[See post on the website to watch the video.]

With video BA5Q1 Rinpoche answers some of the first questions submitted regarding Chapter 5. To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

(will follow soon)

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

With video BA5_18-22 Rinpoche explains stanzas 18 to 22 of the fifth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. Now that we understand that all negative things – the sources of our suffering and pain – as well as all positive things – the sources of our happiness, peace and liberation – both are our mind itself, it is important to train and guard the mind. Guarding the mind with mindfulness and vigilant introspection is the discipline and the practice of dharma.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or from the RSS feed.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 5, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 170-172.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, May 18, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

(will follow soon)

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

With video BA5_13-17 Rinpoche continues the section on how all positive things also come from the mind. The paramitas of patience, diligence, meditation and wisdom are discussed here with stanzas 13 to 17 of the fifth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or from the RSS feed.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 5, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 169-170.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, May 11, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA4Q8 Rinpoche answers the remaining three questions that were submitted regarding Chapter 4.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With BA5_9-12 we come to the second point of this section: how every good thing and all virtue also come from the mind. The first three paramitas — giving, discipline and patience — are discussed here as Rinpoche explains stanzas from 9 to 12 of the fifth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 5, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 168-169.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, May 4, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA5_2-8 Rinpoche begins the detailed explanation on the importance of guarding our mind with vigilant introspection. Stanzas from 2 to 8 of the fifth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara cover the first of three points in this section: how all problems and harm come from our untrained mind.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 5, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 165-168.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, April 27, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA5_1 Rinpoche gives the general outline and explains the essence of the fifth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, Vigilant Introspection. In brief, in order to follow the training of the Bodhisattva path, we have to guard and protect our mind constantly by applying mindfulness and awareness to it.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 5, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 164-165.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, April 20, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Cet enregistrement n’est pas en simultané.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

This is a set of questions you can use to self assess your knowledge and understanding of the teachings relating to the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, Carefulness. Please feel free to use these questions as you find helpful.

You may answer these questions either from your memory alone or by referring to the materials you have available. Answers can be found in the video teachings listed below, but you can also refer to the root text The Way of the Bodhisattva, the transcript of Rinpoche’s teachings from 1997-2001 or the commentary book by Khenpo Kunpal, and the seven videos of Questions and Answers on Chapter 4.

BA4_1 Carefulness
BA4_2-12 Preventing Our Bodhichitta Aspiration from Degenerating
BA4_12-20 Diligence and Precious Human Life
BA4_21-27 The Sufferings of Samsara & The Need to Seize the Opportunity
BA4_28-32 Reflecting on the Faults of Negative Emotions
BA4_33-35 More on the Faults of Negative Emotions
BA4_36-43 Enduring the Hardships
BA4_43-48 How to Get Rid of the Defilements

Chapter 4 Questions

1. The Bodhicharyavatara can be divided to four main parts. The first three chapters form part one, which is about generating bodhichitta where bodhichitta has not yet arisen. The second part consists of chapters 4-6.  What is it about?  (Video BA4_1)

2. The first three chapters explored the bodhichitta aspiration. The fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara begins the section on discipline. The title of this chapter is, in Tibetan, pag yü, which is translated here as Carefulness. What is pag yü, carefulness/heedfulness? What might this mean to you in your daily life? (Videos BA4_1, BA4_43-48)

3. What are the three main points, given in this chapter, to be considered regarding our practice of carefulness? (Video BA4_2-12)

4. What are the two main things to be careful of in the training itself? (Videos BA4_2-12, BA4_12-20)

5. What are the reasons why we should keep the bodhichitta aspiration from degenerating, and why is wavering in this aspiration not helpful? (Video BA4_2-12)

6. What are the three points to take into consideration when reflecting on our precious human life? (Video BA4_12-20)

7. In your opinion, why is it so necessary to reflect on the sufferings of samsara, the faults of the negative emotions and the necessity to seize the opportunity. Why do we need such a passionate attitude as proclaimed by Shantideva in these stanzas? (Videos BA4_21-27, BA4_28-32, BA4_33-35, BA4_36-43, BA4_43-48)

8. What are the three points to contemplate when examining the kleshas we wish to free ourselves of? (Video BA4_28-32)

9. How are the negative emotions different from any common enemies we might have and why are they so harmful? (Videos BA4_28-32, BA4_33-35, BA4_36-43)

10. What is our primary tool or weapon against the kleshas, our negative emotions? Elaborate on how it is possible to get rid of such powerful enemies. (Video BA4_43-48)

11. What can be taken as a measure of the effect of our practice? If you like, you can reflect on Gampopa’s words:  “Don’t do Dharma practice as work, do it as transformation.”  (Videos BA4_33-35, BA4_43-48)

12. In the light of these teachings what do you see as your enemy and how do you feel you are working on it with carefulness and presence of mind, considering all the points given in Chapter 4?

Download the Self Study Questions for Chapter 4 as a pdf file 

With BA4Q7 Rinpoche answers a few more questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding Chapter 4.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With BA4Q6 Rinpoche answers the second one of the many questions submitted by Online Shedra students during his recent journey to Bodhgaya.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

We have now come to the conclusion of Chapter Four, Carefulness. How do we actually get rid of the kleshas? With video BA4_43-48, Rinpoche discusses the stanzas 43 to 48 of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 159-163.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Monday, April 2, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Cet enregistrement n’est pas en simultané.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With BA4Q5 Rinpoche answers one of the many questions submitted by Online Shedra students during his recent journey to Bodhgaya for Kagyu Monlam.  Rinpoche will answer more questions in the next questions and answers video.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

