Please note: Students are responsible for obtaining any required empowerments.

Please ask if you need help. See links to online empowerment options 

from His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche on our Resources & Links page.

 

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About Our Courses & Videos

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“Awam” (or Ewam or Evam) in Sanskrit means “thus” or “such.” Symbolically, it represents the union of the female principle (A – “é”) of wisdom, and the male principle (wam) of compassion. Wisdom and compassion are like the two wings of a bird; both are essential to soar!

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We teach Tibetan Buddhism, helping householders (non-monastics) improve their practice and lives, thus benefiting others as well. We are committed to the householder yogi tradition that goes back to Shakyamuni Buddha in India and Padmasambhava in Tibet. Many of the great Mahasiddhas of India and Tibet practiced as householders. This is particularly appropriate today in the West, where most of us work for a living and may have families and other life commitments. To learn more, go to About Us.

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Students take our courses for a variety of reasons. We offer two approaches:

 

(1) One is simply to watch our videos on YouTube, which can be highly instructive. (See links below)

 

(2) Online and in-person classes include texts, the videos, practices, and an opportunity to ask questions at EmailAwamTBI@gmail.com. This option is best for more serious students, and those who prefer some personal guidance. Students commit to following the instructions and may proceed at their own pace. All classes and videos are free. May these classes be of benefit to you and other beings.

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​We strive to use the best texts and teachings of Tibetan Buddhist lineages, as well as scholarly and scientific sources. We are based in Tucson, Arizona, but our courses of study and practice are available globally via the Internet. While most of our students have been in the United States, we have had students in Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia. In addition, we seek to build a community of practitioners through a variety of additional activities, practices and teachings available live, online and/or YouTube videos and Facebook. We want you to feel you are a part of our growing sangha.

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Below are lists with descriptions of each of our "classes". All are free, in order to benefit as many as we can. Dharma Talk Videos is a link to dharma talks, practices and so forth that may also be of interest.

 

Please email us at EmailAwamTBI@gmail.com with questions about courses generally, or about classes you are following.

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See About Us for more information on our principle teachers. 

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Current Tucson In-Person Classes:

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Introduction to Buddhism

This is a new class. It is an opportunity for those who would like a broader overview of Buddhism and its practices from the early teachings on ethics, mindfulness, dhyana meditation, with additional emphasis on lovingkindness and compassion, the yidam practices of tantra, and culminating in the pinnacle of Dzogchen. These classes are equivalent to a year of a year of introductory lower-division college study.

9am Sundays, about 90 minutes each. Not yet available online.

Advanced Class

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See Online Classes below for other options.

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Online Classes

 

Online classes may be started and taken at any time at your own pace. Classes include the Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism, advanced classes on Dzogchen, and other basic or advanced classes of a general interest. Courses and other videos are listed below. Class handouts are available through links below.

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Core Classes: Essentials & Advanced

The new Introduction to Buddhism is not yet available online.
 

Our main focus is a very direct and thorough approach to study and practice based on the teachings of Padmasambhava and other masters, with a special focus on the Path of Great Perfection (Dzogchen). This includes a concise history of Buddhism in India and Tibet, followed by a complete cycle of teachings that include the Path of Individual Liberation, the Path of Altruism, the Path of Tantra, and the Path of Great Perfection, all leading toward the deep inner peace of innate happiness that we know as enlightenment, liberation, awakening, or realization. These are available in a very concise program for those with limited time to study and practice. Several more in-depth courses are also available on Dzogchen. Other courses are also available. 

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Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism Parts 1-8 

 

This series provides core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism basics through Great Perfection (Dzogchen). This is a mid-level series of videos or courses for serious western students who wish to learn but have limited time to study and practice. The teachings by Yogi Khenchen Drimed Dawa are all on video. These classes are equivalent to 2 years of upper-division college classes.

