All the Joy... Studying at RYI
All the Joy... Studying at RYI
“All
the joy the world contains has come through wishing happiness for others. All
the misery the world contains has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.”[1]
This
is not the typical topic of discussion in any other institution in any part of
the world. But it lies at the core of Buddhist practice of Mahayana to develop
compassion towards limitless sentient beings. Therefore, at Rangjung Yeshe
Institute, which I had the luck of attending this year, the curriculum is focused on
cultivating values such as wisdom and compassion rather than simply teaching
some skills for competing with others. The cultivation of bodhicitta — mind
of enlightenment — is not just a topic, it is the necessary motivation to start
a class.
The
moment you are inside the white walls of the traditional Tibetan monastery with the
sounds of various pujas going around — all surroundings are conducive for
study, contemplation, and meditation. This process happens naturally and
joyfully thanks to the teachers and staff, well-learned and supportive. The
most distinctive class is Khenpo’s philosophy class. This year I have been
studying Bodhisattva-caryāvatāra by Śāntideva, a classic Mahāyāna Buddhist
text. For me this is the most amazing experience because it gives me the
opportunity to immerse myself in the traditional way of studying scriptures. There can be
monastics, yogis, lay practitioners, and non-Buddhists in one class, and they
all are diligent and enthusiastic. But the heart of this class is Khenpo
Tsondru Sangpo. He teaches not only from his traditional education stance but
also from personal experience. Nowadays, it is possible to read the text
yourself in your own language. However, in the class the oral transmission from
Tibetan is combined with Khenpo’s lively commentary which puts the text in the
present context. Also, the personal contemplation and implementation are highly
encouraged. The translator Oriane delivers Khenpo’s message truthfully and clearly.
There is also the great chance to ask any questions in the end of class. Khenpo’s
answers are not dry and academic but adorned with his wisdom mind and everyday
experience. Often, in the middle of the class Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche comes in
and brings his enlightened attitude.
Besides
the philosophy class, I was taking Classical and Colloquial Tibetan. The
progress you make there can be seen in the mentioned philosophy class. Every
day you understand more the root text and Khenpo’s speech even without
translation. And the satisfaction from being closer to the classical Buddhist
language is immense. This feeling spreads even further when you leave the
White Gompa and go for kora around the holiest Boudha stupa. There you
can talk to Tibetan amalas and phalas, who are very devotional in
their practice and make you catch a bit of this whole-hearted belief in the
Three Jewels. You can bargain for necessary goods or for fun. You can easily
make new acquaintances and have a cup of tea, poja, amcha, cha
narmo or now popular kopi. All this in Tibetan.
There
is the last thing left. Being extremely grateful for my year in Rangjung Yeshe
and the scholarship that enabled me to continue my studies, I dedicate all the
merit, joy and the causes for happiness with all sentient beings so that they
attain liberation from all the suffering.
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