To further Sogyal Rinpoche's vision of a modern but authentic Buddhist education, Rigpa is developing, with the advice of Tibetan masters of all schools as well as western scholars, an increasingly complete foundation in the Buddhist Teachings.

The current curriculum consists of:


For those who are interested in learning about the benefits of meditation and the ancient wisdom and compassion teachings of Tibet, these programs - based on teachings by Sogyal Rinpoche - provide an essential introduction. In addition, Rigpa offers an annual Summer School program, which provides a review of Sogyal Rinpoche's most recent teachings. The summer school is open to all levels of student.


For those who wish to pursue a structured study of the Tibetan Buddhist path, the Stream Program offers a graduated series of courses designed to provide students with in-depth instruction and guidance, based on the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche, and complemented by those of other contemporary masters. These courses include practice commitments and study of traditional texts. The Stream Program is open to students who have completed the required introductory courses.

Introduction to the Path: Stream One

Based on recent teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche, this one-year (three 10-week terms) offers a complete introduction to meditation and the practice of compassion. It is designed for those who wish to take their meditation practice further and investigate the Buddhist path. Using excerpts from tapes and videos, the course begins with a review of meditation, mantra, and the contemplative preliminaries, and then introduces practices for awakening love and compassion and developing Bodhicitta, the heart of the enlightened mind. It is open to those who have completed the introductory course or who have attended a Rigpa retreat.

Entering the Path: Turning the Mind Toward Practice
Stream Two

This three-year (nine term) course explores the preliminaries of the Vajrayana path, including the practices of Refuge, Bodhicitta, Vajrasattva and Lama'i Naljor. This course is designed for those who wish to enter the Buddhist path and deepen their commitment to the Dharma. Selections from Sogyal Rinpoche's teachings, presented on audio and video, form the heart of each session, and are complemented by instruction, practice and discussion. This course is open to those who have completed the one-year course Introduction to the Path and feel ready to make this commitment.

Deepening the Path: Stream Three

This three-year course requires a commitment to the practice of Ngöndro, the in-depth study of Kungzang Lama'i Shelung by Patrul Rinpoche, and relevant teachings by Sogyal Rinpoche and other masters. Entry is by invitation to students who have completed Stream 2 and who have taken on this level of commitment.


A key component in the accomplishment of Sogyal Rinpoche's vision of an authentic path of Dharma in the West is the development of the shedra - a study program thoroughly attuned to the needs of modern men and women, bringing together study, practice, and practical service for the benefit of beings in a creative and mutually-supportive balance. Sogyal Rinpoche emphasizes the need for students to develop both deep emotional confidence and a clear, sharp understanding of the teachings, free of doubts and hesitations - in his words, to both "awaken the mind and open the heart". He is increasingly urging his students "to look deeper into the teachings". Shedra courses at Lerab Ling and Dzogchen Beara are open to all students participating in the Stream program. Please visit www.rigpashedra.org for more information.