Book: Innate Happiness: A Buddhist Guidance Manual for Householder Yogis and Yoginis (3rd Edition) will vary somewhat from original recordings, by Yogi Khenchen Drimed Dawa

 

Essentials Part 1 — A survey of Buddhism in India and Tibet, an overview and introduction to key Vajrayana principles and practices, and the first part of the Path of Individual Liberation: ethics and shamata meditation – single-pointed calm abiding. Handout and recording: Basic Shamata Meditation, Basic Shamata Meditation Audio

 

 

Essentials Part 2 — Continues the Path of Individual Liberation with vipassana meditation (special insight) regarding “self” and “other” and the early view of wisdom; followed by the Path of Altruism (Bodhisattva): ethics, practices of the Six Perfections, Tonglen (giving and taking) and Metta (lovingkindness) meditations, and the Bodhisattva view of wisdom – the Perfection of Wisdom literature, Buddhanature, and the Middle Way.

 

Essentials Part 3 — The Path of Tantra begins with the ethical view of tantra and the “common” preliminary practices (ngondro): precious human birth, impermanence, suffering of samsara, and karma; followed by the “uncommon” preliminary practices: refuge and bodhicitta, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, and Guru Yoga.

 

Essentials Part 4 — Continues the Path of Tantra with the generation stage practices of “deity yoga” (yidam practices) – generating yourself as the “deity” or yidam (a buddha). Handout: Dharma Etiquette

 

Essentials Part 5 — Continues the Path of Tantra with the completion stage practices: inner heat (tummo), channels-winds-drops (tsalung), illusory body, and dream yoga to become a buddha in this lifetime.

 

Essentials Part 6 — Continues the completion stage practices of the Path of Tantra with clear light, sexual yogas (moved to an appendix in the 3rd edition of Innate Happiness), the bardos of dying, dharmata, and becoming, and the transference of consciousness (powa); followed by the tantric view of wisdom.

 

Essentials Part 7 — Begins the Path of Great Perfection with the ethical perspective, the preliminary practices for separating samsara from nirvana called khorde rushen, and the principle practice of trekcho.

 

Essentials Part 8 — Concludes the Path of Great Perfection with additional training in the practices of trekcho and adding togal (sky gazing), as well as the view of wisdom of the Great Perfection and a summary of the Buddhist views of liberation.

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Advanced Dzogchen, the Great Perfection

 

A complete series of 9 advanced classes for advanced students, based on contemporary and classical texts. Generally you need to have completed the Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism series of classes (above) or the equivalent. Contact us at EmailAwamTBI@gmail.com if you have questions regarding this prerequisite. NOTE: Some of the original texts are no longer available. Alternatives are being considered. Underlined titles below are recent alternatives that are currently available. In other cases, you may just watch the videos.

 

Introduction to Dzogchen 1 & Introduction to Dzogchen 2 – Dzogchen or the Great Perfection is the highest level of the Vajrayana teachings. It deals directly with self-liberation into our innate Buddhanature, abiding in the state of rigpa (pure awareness). This overview describes the three branches of Dzogchen teachings—the mind series, the space series, and the special instructions (including trekcho and togal). Texts: Quintessential Dzogchen: Confusion Dawns as Wisdom translated and compiled by Eric Pema Kunsang and Marcia Binder Schmidt and The Golden Letters translated, introduction and commentaries by John Myrdhin Reynolds. This course is divided into two 8-session classes.

 

Khorde Rushen 1 & Khorde Rushen 2 – Khorde Rushen is the separation of samsara (delusion) from nirvana (non-delusion). These are a series of practices designed to help the yogin realize and directly experience the difference between samsara and nirvana by transforming the mind, i.e., our way of seeing the world. Khorde Rushen is sometimes referred to as the Dzogchen preliminary practices. Texts: The Great Perfection, Vol. II by the Third Dzogchen Rinpoche (permission required), The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of the Dzogchen Semde Kunjed Gyalpo by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and Adriano Clemente, and selections from Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text) or The Yeshe Lama: Jigme Lingpa's Dzogchen Atiyoga Manual by Keith Dowman. This course is divided into two 8-week classes.

