Practice Curriculum
The Nalandabodhi practice curriculum was developed by The Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche as a graduated study in Buddhist meditation practice. Students can meet with trained Practice Instructors who are encouraged to guide and befriend newer students. General meditation instruction is also available at all Nalandabodhi centers.
The practice curriculum begins with shamatha, or "calm-abiding" meditation. After gaining familiarity with shamatha, students continue to vipashyana and analytical meditation. Students explore shunyata (or "emptiness"), ultimate reality, and dependent arising. At this stage of meditation, students are encouraged by their Practice Instructors to practice for longer periods of time, join the weekend long meditation programs at their Nalandabodhi center, or to go on group practice retreats. At this stage of practice, refuge vows may be taken and community practice is encouraged.
The second stage of practice begins one year after a student completes shamatha-vipashyana practice and focuses on lojong (or mind training), tonglen, and the four reminders. Each of the four reminders is contemplated upon for two weeks by the student. The student then discusses the importance of the reminders with their Practice Instructor, usually in the form of written essay. During the second stage of practice, bodhisattva vows may be taken.
Following the second stage of practice, students may continue on to study Vajrayana, Mahamudra, and Dzogchen practices under the guidance of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.
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