While Rinpoche is in Bodhgaya participating the 29th Kagyu Monlam, we continue with Chapter Four. With video BA4_36-43 Rinpoche explains the stanzas from 36 to the first half of 43.  Here Shantideva declares he will not be discouraged and lose heart but will strive on diligently, enduring the hardships in order to eliminate the negative emotions.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 157-159.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Thursday, March 8, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA4_33-35 we conclude the section on the necessity of carefulness regarding the shortcomings of negative emotions, which are the real target of our practice.  This is Rinpoche’s explanation on the stanzas 33 to 35 of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and from the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 156-157.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Thursday, March 8, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video BA4Q4 Rinpoche answers some more questions submitted by Online Shedra students during the past few weeks, regarding the choice we have and taking refuge.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students concerning stanzas 12 to 32 of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This is the questions and answers video BA4Q3.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Recently Ringu Tulku Rinpoche gave a week-long teaching in Brussels on Two Bodhichittas, which was recorded and shared with Bodhicharya by Ger Reinders. You can download and listen to the teachings at http://bodhicharya.intouch.net/pg/groups/103086/Recent+Teaching+of+Rinpoche/

To listen to the teachings simply register with the Bodhicharya Communities  – the social media for Bodhicharya – if you haven’t done so already, and then login and follow the link above or find the community Recent Teaching of Rinpoche on the community list at the community website.

A new video teaching of Rinpoche on the Bodhicharyavatara and his answers to some of the recent questions sent by the followers of the Online Shedra teachings will be posted here soon.

Photo: Francois Henrard

With video BA4_28-32 Rinpoche gives a teaching on stanzas 28-32 of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, which are the beginning of the section on the importance of carefulness considering the kleshas, or the negative emotions, that we need to free ourselves from. First we reflect on the faults or shortcomings of these negative emotions.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 155-156.

You’re questions are most welcome. Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Thursday, January 12th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. You can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche is now on tour in Jakarta and  Singapore. In Jakarta he is attending a global Buddhist conference as the keynote speaker, and after that he will teach in Singapore. You can find the details in Rinpoche’s Travel Schedule.

Rinpoche may not send a new Bodhicharyavatara video teaching until he has returned home later in December, but he will try to send a new questions and answers video from the tour.

There is an extended timeline until Sunday December 11 for the questions regarding the latest teaching, BA4_21-27. As usual, you can send study questions after that date too, via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

We are now sharing some of Rinpoche’s wonderful teachings on the Dohas of the First Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa.

These three teachings, 6 videos in total, were recorded on Rinpoche’s spring tour 2011 and are now published here in the Online Shedra. The lifestory of Düsum Khyenpa and a teaching on one of the dohas have already been posted and three more videos will be added during the next two weeks.

You can send study questions also regarding Rinpoche’s Düsum Khyenpa teachings either by leaving a comment on the Doha teachings page or by email.

If you have any other questions or any wishes concerning the Online Shedra, just contact us through the contact form or send email to shedra[at]bodhicharya.org. We are happy to receive your feedback and develop the Online Shedra according to your needs.

With video BA4_21-27 Rinpoche gives a commentary on stanzas 21-27 of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. Here we are reflecting on the necessity of carefulness from the point of view of how difficult it is to free ourselves from the lower realms and how we should not waste this great opportunity we now have.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teachings is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 151-155.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. We now have an extended timeline for sending questions regarding this teaching. Questions will be collected from here on Sunday, December 11th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA4Q2 Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students concerning some of the recent teachings on the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this talk an be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video BA4_12-20 Rinpoche first explains stanzas 12 (second half) to 14. These stanzas continue on the consideration of carefulness from point of view of our training, and, in particular, of protecting the bodhichitta by reminding ourselves of not letting our diligence in working on it degenerate. Then Rinpoche explains stanzas 15-20, where carefulness is considered from point of view of the precious human life and how rare it is to get.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 148-151.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Saturday, November 26th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA4Q1 Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students concerning the first stanza of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara and some other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here or on the RSS feed page.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA4_2-12 we come to the detailed description of carefulness, with three main points to take into consideration: our training; the preciousness of human life; and the mind poisons to be transformed. Here Rinpoche explains stanzas 2 to 12 – actually the first half of stanza 12 – of the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These stanzas are about the training and especially about preventing our bodhichitta aspiration from degenerating after having taken the vows.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 144-148.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, November 16th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions[at]bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

This is a set of questions you can use to self assess your knowledge and understanding of the teachings and reference material relating to the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, Taking Hold of Bodhichitta. You can use these questions if you find it helpful, but it is not compulsory.

You may answer these questions either from your memory alone or by referring to the materials you have available. All of the answers can be found in the video teachings, but you can also refer to the root text The Way of the Bodhisattva, the transcript of Rinpoche’s teachings from 1997-2001 or the commentary by Khenpo Kunpal. You can do this in whatever way suits you. For example you might like to set aside a certain amount of time to answer some or all of the questions in writing.

These questions are also posted to the Online Shedra Community forum on the Bodhicharya Communities website.

Chapter 3 questions

1. What are the four branches of the Eight (or Seven) branch practice discussed in the third chapter?
2. What are the three categories of beings for whom we are rejoicing in the beginning of the third chapter, and what are the cause and result of each of them that we rejoice in?
3. Please explain in your own words how rejoicing works as an antidote to jealousy.
4. The Eight (or Seven) branch practice is here discussed not only as a prayer but as something to practice in our daily life. From a practical, everyday point of view, what does it mean to request the teachings and request the enlightened beings to stay with us?
5. Dedicating all our merits and positive deeds is not only for the ultimate purpose of the enlightenment of all the sentient beings, but it is said that it’s also a practice of compassion. In a number of stanzas specific compassionate aspirations are made as a dedication – list as many of these as you can.
6. Please name the three bases of ego-clinging and the four mind training methods to work with them.
7. What are the meaning and purpose of ‘giving away the body’ as a practice of mind training?
8. What is the difference between dedication and aspiration? Why is it important to make a very vast dedication instead of a small one?
9. What are the three kinds of bodhisattva motivations?
10. What are the two traditions of taking the Bodhisattva’s vows?
11. Why is it important to rejoice after having generated the bodhichitta and taken the vows?
12. What are the metaphors or images used to describe the bodhichitta in the last few stanzas of the third chapter?