 

Dzogchen Trekcho 1 & Dzogchen Trekcho 2 – The trekcho instructions are part of the special instruction series. This course will examine these instructions, particularly through the writings of the highly regarded master Longchenpa. Students will also further develop their actual practice. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text) or The Yeshe Lama: Jigme Lingpa's Dzogchen Atiyoga Manual by Keith Dowman, Dzogchen: The Heart Essence of the Great Perfection by H.H. the Dalai Lama, and A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission: A Commentary on The Precious Treasury of the Basic Space of Phenomena by Longchen Rabjam. This course is divided into two 8-session classes.

 

Dzogchen Togal 1 & Dzogchen Togal 2 – Togal is the advanced and often secret teaching of the special instructions of Dzogchen. This practice leads to attaining the Rainbow Body, enabling one to help other beings achieve liberation or full awakening. Students will learn the practices of togal and how to apply them. Yeshe Lama or comparable empowerment required. Texts: Yeshe Lama by Vidyadhara Jigmed Lingpa (restricted text) or The Yeshe Lama: Jigme Lingpa's Dzogchen Atiyoga Manual by Keith Dowman, The Way of Abiding by Longchen Rabjam or The Precious Treasury of the Fundamental Nature by Longchenpa with a commentary by Khangsar Tenpa'i Wangchuck, and Treasures from Juniper Ridge by Padmasambhava. This course is divided into two 8-session classes.

 

Khandro Nyingtik – The final class in the advanced curriculum provides a review of the full Dzogchen path from Padmasambhava’s teachings, described by Longchen Rabjam in the Khandro Nyingtik, the Dakini’s Heart Essence. The text for the class is the Precious Golden Garland of Instructions on the Khandro Nyingthig by Longchenpa, translated by Eric Fry-Miller. This course is 7 sessions.

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Other Popular Practices

 

Mindfulness: The Four Foundations of Mindfulness & Mindfulness with Breathing – This class focuses on mindfulness as a practice. The root of the teachings will be based on the Sattipatthana and Anapanasamyutta Sutras, as taught by several different sources, as well as the related jhana (Pali) or dhyana (Sanskrit) practices. Comparisons will also be drawn with shamata and similar Dzogchen practices. There are no texts for this course, but detailed notes are available for download as a PDF. As a general course, there is no homework of specific practice requirements. Nevertheless, students are encouraged to engage in each of these practices for 7-30 days each in order to actually benefit from them. Study is fine, but practice is everything!

 

What Did the Buddha Say? Exploring the Sutras 1 and Sutras 2 – This course explores some of the documented stories and teachings of the Buddha, primarily from the Sutras (from Pali, Sanskrit, Gandhari, Chinese and other sources), as well as commentaries by the authors. The intent is to give Vajrayana practitioners a fuller understanding of selected foundational texts of the tradition, as well as to challenge some of our assumptions and understandings. The course will include presentation and discussion. Sources include: Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions – The Dalai Lama & Thubten Chodron, The Dhammapada – Gil Fronsdal, The Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha: Early Discourses, the Dhammapada and Later Basic Writings – E.A. Burtt (Editor), In the Buddha’s Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon – Edited and introduced by Bhikkhu Bodhi, The Buddha before Buddhism: Wisdom from the Early Teachings – Gil Fronsdal, Stars at Dawn: Forgotten Stories of the Women in the Buddha’s Life – Wendy Garling. [Unfortunately, we were unable to record the rich discussions of the participants for the online presentation of this course.]

 

The 37 Bodhisattva Practices – In the Path of Altruism (Mahayana), those who have the courage to undertake the profound change of attitude required to develop true compassion are called Bodhisattvas. They consider others' needs as paramount, and thus strive to attain liberation for the sake of all sentient beings. The root text is a training manual composed in the 14th century by the Buddhist hermit Ngolchu Togme. We will use The Heart of Compassion commentary by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche for the text and commentary. The course is designed for 4 sessions of study and practice. Students are encouraged to do the actual practices described each week to the fullest extent possible for the greatest benefit. These will then continue into the rest of your life.

