Kagyu Yogi Academy: Three-Year-Three-Month Program for Lay Practitioners
Buddha Center Karma Sherdrup Choeling invites all students who wish to enroll in the 3-year-3-month program for lay
practitioners to apply now if they can and would like to join the first event for this program held at Buddha Center Karma Shedrup Choeling in Denmark.
There will be two groups starting at this time with a maximum of 50 slots available. For now all 50 seats are taken, but we have a waiting list and will contact you if some seats become available.
One group will be starting at the very beginning of the process with the preliminary practices, the other group (to be comprised of students who have completed the preliminaries,) will most likely begin with a guru yoga (this is not the guru yoga of Ngondro). Rinpoche will determine the details at the beginning of the course.
If you
- haven’t started your preliminaries (or haven’t gotten anywhere with it, really, so far),
or if you
- have completed your preliminaries but haven’t received the next level of teachings and practices
this event is for you.
If you aren’t sure whether you can join the event in Denamrk (or if it fits your personal practice situation) but would definitely like to enroll in the 3-year-3-month program as a whole, kindly also apply now and Rinpoche will advise how to best proceed. Future events within the framework of this program will be scheduled along Rinpoche’s travels in Europe and Asia as well as at Buddha Center Karma Shedrup Choeling.
The traditional Kagyu 3-year-3-month retreat entails some 47 practices and while the monks and nuns in the traditional retreats go through all practices because they need to be able to perform all traditional practices and ceremonies as well as give transmissions, etc., for the personal development focusing on an essential selection of these practices is not just sufficient but recommended.
Generalized, the building blocks are
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preliminaries (mandatory complete)
-
lojong
-
shamatha/vipashyana
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one altogether or one each of the following
-
guru yoga
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yidam
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dharma protector
-
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one (or more) of the six yogas of Naropa
-
mahamudra
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The exact path for each of the participants of this new program will vary depending on personal conditions and development and will be closely guided by Rinpoche.
Personal retreats of any length to work through this program are possible at Karma Shedrup Choling, Denmark, and Manjushri RetreatCenter, Thailand , and at KIBS and JCM, Nepal. Participants are encouraged to plan as much time for retreats as their lives allow, and especially book retreat time following the event or events with Rinpoche you attend, whether Rinpoche will be physically present at your planned retreat or not.
If capacity allows others will be able to join this week, however, priority will be given to those who enroll for the 3-year-3-month program, and among those again for practitioners who can already commit to a retreat time during the following three months.
FAQ
What is the schedule?
There is no fixed schedule. You start whenever conditions come together. This can happen whenever there is a retreat like the one June 1-9 in Denamrk and its program fits your situation, i.e., you haven’t completed your Ngondro yet or you have but haven’t progressed much beyond that. Or it can happen along any event with Rinpoche.
Most probably there will be courses once or twice a year. Subject to change depending on Rinpoche’s availability. You start whenever conditions come together.
​
How long is it going to take?
It depends on your practice level.
You progress along the traditional 3y3m retreat framework as adapted to lay practitioners by Rinpoche according to your personal progress. Maybe you need only a few months retreat for
each of the steps. Maybe you need a few years for each, practicing in shorter retreats interspersed with practice during your daily life.
The good news is, you can progress through and complete the retreat program based on your individual situation.
The also good news is, there’s no fixed schedule or time frame you have to follow.
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When is the next event?
The next event dedicated to the 3-year-3-month program isn’t scheduled yet.
Further events will be announced as they are scheduled alongside Rinpoche’s annual schedule.
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Should I apply even if I cannot join a particular event?
Absolutely. If you want to join the program, apply. If you can’t join a particular event, please note that in your application form or attachment or the email you send it with, and we’ll be able to
consider you when future events are planned.
Are there any costs?
Only the costs for food and accommodation during your retreats, both group retreats with Rinpoche or single retreats, and expenses regarding the course, such as Rinpoche’s travel arrangements. There is no teaching fee for the program so you can offer as your wish to Rinpoche.
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At the first retreat with Rinpoche you are welcome from May 30 and can stay here until June 10 2019.
The basic price for the whole course is 3000 dkr. or 400 euro. This price is for campsite with tent or mobile home you bring. The amount includes vegetarian food.
Payment to:
Stupa Det kraftfulde Sted, Stupa the powerfull Place
Union account
84011143611
IBAN kontonummer
DK7484010001143611
SWIFT-adresse/BIC
MEKUDK21
or PayPal mail: shedrup.choeling@gmail.com
Danish system: MobilePay: 95108
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Once you have paid and we have received the basic payment, please tell us if you want to stay
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campsite
-
dormitory
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cabins with room for 2
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rooms with room for 2
-
cabin with room for 1
This will cost from 20 kr = 3euro (dormitory) to 200 kr = 28 euro (single room) per night. This amount can be settled when you arrive or 1 month before.
Can I get a single room?
Depends. Only if space allows. At Buddha Center Karma Shedrup Choeling accomodation on site is limited. The sooner you pay and book the bigger the likelihood that you can get your own room.
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Can I stay for retreat at the center after the course?
Yes, we would love that. Please mention that in your application or email us.
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In which language are the teachings?
Teachings and practices will be thought in English, ie Tibetan language is not required.
Teachings will focus on the main point of meditation - with a minimum use of rituals. This helps to make it accessible for more practitioners.