Download these questions as a pdf file

With this video BA4_1, we are starting the fourth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, Carefulness, in Tibetan pag yü. Here Rinpoche gives an overview of this chapter which begins the section on discipline, or how to prevent bodhichitta from decreasing, and then explains the first stanza which is a statement of this discipline.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 4, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 139-144.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Tuesday, November 8th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3Q8, Rinpoche answers some of the questions submitted by Online Shedra students after video teaching BA3_25-28.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video BA3_29-34, Rinpoche explains the six concluding stanzas of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. With stanzas 29-33 we continue on rejoicing for ourselves after having taken the Bodhisattva’s vows. Finally, stanza 34 is about causing others to rejoice.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 134-136.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, October 28th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited to meet other students there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video, BA3Q7, Rinpoche again answers some of the questions of the Online Shedra students. These questions were submitted after the teaching on stanzas 23 and 24 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Yumma Mudra)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video BA3_25-28, Rinpoche explains stanzas 25 to 28 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These stanzas are the beginning of the section on rejoicing after having taken the Bodhisattva’s vows. First we are rejoicing for ourselves.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 133.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, October 12th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited to meet other students there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3Q6 Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students mainly regarding stanzas 18-22 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3_23-24, we have come to the actual taking of the Bodhisattva’s vows. Here Rinpoche explains stanzas 23 to 24 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 130-132.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, September 21th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Please also join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited to meet other students there. Now you can send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum as well.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3Q5 Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students mainly regarding stanzas 13-17 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, as explained in the video teaching BA3_13-17 Giving Away the Body.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3_18-22, Rinpoche explains stanzas 18 to 22 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These five verses are the dedication of the results of our mind training.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 129-130.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, September 7th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

And please join the new Bodhicharya Communities, if you haven’t already. There is also a community for the Online Shedra, and everybody is invited to meet other students there. Now you can also send study questions for Rinpoche through the Online Shedra community forum.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA3Q4) Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students mainly regarding stanzas 11-12 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] 

  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video BA3_13-17, Rinpoche explains stanzas 13 to 17 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This section is about the special method of giving away our body.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 128-129.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, August 24rd, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Dear Online Shedra students,

As you may have noticed, during his summer tour Rinpoche has not been able to record and send new teachings for the Online Shedra. As he wrote for the new Bodhicharya Communities website,

I could not send a Bodhicharyavatara teaching from Summer Camp or here. I hope it would be OK as most people would be on holiday these days. Love and prayers to all. RT

We will continue with new teachings and questions and answers as soon as Rinpoche again can send them. In the meantime, please sign up with the new Bodhicharya Communities network and feel free to create your own space there, according to your interests and whatever you wish to share with others.

Happy summer days to all!

With this video (BA3Q3) Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students mainly regarding stanzas 7-10 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video teaching BA3_11-12 we come to the section of mind training, which is the second of the two preparations required in order to take hold of bodhichitta, the first being the 7-branch practice and refuge, which were discussed in the previous teachings. Here Rinpoche explains stanzas 11 and 12 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These two stanzas are about the actual mind training and why it is so important.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 125-128.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, July 27th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Maryvonne Schopfer)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA3Q2) Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding stanzas 1-4 and 5-6 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Here (BA3_7-10) Rinpoche gives a teaching on the last of the eight preliminaries: dedication. These are the stanzas from 7 to 10 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 123-124.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below, or send them via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, July 20th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

This is the questions and answers session BA3Q1. Here Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding stanzas 1 to 4 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Due to some unstabilities with internet connection it has taken some more time to send new videos, but they will be coming, thanks to Rinpoche’s unending kindness.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA3_5-6) Rinpoche explains the next two branches of accumulation practices, as given in stanzas 5 and 6 of the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These two are requesting the enlightened beings to turn the wheel of Dharma and requesting them to remain with us.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 121-123.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Friday, July 8th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

This is a set of questions you can use to self assess your knowledge and understanding of the teachings and reference material relating to the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, “Confession”. You can use these questions if you find it helpful, but it is not compulsory.

You may answer these questions either from your memory alone or by referring to the materials you have available. All of the answers can be found in the video teachings, but you can also refer to the root text The Way of the Bodhisattva, the transcript of Rinpoche’s teachings from 1997-2001 or the commentary by Khenpo Kunpal. You can do this in whatever way suits you. For example you might like to set aside a certain amount of time to answer some or all of the questions in writing. You are also welcome to  use the Discussion Forums area of the website to discuss these and other questions and your understanding with others who are following the Shedra teachings.

Chapter 2 questions

1. In the first chapter, one trains in understanding the importance and value of bodhichitta and why one needs to generate it in oneself. The second chapter is about purification. Why is purification needed when starting to generate bodhichitta?

2. What are the four main sections of the second chapter?

3. Why does one need to make offerings in order to generate bodhichitta?

4. How is an offering different from just giving?

5. What are the three objects of offering described in the text? Why does one want to give them offerings? Please elaborate.

6. What are the five different offerings and what are their meanings?

7. What is the meaning and purpose of making prostrations? You can also explain how to make a prostration and describe the key things to remember at each step of a five-point prostration.

8. What are the two aspects of Mahayana refuge? Please elaborate on them.

9. What are the three kinds of negative things one need to confess?

10. What are the four powers of purification? Elaborate on these four, for instance by describing the steps of the process of purification according to the Bodhicharyavatara. You can do this in your own words, as you understand them.

11. How does Rinpoche describe the difference between regret and guilt at the end of BA2_32-46? What are your own thoughts about this?

12.  In BA2_60-65, Rinpoche says that stanza 60 is regarded as the most important stanza of this chapter. What is the meaning of this stanza and why is it so important?

Here you can download the questions as a pdf file.