 

100-Day Ngondro 1 & 100-Day Ngondro 2 – Preliminary practices based on Jigme Lingpa's Longchen Nyingtik terma and Words of My Perfect Teacher. Focused primarily on the "common ngondro": sufferings of the six realms, impermanence, sufferings of samsara, karma, following the spiritual teacher, and bodhicitta. 

 

This class will be divided into two 7-session parts, completing the entire 100-day practice, and is a prerequisite for most advanced Vajrayana practices. The ngondro (preliminary practices) provide a very important foundation for the practices of tantra or Vajrayana, yet the high number of repetitions (500,000) often required can become a serious barrier to lay practitioners. The great master Longchenpa shows us an alternative way to accomplish this in a more compact package. This course is also an excellent refresher for advanced practitioners who have completed the ngondro practices previously. They get even better through repetition.

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Ngondro is essential to establishing our attitude and motivation through the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind. Then, our mental obscurations, afflictive emotions and other mental fixations are systematically addressed through contemplations on the Four Immeasurables, Guru devotion, Bodhicitta, and the Six Perfections. In addition, these practices provide a solid understanding for advanced Vajrayana practices. Completing ngondro practices is required for most other Vajrayana practices. Text: The 100-Day Ngondro Retreat by His Eminence Lopon Natsok Zugchen. 

 

Padling Tersar Ngondro: The Preliminary Practices of the Padling Tersar Lineage – Foundational practices of the Nyingma lineage based on The Words of My Perfect Teacher. 

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Padling Tersar Preliminary Practices are based upon the Nyingma instructions found in The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, the source text that will be used for this course. It is divided into two parts: (1) the common preliminary practices and (2) the uncommon preliminary practices. These are considered preliminary to entering the Path of Tantra. Following instructions on the proper way to listen to dharma teachings, the common preliminary practices consist of contemplations of (1) precious human birth, (2) impermanence of life, (3) the defects of samsara, and (4) karma (the principle of cause and effect). These are followed by brief instructions on the benefit of liberation and how to follow a spiritual teacher.

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The second part addresses (1) refuge, (2) bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment), here divided into two sets of practice instructions, (3) Vajrasattva purification, (4) mandala offerings, (5) and Guru Yoga. (The text includes brief instructions on Chod and Phowa practices that are not included in this set of instructions.) Each set of instructions include expectations for doing the practices as described daily, followed by at least 30 days of additional complete sets of daily practice, completing a full 100 days of practice. 

 

The Tibetan Book of the Dead – A detailed look at instructions of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) according to the terma of Karma Lingpa; includes other sources on death and dying from Tibetan Buddhism; videos with Yogi Khenpo Drimed Dawa. This course looks in detail at the Tibetan Book of the Dead: The Great Liberation through Hearing in the Bardo (bardo todol) by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) according to Karma Lingpa, translated with commentary by Francesca Fremantle and Chogyam Trungpa.

 

The course also looks at a variety of other related practices and texts dealing with death and dying. Although this is an "advanced" course, there are no prerequisites and anyone with interest is welcome to participate. Nevertheless, some background in Tibetan Buddhism and its practices is highly recommended. For example, please see our Essentials of Tibetan Buddhism series of 8 courses. Text: The Tibetan Book of the Dead trans. by Trungpa and Fremantle. 

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Classical Advanced Practices

 

White Lotus & the Four Roots - The Dzogchen View (in Padling Tersar collection) – White Lotus is a commentary on the Seven-Line Prayer to Padmasambhava, revered by all lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The Four Roots are Guru, Yidam, Dakini, and Protector: (1) Secret Rigpa Guru Yoga, (2) A Manjushri, (3) Tara, and (4) King Geysar each considered from the Dzogchen view.

 

Guhyagarbha Tantra 1 & Guhyagarbha Tantra 2 – Study and practice of the core tantra of the Nyingma lineage. This course involves the study and practice of the core tantra of the Nyingma lineage from which all others may be understood. This course examines the root text, as well as different commentaries by Longchenpa and Mipham Rinpoche. The practice sadhana is part of the course requirements (see attachments below). An empowerment is required (Guhyagarbha, Shitro, Bardos, or at least a Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment. See online options if needed.). Texts: The Guhyagarbha Tantra: Secret Essence Definitive Nature Just as It Is by Longchenpa and Luminous Essence: A Guide to the Guhyagarbha Tantra by Jamgon Mipham.

