About Event:
Having completed the graduated path to enlightenment component of the Basic Program, we complete this year of study by finalising our studies with Shantidevas Bodhisattvas Way of Life, Bodhicharyavatara
Modules 17-19 (11 weeks) will focus on the remaining two chapters coving the topics of wisdom and dedication
Read more about the Basic program itself here.
Module 17 - Wisdom Chapter Nine
Week One: 17th – 18th September 2025
Week Two: 24th - 25th September 2025
Week Three: 1st – 2nd October 2025
Bodhisattva Deeds
For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain, until then may I too abide, to dispel the misery of the world. - Shantideva
The teaching on the bodhisattva’s deeds is based on Shantideva’s inspirational verses on Mahayana aspiration and practice, composed more than a thousand years ago and still widely regarded as the most authentic and complete guide for the practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all beings.
This highest of motivations lies at the heart of his Guide to the Bodhisattva Deeds, which ranges in scope from simple, practical techniques for developing generosity and dealing with destructive emotions, up to the most refined discussion of ultimate truth. Due to its authenticity and relevance for everyday life, this classic is probably cited more often in teachings by Tibetan Buddhist masters than any other Buddhist scripture.
His Holiness Dalai Lama
“The Way of the Bodhisattva was composed by the Indian scholar Shantideva, renowned in Tibet as one of the most reliable of teachers. Since it mainly focuses on the cultivation and enhancement of bodhichitta, the work belongs to the Mahayana. At the same time, Shantideva’s philosophical stance, as expounded particularly in the ninth chapter on wisdom, follows the Prasangika-Madhyamaka viewpoint of Chandrakirti. The principal focus of Mahayana teachings is on cultivating a mind wishing to benefit other sentient beings. With an increase in our own sense of peace and happiness, we will naturally be better able to contribute to the peace and happiness of others. Regarding The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, His holiness is often quoted as saying “If I have any understanding of compassion and the practice of the bodhisattva path, it is entirely on the basis of this text that I possess it”
Through meditation, teachings and Q&A sessions with Geshela, and tutorials with one of our most senior students, Judy Bowey, you will hopefully gain a clear understanding of these life-changing ideas, enabling you to integrate that wisdom into your own way of thinking, transforming your experience.
Although of course it is best to attend all the modules of this extensive text, it is fine to join in at any point. Each module will contain material on particular Lamrim topics that will be beneficial for you, and we’ll be happy to make all materials from earlier modules available to those who’d like to catch up.
We do need to make it clear that this is part of our In Depth Program (read all about this here), but this subject in particular is a little more suitable for less experienced students than some others. Please contact the coordinator on bsp@chenrezig.com.au if you’d like to discuss this further.
About our Teacher:
Our resident Tibetan teacher, Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim is immensely popular for the warmth and the approachable way in which he presents the teachings and inspires our community. He became a monk in Tibet, and was awarded his Geshe degree (the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist studies) at Sera Monastery in Southern India in 2005. Geshe Tsultrim has a warm-hearted, caring and practical approach to teaching Dharma. He has been the resident Geshe at Chenrezig Institute since 2014 and since then, he has taught Dharma both formally in the Gompa, and by the example he sets amongst the community.
Geshe Tsultrim will be joined by his new translator on Zoom direct from India.
Thupten Gyaltsen was born in Tibet and came to India in pursuit of freedom and better educational opportunities. He dedicated eight years to studying Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan literature at Sera Jey Monastery, and received his Masters in Sanskrit Buddhist literature from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
Currently, he serves as the Assistant Editor of the Multi-lingual Dictionary of Buddhist Terms (Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, English and Hindi), Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, (SPPU) and as the MT Prompt Task Reviewer at Monlam Tibetan IT and Research Center.
Our teaching assistant/tutor will be one of our most experienced Basic Program students, Judy Bowey, who has fulfilled this role for students throughout 2023 and 2024. We are very grateful that she will be continuing in 2025. Judy has fully studied the Lamrim Chenmo and the Middle Length Lamrim as well as the entire Madhyamika teachings with our previous resident teacher, Geshe Jamyang, and is well qualified to assist with these teachings on wisdom.
The text referred to will be:
Registration and Donations
The suggested donation for this 3 week course is $180. A donation of $180 covers our costs and helps sustain the Centre so we can continue offering teachings to the wider community.
However – you are welcome to offer whatever amount you feel comfortable with.
Your donation helps keep the Centre open and running. It supports operational costs, facilities, and the ability to offer teachings.
A donation of $112 makes a meaningful contribution toward maintaining our space.
A donation of $80 helps us cover our most basic costs.
Please note: all donations are non-refundable and go directly to supporting the ongoing operations of the Centre.
You are always welcome to attend our courses free of charge but we kindly ask that you register so we can provide you all the information about the course.
There is absolutely no benefit in anyone not attending because of financial considerations. Never let finances get in the way of your listening to the Dharma, but please register and donate what you can to enable Chenrezig Institute to continue to offer these teachings at the centre and online.
Registered students will receive regular updates, transcripts of all Geshela’s teachings, review questions and all extra materials.
Sangha are always able to attend our courses free of charge, please contact spc@chenrezig.com.au for discount code to register.
Registration is possible for attendance in person or online.
Please register nice and early and PLEASE don’t leave it until the day we start! Some people don’t receive the zoom, youtube and dropbox links in time and there is a last minute panic!
Note: When you are planning to register to attend online, please read the attached information and requests for the benefit of our students and volunteers: Information for online participants