Origination. Through this, they come to realize the view of selflessness of person and half the view of selflessness of phenomena. The result of this pathway is the self-liberation of an arhat.
Third Yana: Bodhisattvayana
Bodhisattvayana refers to Mahayana Buddhism (the Great Vehicle), which emphasizes the bodhisattva ideal and the principle of shunyata (emptiness). Bodhi means “enlightened”; sattva means “being.” A bodhisattva is a courageous being who out of compassion aspires to attain enlightenment in order to benefit all sentient beings. However, the bodhisattva’s compassion is only authentic if conjoined with the realization of the emptiness of all phenomena.
The 37 Bodhisattva Practices
What are the Six Paramitas?
Treasury of Blessings Visualization
Three Outer Tantras
Empowerment
Green Tara
Study
Kriya-, Upa- and Yoga-Tantras
Practice Text
Kriya-, Upa- and Yoga-Tantras
Recitation
Atisha’s Five Stanzas Practice
Upon completion of the first Six Yanas, the student joins the Traditional Vajrayana Path and starts the Ngöndro practice.