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• Guhyagarbha Tantra Class Readings List (1 page)

• Guhyagarbha Tantra Summary (33 pages)

• Guhyagarbha Sadhana from the Tantra (56 pages)

• Guhyagarbha Tantra Mantra, with translations (1 page)

• Daily Guhyagarbha Sadhana of the 42 Peaceful Deities (3 pages) - good for daily practice

• Guhyagarbha Mandala and Mudras - Chapter 8 (1 page)

 

Rigdzin Dupa - Gathering of Vidyadharas – This class will study the Rigdzin Dupa: Gathering of Vidyadharas text and sadhana. It is a highest yoga tantra practice linked to the Guhyagarbha Tantra. It is a treasure text from the Longchen Nyingtik terma of Jigme Lingpa (1730-1798), a generation-stage practice with a Dzogchen (Great Perfection) view.

 

Vajrayogini – A Highest Yoga Tantra yidam practice of Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism. She is a female Buddha who is the essence of all the Buddhas. In these practices, we visualize or imagine ourselves as the yidam/deity as a means of training our mind to become a fully realized Buddha. Such a practice is said to be faster than other forms of meditative practices. And, according to scholar Miranda Shaw, Vajrayogini is "inarguably the supreme deity of the Tantric pantheon. No male Buddha…approaches her in metaphysical or practical import."

 

Vajrayogini is also a significant figure in some of the completion-stage practices of Vajrayana, such as the Six Yogas (or Dharmas) of Naropa. Participants should either have received a Vajrayogini empowerment (in one of her variety of forms), or at least some other form of Highest Yoga empowerment (online versions). Text: Vajrayogini: Her Visualizations, Rituals, and Forms by Elizabeth English as the main text for this course.

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Kalachakra 1 & Kalachakra 2 – One of the most complex systems within tantric Buddhism. The Kalachakra tradition revolves around the concept of time and cycles. From the cycles of the planets to the cycles of human breathing, it teaches the practice of working with the most-subtle energies within one’s body on the path to enlightenment. Since Kalachakra is time and everything is under the influence of time, Kalachakra knows all. Vishvamati, his spiritual consort and complement, is aware of everything that is timeless, not time-bound or out of the realm of time. In yab-yum, they are temporality and a-temporality conjoined. Similarly, the wheel is without beginning or end.

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The Kalachakra yidam resides in the center of the mandala in his palace consisting of four mandalas, one within the other: the mandalas of body, speech, and mind, and in the very center, wisdom and great bliss. The Kalachakra sand mandala is dedicated to both individual and world peace and physical balance. The Dalai Lama explains: “It is a way of planting a seed, and the seed will have karmic effect. One doesn’t need to be present at the Kalachakra ceremony in order to receive its benefits.” This class will examine the tantra and commentaries, along with practice text(s). Prerequisites: Generation and Completion Stage study and practice. Text: Ornament of Stainless Light: An Exposition of the Kalacakra Tantra by Khendrup Norsang Gyatso (OSL).

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Dharma Talk Videos 

with Khenpo Drimed Dawa. Practices and so forth that may be of interest.

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• Getting Acquainted with Tibetan Buddhism 

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• An Overview of Buddhist Ethics 

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• The 84 Mahasiddhas 

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• The Divine Feminine: Women in Tibetan Buddhism 

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• Talks on the Tibetan Buddhist Preliminary Practices (Ngondro) 

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• Three Statements of Garab Dorje  

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Videos alone are FREE, though we do appreciate donations to help support our expenses to maintain these videos. Go to Make a Donation. Thank you for your support.

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Thank you for your interest in Awam Tibetan Buddhist Institute’s programs of study in Tibetan Buddhism. For any questions or or other information, please contact Khenpo.Drimed.Dawa@gmail.com. We sincerely wish you great success in your path to innate happiness for the benefit of all sentient beings!

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