With video BA2Q9, Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding stanzas 60 to 65 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here or in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA3_1-4) we come to the third chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, Taking Hold of Bodhichitta. Here Rinpoche explains stanzas 1 to 4, which cover the fifth branch of the eight accumulation practices: rejoicing. The first four branches — offerings, prostrations, refuge and confession — were discussed in chapter 2. These practices are part of the preliminaries for generating or fully adopting the bodhichitta.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Rinpoche is mainly using the Padmakara English translation of the Bodhicharyavatara, The Way of the Bodhisattva. Rinpoche has also  referred to these two translations which are available online: http://www.kunpal.com, http://www.lotsawahouse.org/bodhicharyavatara.html.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 3, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 119-121.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Saturday, July 2nd, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2Q8) Rinpoche answers some of the questions submitted by Online Shedra students, mainly regarding stanzas 54-59 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2_60-65) Rinpoche continues on the power of antidote and then finishes with the fourth and last power of purification, which is the power of resolution to not commit those negative deeds again. This teaching on stanzas 60 to 65 completes the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, The Confession, or Purification.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript can be downloaded here or in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 115-118.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Sunday, June 26th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Rinpoche is now back home in Sikkim after his spring teaching tour. Here in this video (BA2Q7) Rinpoche answers the Online Shedra students’ questions which were submitted by June 2nd. These questions mainly concern purification and the stanzas 47-53 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

The third aspect of purification is the power of antidote, which is the topic of stanzas 54 to 59 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara explained by Rinpoche in this video (BA2_54-59).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 112-115.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Thursday, June 9th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2Q6), Rinpoche answers some questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding stanzas 27-46 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, and other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2_47-53) Rinpoche gives an explanation on stanzas 47 to 53 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. After the first one, which was regret, the second power or strength of confession and purification is the power of support or reliance.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this teaching is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 107-111.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Thursday, June 2nd 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2Q5), Rinpoche answers the questions submitted by Online Shedra students regarding stanza 26, which is about the Refuge.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French(Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2_32-46) Rinpoche continues on the section of regret in the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. In stanzas 32-46 we are vividly reminded of the uncertainty and impermanence of life and that we should act now at this very moment to purify our negative karma.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 101-107.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, May 25th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2_27-31) we come to the section of confession, which will be continued in Rinpoche’s next teachings as well. Stanzas from 27 to 31 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara are explained in this first part.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Here, we recognize and confess all our negative deeds of body, speech and mind in front of all the Buddhas and bodhisattvas and purify them through the power of genuine regret.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 95-101.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, May 18th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] 

  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2Q4), Rinpoche again answers some of the questions submitted by the Online Shedra students regarding prostration, which was discussed in Rinpoche’s teaching on stanzas 24 and 25 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

Due to Rinpoche’s travel and teaching schedule, it has not been possible for all the submitted questions to be answered directly in the videos. Even those questions are often answered in the teachings. However, if you feel your question is still unresolved you are welcome to resubmit your question via studyquestions@bodhicharya.org and Rinpoche will endeavour to answer it in a next Questions and Answers video. When submitting a question in this way please state the chapter and stanza number to which your question relates.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jet Mort) (traduction pdf)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

(BA2_26) Here Ringu Tulku Rinpoche gives us a teaching on the stanza 26 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This is about taking refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 81-95.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, May 4th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2_24-25) Rinpoche gives a detailed explanation of stanzas 24 and 25 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This section is about performing prostrations or paying homage.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player on the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 79-81.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, April 27th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Here you will find Rinpoche’s answers to three questions regarding stanzas 10 to 19 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, submitted by the Online Shedra students by April 6th. (BA2Q3)

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Due to Rinpoches travel and teaching schedule, so far, it has not been possible for all the submitted questions to be answered directly in the videos. If you feel your question is still unresolved you are welcome to resubmit your question via studyquestions@bodhicharya.org and Rinpoche will endeavour to answer it as soon as possible. When submitting a question in this way please state the chapter and stanza number to which your question relates.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jonathan Nadeau)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.[Audio clip: view full post to listen] 

  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

In the beginning of this video (BA2_20-23) Rinpoche first elaborates a little further on the imagined offerings discussed in the previous teaching. Then Rinpoche explains the three remaining offerings illustrated by Shantideva in stanzas 20 to 23 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara:

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

• the offerings made with the power of our aspirations
• the unexcelled offerings, and
• offering of melodious praise

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 75-79.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, April 20th 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (will follow soon)
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Rinpoche has again kindly answered to the Online Shedra students’ questions – this time regarding stanzas 1 to 9 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, as well as some other topics. (BA2Q2)

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jet Mort)  traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Jos haluat kuunnella simultaanitulkkauksen samanaikaisesti videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen] 

  If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Here (in BA2_10-19) Rinpoche explains the offerings we create with our imagination. This section is covered in stanzas 10-19 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 70-75.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, April 6th 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

To go to the Chapter 2 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With video teaching BA2_8-9 Rinpoche explains the stanzas 8 and 9 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 69-70.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on Wednesday, March 30th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

To go to the Chapter 2 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA2Q1) Rinpoche addresses the students’ questions regarding the first seven stanzas of the 2nd chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available here and in the Library.

To go to the Chapter 2 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

In this video (BA2_2-7), Rinpoche continues with explaining the offering of material things which are not owned by anybody, as described in stanzas 2-7 of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Rinpoche will be on teaching tour for the next few months. We hope that Rinpoche will on tour have the circumstances to record and send Online Shedra teachings during the spring as often as possible.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of his talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 66-69.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Wednesday, March 16th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

To go to the Chapter 2 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (QA12) Rinpoche answers again some questions regarding the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These questions were collected from the Online Shedra students after teaching BA16 which covers stanzas 27-28.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Due to Rinpoches travel and teaching schedule, so far, it has not been possible for all the submitted questions to be answered directly in the videos. If you feel your question is still unresolved you are welcome to resubmit your question via studyquestions@bodhicharya.org and Rinpoche will endeavour to answer it as soon as possible. When submitting a question in this way please state the chapter and stanza number to which your question relates.

