Sapan Shedra

About the Course

Sapan Shedra - Year One of a four year structured course.

Commencing from 2012, Khenpo-la will teach the Sapan Shedra course in three locations: Sydney, Richmond and Blue Mountains (Lawson). This course has been designed for people who have an interest to study Buddhist philosophy, giving them the opportunity to study these profound teachings in a more formal way. This structured course runs over a four year period, drawing on some of the most fundamental and profound texts in the Mahayana tradition of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.

Course Title

Sakya Pandita (1182-1251AD) is one of the most important, influential and revered masters in Tibetan Buddhist history. The fourth patriach of the Sakya School, Sakya Pandita was renowned for his scholastic endeavours, and was the author of over 100 works. “Sapan” was the nickname by which Sakya Pandita was widely and affectionately known, and the Drogmi Buddhist Institute Sapan Shedra course is so named in his honour.

Course Teacher

Khenpo Ngawang Dhamchoe is the Founder and Spiritual Director of the Drogmi Buddhist Institute in Sydney. Khenpo-la is one of the most experienced and respected teachers of the practice and philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism in Australia. He is the only Tibetan Teacher living in Australia who has reached the level of resident teacher at a Buddhist University. Following completion of his studies at the prestigious Buddhist University, Sakya College in India, where he achieved the title of Loppon (equivalent to a Masters degree), Khenpo-la was offered a position as a resident teacher there for four years before moving to teach in Australia in 1994.

Course Outcomes

At the completion of the course, students will have:

  • An understanding of Buddhist philosophy in general.
  • An understanding of where Tibetan Buddhist philosophy is placed within the overall philosophy of Buddhism.
  • A detailed understanding of the four schools of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy.
  • An introduction to, and extensive practice of, Tibetan Buddhist meditations – including practice of the Six Perfections.
  • The ability to integrate Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practices into daily situations and routines.
  • The ability to use Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practices to resolve personal issues and problems.
  • The ability to undertake further, more esoteric, Buddhist studies.

Participation Requirements

  • 56 hours of class time per annum.
  • 56 hours (minimum) of personal time spent in meditation (log book to be maintained).
  • An individual presentation, duration 15-20 minutes – one per term.
  • Submission of two assignments per term.
  • Attendance at one or more Drogmi Buddhist Institute retreats totalling a minimum of 10 days (need not be consecutive).