Question 1

What topics will Mipham Institute courses cover?

Accepted Answer

The main focus of philosophy courses are the Indian classical treatises on Buddhist philosophy (commonly referred to as “Gyashung” in Tibetan), especially those dealing with Mahayana and more specifically Madhyamaka ("Middle-Way") philosophy. The most famous writers of that tradition include Nagarjuna, Shantideva, Candrakirti and Shantarakshita, often interpreted through the commentaries of Mipham Rinpoche himself.

Question 2

Can I join the three-year program even though it has already started?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to join the program in the middle of the three-year curriculum. The Buddhist philosophy can be joined without any prerequisites. Students with sufficient prior study of classical Tibetan can also join the Tibetan program midway. Contact us directly for more information and to make sure the program is at the right level for you.

Question 3

Can I take Tibetan language only?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are also offering Tibetan language as a standalone program.  This program spans 3 years and is a lighter load than the full program because the philosophy courses is not required.

Question 4

How much time should I expect to dedicate to this program?

Accepted Answer

During the 4-week in-person program at Padma Samye Ling, students will have approximately three hours a day of classes, and will be required to spend some time for self-study.   During the online session, students can expect 10-12 hours of pre-recorded and live classes per week, plus time for homework and self-study.

For the online session, the time requirements and study load are equivalent to part-time study at the university level.  Potential students should understand that this is an intensive program that demands a high level of engagement and participation.

Question 5

Who are Mipham Institute courses for?

Accepted Answer

Everyone is welcome to study at the institute.  However students should understand that we follow a Buddhist approach to study, with our study methods and interpretive approach based on the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Question 6

How much prior knowledge and practice of Buddhism should I have?

Accepted Answer

There are no formal admission requirements, but a good background in the basics of Buddhist thought is recommended.  Students will be provided a list of preparatory readings to help get ready for the program.  No previous background in Tibetan language is required.

Question 7

What if I have already studied Tibetan and or Buddhist philosophy?

Accepted Answer

Depending on enrollment and availability, students with previously acquired knowledge of Tibetan may be offered an intermediate Tibetan class.

Question 8

What is the study methodology like at Mipham Institute?

Accepted Answer

Following Buddhist tradition, the basic study approaches at Mipham Institute are independent thinking, an open-minded approach to the study of Buddhist teachings, and rigorous critical thinking based on logic, all while honoring and respecting lineage and tradition.   We will follow the guidance of previous generations of Buddhist lineage holders in trying to capture the essential points of the Buddhist view.

Question 9

Who are the instructors?

Accepted Answer

Philosophy classes are taught by traditionally-trained scholars (Khenpo/Khenmo or Lopon/Loponma).

Question 10

When are the in-person sessions?  Is it necessary to attend in person?

Accepted Answer

The program will proceed with a four-week in-person program held at Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center, in Upstate New York. During the in-person programs, students will take daily classes in Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy and complementary courses.  Both in-person and online sessions will be required to take part in the Mipham Institute program.  See Program Details to find dates for in-person sessions.

Question 11

What are the living accommodations for the in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

During in-person sessions students will have access to the living facilities of Padma Samye Ling.  Students are  welcome to plan their own living arrangements in the area.

Question 12

Does a university degree come with completion of Mipham Institute?

Accepted Answer

No.  A certificate from the Institute will be issued to students who successfully complete the full program, but it is not an officially recognized university or college degree.

Question 13

How does Mipham Institute’s study methods compare to that of other educational institutions?

Accepted Answer

At Mipham Institute, we try to stay as close as possible to the approach developed in Tibetan shedras (philosophical schools), while remaining flexible in addressing the needs of current day students. Unlike traditional Tibetan settings, our studies are open to both monastics and laypeople. We place strong emphasis on studying the teachings of Buddhist philosophy as pith instructions to be applied to our own experience and Buddhist practice.

Therefore, the methods of study we follow are closely related to the approach of the “three wisdoms” of study, reflection, and meditation, rather than following methods based on social science, Western academic philosophy, and so forth. Most importantly, our study is conducted with the aim of reaching liberation for the sake of all beings, rather than for theoretical or scientific purposes.

Question 14

What academic disciplines are employed in studying at Mipham Institute, and what are the study materials?

Accepted Answer

The main goal of studying at Mipham Institute is to deepen our understanding of the Buddha’s teachings. In order to do that, we rely on the commentaries and explanations produced by the great masters from former generations of Buddhist lineage. Typically, that means studying Indian commentaries (or shastras) together with detailed commentaries by Tibetan lineage teachers. The Indian commentaries deal with the principal topics of Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, such as Madhyamaka or Middle Way, Yogacara or Mind Only teachings, and teachings on buddha nature.

Question 15

What will the Tibetan language courses cover?

Accepted Answer

Our main goal is for students to improve their knowledge and understanding of Tibetan language in order to study the Buddha’s teachings. Hence the emphasis is on what Tibetans refer to as Chö ke - Dharma Tibetan / the Tibetan used in Dharma contexts. 
Courses at Mipham Institute will not focus on everyday conversation skills, such as ordering food at a restaurant.  Instead they will emphasize cultivating proficiency in the language of the Buddha’s teachings, including the ability to understand oral commentaries, read and recite fluently, and use commentaries to elucidate the meaning of the teachings.

Question 16

In what ways will studying at Mipham Institute support my spiritual practice as a Buddhist?

Accepted Answer

In-person sessions at Mipham Institute will be held at Padma Samye Ling Retreat Center (PSL).  Students are welcome and encouraged to join other activities such as practice retreats and regular teachings.  Our aim at Mipham Institute is to create a community not only of students, but of mutually supportive scholar-practitioners.  If possible, students are also encouraged to remain as residents at PSL between in-person sessions and stay within the retreat center to continue focus on their study and practice.   
In both online and in-person sessions, courses will emphasize applying the teachings to our own life and meditation practice.    Philosophy courses will be taught by traditionally trained Dharma teachers - Khenpos/Khenmos and Lopons / Loponmas.

Question 17

What is the place of critical inquiry in Mipham Institute's study methods?

Accepted Answer

Mipham Institute follows a Buddhist approach to study and practice.  In line with this tradition, we prioritize the Buddha’s teachings and lineage commentaries as being our main source of support in understanding the view and improving our  wisdom.  However, this doesn't mean we approach study in a dogmatic or close minded way. Memorizing answers without understanding the meaning of the teachings is of little value.  Instead, we use our intelligence, logic, and wisdom to understand the teachings and explore their validity in the context of our own lives.

This approach also involves integrating the teachings into our lives through meditation and mental cultivation. While the teachings themselves are timeless, we recognize that we have specific questions and doubts that arise from our modern culture.  We don't brush these aside, but do our best in addressing them and understanding how the teachings relate to them.

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