To go to the Chapter 1 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

We have come to the beginning of the second chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, the Chapter of Purification, or the Confession. In order to generate and establish bodhichitta in ourselves we first need to create positive habitual tendencies, and the first preparation is making offerings. In this video (BA2_1) Rinpoche explains the first stanza of this chapter.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk is available here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 2, which you can download here and in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 65-66.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is  helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than that may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Monday, March 7th, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

To go to the Chapter 2 page, click here. To go to the Bodhicharyavatara teachings main page, click here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Rinpoche has returned from the tour in Thailand and now, with this video (QA11), answers some of the questions of the Online Shedra students again.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch –español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

This is a set of questions you can use to self assess your knowledge and understanding of the teachings and reference material relating to the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, “The Excellence of Bodhichitta”.


It is suggested you see how you answer them yourself, either from your memory alone or by referring to the materials you have available. You might refer to Rinpoche’s online teachings on the first chapter, the root text The Way of the Bodhisattva, the transcript of Rinpoche’s teachings from 1997-2001 or the commentary book by Khenpo Kunpal. You can do this in whatever way suits you. For example you might like to set aside a certain amount of time to answer some or all of the questions in writing.

In the traditional Shedra testing one’s knowledge and understanding is a crucial component of dharma study. So in this online Shedra we can also take advantage of this tool of learning without feeling the burden of being right or wrong in our answers.

Chapter 1 questions

1. What is the meaning of the title of this text, the Bodhicharyavatara?
2. What does the “translator’s homage” in the beginning of the text signify?
3. What are the three objects of homage in the first stanza?
4. How is the Bodhicharyavatara generally divided into four parts?
5. What kind of conditions are necessary in order to generate bodhichitta in ourselves?
6. What are the five examples given in the first chapter to establish the general benefits of bodhichitta?
7. What are the two kinds of bodhichitta and what is the difference between them?
8. What are the four limitless aspects of bodhichitta, as taught by the Buddha?
9. In which two ways are the benefits of action bodhichitta established by Shantideva?
10. Why is a person who has bodhichitta the best friend for everybody and why is a connection with such a person always beneficial?

EXTRA QUESTIONS 11-13:

11. Rinpoche explained that the first and last chapter is about the paramita of generosity. Can you explain how that is so?
12. Describe, in your own words, what the central idea of the first chapter is?
13. With what you understand, from the teachings and text, how would you prove the benefits of action bodhichitta by reasoning?

The set of questions is also available as pdf.

Maybe you would also like to consider using the Discussion Forums area of the website to discuss these questions and your understanding with others who are following the Shedra teachings. As the guidelines for a proper way of discussing, please refer to the instructions Rinpoche has given with the video QA9. In brief:

• Discuss something that you can understand instead of things that are too high and complicated.
• Use logic and reasons to prove your argument.
• If you don’t understand and can’t prove your argument by reasoning, then refer to textual sources by others who have more understanding, such as quotations of the scriptures.

Here Ringu Tulku Rinpoche explains the greatness of the bodhisattvas who have generated the bodhichitta in themselves and who are always trying to help others to have lasting peace and happiness. A contact with such a person is always beneficial to the beings.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

With this video (BA1_31-36) we have completed the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. Please note that we have changed the naming of the sessions.  BA1 indicates the chapter and numbers 31-36 indicate the stanzas covered in this teaching.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 60-64.

Please log in and leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than 80 words may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Thursday, February 17th 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

In this video (BA17) Rinpoche continues with proving the benefits of action bodhichitta through reasoning – why it is truly so special and why we should generate it in ourselves and help others do so too – and explains the stanzas 29 and 30 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 59.

Please  leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than 80 words may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Thursday, February 10th 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With Questions and Answers video 10 (QA10) Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teaching BA14, or the stanza 20 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

While Rinpoche is currently travelling in Thailand, the next Questions and Answers video may not be available before mid-February. However, as usual, you are welcome to submit your questions as comments under the latest BA teaching –or, after the given date for submitting questions regarding that teaching, to send them by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org– and Rinpoche will address them with new QA videos as soon as possible.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Jet Mort) traduction pdf
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (BA16), Rinpoche explains the stanzas 27 and 28 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. In the previous stanzas we talked about proving the benefits of bodhichitta in intention. Now the benefits of bodhichitta in action are established through reasoning.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 58-59.

Please  leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than 80 words may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Wednesday, February 2nd 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video. After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Frank Billot)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Here in video QA9 Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the stanzas 17-19 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara as well as some other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Rinpoche also gives a very helpful instruction concerning the lively debate and discussion in the Online Shedra. It’s best to debate topics we can understand — to come to the ground level — and use arguments based on logic and reasoning, or — if we don’t really understand — use quotations of scriptures, rather than our opinions. That’s the way to discuss and that’s the way to work, says Rinpoche here in this Q&A video.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Rinpoche kindly explains in this teaching (BA15) the stanzas 21-26 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. Here the limitless benefits of aspiration bodhichitta are proved by reasoning.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

Download a transcript of this talk here.

We are also studying  the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 56-58.

Please leave your questions for Rinpoche as a comment below. It is helpful if you can use one short paragraph and, if possible, less than 80 words. Any questions longer than 80 words may have to be edited so please be concise. Questions will be collected from here on next Sunday, January 23rd 2011, and included in Rinpoche’s answers video.  After that date please send any questions relating to this video teaching via email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch – español -  français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
  Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Frank Billot)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

With this video (QA7-8) Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the stanzas 11-16 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara as well as some other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]

Rinpoche also sends his best wishes for Christmas and New Year with this video. Our sincerest apologies to all of you for not being able to post this sooner!

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player above.

To view on the iPhone/iPad click here

If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus

Deutsch– español – français – suomi

• Deutsch / German (will follow soon)
• Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
  Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Français / French (Frank Billot)
  Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.
  [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
• Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
  Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche explains in this video (BA14) the 20th stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This stanza refers to another text – the sutra requested by Subahu – where the Buddha taught the 4 limitless aspects of bodhichitta.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

Those aspects are the reason why the merit of generating active bodhichitta in one’s mind is also limitless.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 56.

