About Event:
Having completed Chapter 9 of Shantidevas Bodhisattvas Way of Life, Bodhicharyavatara we start our studies in 2026 by completing Chapter 10 (Dedication) of this important text.
Read more about the Basic Program itself here.
Module 19 (3 week module)
Week 1: Wednesday 11 March 10:30am – Thursday 12 March 9:30am
Week 2: Wednesday 18 March 9:30am – Thursday 19 March 9:30am
Week 3: Wednesday 25 March 9:30am – Thursday 26 March 9:30am
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’s 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 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). Please contact the coordinator on bsp@chenrezig.com.au if you’d like to discuss this further.
The text referred to will be:
Root Text: Shantideva, Engaging in the Bodhisattva’s Deeds
About our Teacher:
Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim is immensely popular for the warm and approachable way in which he presents the Dharma and inspires our community. He became a monk in Tibet and did extensive study at Sera Je Monastery in India, where he was awarded his Geshe degree (the equivalent of a doctorate in Buddhist studies) in 2005. He began teaching at Chenrezig Institute in 2014 after being chosen for our community by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. He teaches in Tibetan with the help of an interpreter.
Geshe Tsultrim has a warm hearted, caring and practical approach to teaching Dharma. He has been the resident Geshe at Chenrezig Institute since 2014. Since then he has taught Dharma both in the Gompa and by the example he sets outside of the Gompa.
About our Translator:
Venerable Jampa Topgyal is a teacher, and translator with extensive training in Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan language, and English. He completed his schooling at Sera Jey School (1986–1999) and PUC in English at CST Mundgod (2000–2001), before undertaking the full Geshe study programme at Sera Jey Monastery (2002–2019). He earned the Paramita Certificate (2012) and Madhyamika Certificate (2017) and is currently completing his Geshe examinations (2020–2025). He also participated in science education programmes for monastics organised by the Tibet Institute Rikon, Switzerland (2007–2011).
His teaching experience includes Tibetan language instruction at Nalanda Monastery, France (2009), private Buddhist philosophy classes in English for international and Indian students at Sera Monastery (2010–2019), and daily Buddhist philosophy classes in Tibetan at Sera Jey Monastery (2013–2019). He completed professional English–Tibetan translation training at Sera Jey Monastery (2012–2018) and served as a live translator for the Emory University Tibet Science Initiative in July 2019, translating neuroscience lectures from English into Tibetan.
Our teaching assistant/tutor will be one of our most experienced Basic Program students, Judy Bowey, who has fulfilled this role for students throughout 2023-2025. We are very grateful that she will be continuing in this role just to complete the final module of the Bodhisattvas Way of Life. She has decided not to continue in this role for the tantric modules. 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.
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 $120 makes a meaningful contribution toward maintaining our space.
A donation of $60 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. 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 but are requested to please register.
Registration is possible for attendance in person or online.
Please register early and try not to leave it until the day we start. This helps make sure you receive the Zoom, YouTube, and Dropbox links in time and keeps things running smoothly for everyone.
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