Your questions for Rinpoche are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words, if possible. You can leave your question below as a comment. The timeline for questions is Saturday, January 8th, 2011. After that date please send your questions by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Here Rinpoche goes on with clarifying the meaning of the two kinds of bodhichitta and explains the difference in the benefits of the bodhichitta in intention and the active bodhichitta, as stated in the stanzas 17, 18 and 19 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 55-56.

Your questions for Rinpoche are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words, if possible. You can  leave your question below as a comment. The timeline for questions is Sunday, January 2nd, 2011. After that date please send your questions by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español –  français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

With this teaching ( BA12) Rinpoche talks briefly about the different ways of categorizing bodhichitta and the five causes and conditions that can awaken the bodhichitta in us. The two kinds of bodhichitta– the bodhichitta in intention and the active bodhichitta–are introduced to us in stanzas 15 and 16.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 51-55.

Your comments and questions for Rinpoche are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words. You can leave your question below as a comment –it may help others in their study and contemplation. Timeline for questions is Thursday, December 23th, 2010. After that date please send your questions by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

With this sixth questions and answers video (QA6) Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teaching BA9–the stanzas 9 and 10 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara–as well as some other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (will follow soon)

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In BA11 Rinpoche explains the stanzas 13 and 14, where two more examples demonstrating the benefits of generating bodhichitta are given: a heroic guard and the fire at the end of the world. Stanza 14 also refers to other examples given in other sutras.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 49-51.

Your comments and questions for Rinpoche are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words. You can leave your question below as a comment –it may be helpful for others in their study and contemplation. Timeline for questions is Wednesday, December 15th, 2010. After that date, please send your questions by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In this teaching (BA10), the next two of the five examples demonstrating the general benefits of generating bodhichitta are explained by Rinpoche.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

These two examples–a precious jewel and a fruit-bearing, wish-fulfilling tree–are given in stanzas 11 and 12 of the first chapter. The first example, alchemy, was explained in the previous teaching.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 48-49.

Comments and questions for Rinpoche are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words. You can leave your question below as a comment –it may be helpful for others in their study and contemplation. Timeline for questions is Sunday, December 12th, 2010. After that date please send your questions by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung /Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

With this fifth questions and answers video (QA5) Rinpoche kindly answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teaching BA8–the stanzas 7 and 8 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara–as well as some other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

One of the questions concerned the length of an Aeon. Here is some more clarification from Rinpoche in addition to the answer given on the video: – There is a great Kalpa which is usually translated as Aeon. That is the life of living planet like earth. One great Aeon has 80 small Kalpas. So Kalpa or Aeon can be 1/80th of a Great Kalpa or a whole life of the world. Both could be the duration of the text.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traduccion / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (will follow soon)

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

BA9 is Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s teaching on the 9th and 10th stanzas of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. This continues on the general benefit of bodhicitta which was started in stanza six.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

Stanza 9 is about how the generation of bodhicitta — the highest aspiration and motivation to work for the highest benefit for all beings — changes one’s identity and status. Five different examples demonstrating the benefits of generating bodhicitta are given in the next few following stanzas, starting from stanza 10 which Rinpoche explains in this teaching.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 47-48.

Questions are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words. Timeline for questions is Wednesday, December 1st, 2010. After that date you can send your question by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung /Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio. Vous pouvez poser vos questions en français à mike.jet@btinternet.com.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Halutessasi voit lähettää opetusta koskevia kysymyksiä myös suomeksi osoitteeseen shedra@bodhicharya.org.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teaching BA7–the sixth stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara–as well as other topics. This is the fourth questions and answers video (QA4).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch –español -  français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

With the video BA8 Rinpoche gives an explanation of the 7th and the 8th stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara. These verses continue on the general benefits of bodhicitta which was started in stanza six.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 46-47.

Comments and questions are warmly welcome. Please be concise and use one short paragraph no more than 80 words. Timeline for questions is Wednesday, November 24th, 2010. –If you wish to send a study question to Rinpoche after this date, please do so via sending email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teachings on the stanzas 4 and 5 of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara (videos BA5 and BA6) and other topics.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

This is the third questions and answers session (QA3) and this time it comes in two parts. The first part is a video with three questions and answers. The second part is an audio recording with more questions and answers, and you will find it below. Please watch/listen to both of these two recordings.

To view the video with first three questions and answers, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. To listen to the first three questions and answers in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

To listen to the part two of QA3 with the rest of the questions and answers, use the audio player here:

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file part 1 here and audio file part 2 here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translations to other languages will be added gradually as they become available. If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
En simultané avec la partie vidéo.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri. Huom. Video päättyy vastaukseen nr 3, mutta käännös sisältää myös osan 2 (QA3_continued).

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In this video (BA7), Rinpoche explains the sixth stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, which is about the general benefit of bodhichitta.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We are also studying the commentary transcript, which you can download here or in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech. This stanza is explained on page 46.

If you wish to post a study question to Rinpoche, you can do so via sending email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja heti sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the teachings on the first three stanzas of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara (videos BA3 and BA4) and some other topics. This is the second questions and answers video (QA2).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Mustapha Zaidi)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In the previous video, Rinpoche explained the right conditions of the body for generating the bodhicitta. Now, in this sixth video teaching (BA6), Rinpoche gives the explanation of the right conditions of the mind.

“Just as on a dark night black with clouds,
The sudden lightning glares and all is clearly shown,
Likewise rarely, through the Buddhas’ power,
Virtuous thoughts rise, brief and transient, in the world.”
Bodhicharyavatara, C1 S5

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which you can download here. You can also find it in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 45-46.

Questions are warmly welcome. Please try to keep your question under 80 words if possible. You can leave the questions below or send them by email by November the 9th (2010). Rinpoche will address the questions sent by this date with the next week’s Q&A video. –If you wish to send a study question to Rinpoche after this date, please do so via sending email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

This is the fifth video teaching (BA5).

“So hard to find the ease and wealth
Whereby the aims of beings may be gained.
If now I fail to turn it to my profit,
How could such a chance be mine again?”
Bodhicharyavatara, C1 S4

Rinpoche first gives a brief overview of the structure of the Bodhicharyavatara text and then explains the fourth stanza of the first chapter. This stanza is about the precious human life, and how we need to appreciate what we have and not waste it, but use this unique chance for something good and beneficial for ourselves and others.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript of this talk can be downloaded here and in the Library.

We should also study the commentary transcript, which starts from this fourth stanza. The commentary can be downloaded here. You can also find it in the Library section. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, pp. 43-45.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción/ Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch –  español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In this video Rinpoche answers the questions of the Online Shedra students regarding the first two teachings, Motivation (BA1) and Title, Translator’s Homage, Author (BA2).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

This is the first questions and answers video (QA1).

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available for downloading here and in the Library.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (by Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Frank Billot)
Cet enregistrement n’est pas en simultané.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (by Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja heti sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Rinpoche continues the teaching on the first stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, and explains the second and third stanzas as well. This is the fourth video teaching (BA4).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript is available here and in the Library.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
En simultané – ou presque. Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, lancez d’abord la vidéo et ensuite l’enregistrement audio.

Noter la différence entre la traduction anglaise et la traduction française pour le dernier vers de la deuxième strophe :
« I wrote it ONLY to habituate my mind” devient “…pour y accoutumer mon esprit, que j’ai composé cet ouvrage ». Le mot « seulement » disparaît.

Noter la différence entre la traduction anglaise et la traduction française pour l’avant dernier vers de la troisième strophe :
« BUT others who now chance…” devient “ ET ceux qui…”

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja heti sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Here Rinpoche explains to us the meaning of the first stanza of the first chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara, or actually the first half of the first stanza, which is the Homage. This is the third video teaching (BA3).

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

A transcript can be downloaded here or in the Library.

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

Audio translations / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (by Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
Cet enregistrement n’est pas en simultané. Les citations en français sont empruntées à La Voie du Bodhisattva des éditions Padmakara. Définition de «Sugata»: empruntée et adaptée du glossaire de Une Musique venue du Ciel de Michelle Martin. La citation de Rinpoche en tibétain n’est pas reproduite.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (by Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ääninauhuri videon ollessa lukeman 00:07 kohdalla.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

In the second teaching on the Bodhicharyavatara (BA2) Rinpoche explains the meaning of the title of the text and the translator’s homage, and tells the story of Shantideva.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

A transcript can be downloaded here and in the Library.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tradução / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – português – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte erst den Video Player and dann schnell den Audio Player dazu.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Si desea escuchar la traducción simultaneamente con la enseñanza de Rinpoche, primero comienze el video y luego el reproductor de audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
L’enregistrement n’est pas en simultané.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Português / Portuguese (Alexandre Pimenta)
Se desejar ouvir a tradução simultaneamente, em primeiro lugar inicie o video e depois inicie a tradução audio.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä  ensin video- ja heti sen jälkeen ääninauhuri.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Rinpoche has very kindly sent the first video teaching on the Bodhicharyavatara (BA1). It is about the motivation in our study and in everything we do.

[See post on the website to watch the video.]iPhone/iPad streaming

To view the video, simply click on the triangle in the movie player to the left. If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.

A transcript of this teaching is available here.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

If you are not able to use the flash player, you can download the audio file here.

Comments are warmly welcome. If you wish to post a study question to Rinpoche, please do so in the comment section under the latest video teaching post on the Teachings page or by email to studyquestions@bodhicharya.org.

If you would like to volunteer in making audio translations to other languages, please email us at shedra@bodhicharya.org.

Audio translation / Übersetzung / Traducción / Traduction / Tulkkaus
Deutsch – español – français – suomi

Deutsch / German (Ena Meyer)
Falls Ihr/Sie die deutsche Übersetzung simultan zu Rinpoche’s Belehrung anhören möchten, starten Sie bitte den Audio Player ca. 01:05 Minuten nach Beginn des Videos.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Español / Spanish (Margaret Mora)
Esta no es una traducción simultanea.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Français / French (Jet Mort)
Si vous désirez écouter la traduction française en simultané, cliquez après 00:47 sur la vidéo de Rimpoché.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

Suomi / Finnish (Minna Stenroos)
Mikäli haluat kuunnella käännöksen simultaanitulkkauksena videon kanssa, käynnistä ääninauhuri videonauhurin lukeman 00:55 kohdalla.

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

The Excellence of Bodhicitta

HOMAGE TO ALL BUDDHAS AND BODHISATTVAS.

To those who go in bliss, and the dharmakaya they possess, and all their heirs,
To all those worthy of respect, I reverently bow.
According to the scriptures, I shall now briefly describe
The practice of the Bodhisattva discipline.

Here I shall say nothing that has not been said before,
And in the art of prosody I have no skill.
I therefore have no thought that this might be of benefit to others;
I wrote it only to habituate my mind.

My faith will thus be strengthened for a little while,
That I might grow accustomed to this virtuous way.
But others who now chance upon my words
May profit also, equal to myself in fortune.

With these verses the Bodhicharyavatara begins.

Rinpoche will soon start his teachings for the Online Shedra on the first chapter of the Bodhicharavatara.

We can now start reading the first chapter of the root text, which is in English translation The Way of the Bodhisattva, and the first chapter of the commentary transcript by Rinpoche.

If you don’t have the root text available yet, here is a Google book with the first three chapters. Most of the stanzas are also included in Rinpoche’s commentary.

You can download the study text here.

The Bodhicharyavatara was written by Shantideva, a famous scholar and yogi of India in the 8th century. Shantideva was a prince who became a monk and studied in the legendary Nalanda university. He was always very devoted to Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

This is the story of Shantideva, and how the Bodhicharyavatara came to be, as told by Rinpoche.

He was born in South of India. His father was a king called Kalyanavarman and his name was Shantivarman. When he was young he had great faith in Mahayana. He was generally a Mahayana type, a bodhisattva type of person. He had great respect to his teachers, was a diligent person in studies and was very helpful and always benefiting his ministers and all the subjects. He was very compassionate to the poor, sick and lowly and used to help and protect them. He was always naturally acting in the way of a bodhisattva. He also became very learned and skilful in the different arts and sciences.

In his youth, he met a yogi from whom he received a teaching on Manjushri, called the Sadhana of Sharp Manjushri. When he practised the sadhana he actually saw Manjushri. He had a vision of Manjushri. And so he reached a certain level of attainment.

At a certain stage, his father passed away. They wanted him to become the king and wanted to enthrone him. The day before he was to be enthroned, he had a dream. In the dream he saw the big throne on which he was to be enthroned and saw Manjushri sitting on his throne. Manjushri was saying, ‘My son, this is my place, and I am your teacher. How can we two sit on the same seat?’ This is what he saw in the dream. When he woke up he understood that it was not right to become a king. It was an indication from Manjushri that it is no use to become a king. So he fled away. He just left everything and went away.

Then he went to Nalanda and met the pandita Jinadeva, who was the head teacher of Nalanda. There were five hundred teachers and Jinadeva was the most senior over them all. Shantideva became a monk under Jinadeva, and so he was given the name Shantideva, coming from the name of his teacher.

Shantideva studied and practised secretly and was not showing off. He studied more inwardly and all the time he practised on his own. He practised on the meaning. And then he also wrote three great treatises. One of these three books is the collection of instructions, the other is the collection of the sutras, and then there is the Bodhicharyavatara.

Although he had these great qualities, he remained in the Nalanda University without doing anything. He was the laziest person. People used to call him Busuku. Bu comes from bukta, which means eating. And su comes from susta, which is sleeping and ku comes from kuchiwa, that’s just walking. One who can do just eating, sleeping and going out to the toilet. So he was called Busuku.

The people in Nalanda thought he was a disgrace to them. Everybody else was studying, giving teachings, doing something, and he was just doing nothing. He was just sleeping in his small room. So they wanted to expel him. But they couldn’t find a way to expel him because he had done nothing wrong. If you don’t do anything you can’t do anything wrong. He didn’t break any rules. He didn’t do anything that was against the law. They couldn’t just ask him to go away. So they tried to find a way of driving him away.

Somebody had a great idea. They said, ‘Well, if we make a new system that anybody who is staying in this University has to give a teaching, then his turn will come very quickly and he wouldn’t know how to teach, so he will just run away.’ But their plan didn’t work.

They asked him to give a teaching but he didn’t listen to them and said, ‘I don’t know, please don’t ask me, I don’t know.’ He didn’t give his consent. But then they asked his teacher to give him an order. So the teacher gave him an order. Then he said, ‘Alright, I will read something.’ But they wanted to really embarrass him, so they made a big throne at the centre of a big field and asked everybody to come in, the whole community and from outside also. They wanted to really make him run away. But when the time came for him to give the teaching, he just sat on the throne. They didn’t even know how he had come and how he had climbed up on the throne, he just was there. And then he said, ‘What should I read, what kind of teaching should I give? Something that has been given before or something which has never been given before?’ And everybody shouted, ‘Something which has never been given before, of course!’ And Shantideva said, ‘Of these three teachings that I have, this one is too long, and that one is too short, so I will give you the Bodhicharyavatara which is in the middle.’

Then he recited the Bodhicharyavatara from his mind. It is said that many people saw Manjushri in front of him at that time. And when he reached the ninth chapter, the Wisdom chapter, he and Manjushri rose higher and higher and disappeared. That’s the usual way of describing it. He disappeared from this place.

You can also read Shantideva’s biography in The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech on pages 17-22.

In this video, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche introduces the Online Study Group and the object of the study, Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara—a core textbook in a traditional Shedra and one of the most important texts to study on the Buddhist path.

According to the great Tibetan Master Patrul Rinpoche, says Rinpoche on the video,

“If you really understand this book, then you understand more or less everything about Buddhism. This book contains not only the understanding, but also the heart, the practice, the meditation, the action – therefore you don’t need anything else to study but this book, Bodhicharyavatara.”

The Online Study Group

The Online Study Group will start in October here on the Bodhicharya website.

During the course of the study, Ringu Tulku Rinpoche will give key explanations and answer students’ questions on a regular basis. A new teaching will be published online approximately once in every two weeks. We will also share and study the complete commentary that Rinpoche has given on the text through his teaching on Bodhicharyavatara over many years. In those teachings Rinpoche expanded on and drew from the root text of Bodhicharyavatara along with the important 19th century commentary by Khenpo Kunpal.

Khenpo Kunpal was one of the closest students of Patrul Rinpoche and it is said that he received the teaching on Bodhicharyavatara from him more than forty times. Thus his understanding of the text was profound and so it is extremely beneficial to make a heart connection with his understanding.

Text Resources

The English translation of the Bodhicharyavatara that will be used is The Way of the Bodhisattva, translated by Padmakara translation group and published by Shambhala Publications.

The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech by Kunzang Pelden is a Padmakara translation into English of Khenpo Kunpal’s original text and it is published by Shambala Publications in 2007. This is recommended by Rinpoche as a very useful reference book for the study group.

You can also consult other translations if you wish.

The study commitment

The requested commitment is simply to listen, read and study all the lessons without skipping any. The lessons include Rinpoche’s teachings and the related text that are posted online. All shedra students will be able to access the study materials at any time on the website, so they can connect and avail of the most current material or catch up on past ones if required. The study group will progress in such a way that everyone can follow at a level they feel most comfortable with. So we warmly invite all who wish to study online under the guidance of Ringu Tulku Rinpoche to avail of this wonderful opportunity.