The Dharma Path Program
Building a Stable Foundation of Dharma Practice The Dharma Path is a program of progressive stages of meditation and contemplation for serious practitioners of meditation in the lay community. Participating in this program will result in significant personal development in meditation, along with a deep understanding of the fundamental contemplations of Tibetan Buddhism.
Lama Norlha Rinpoche has designed the program to allow those unable to participate in long term retreats to make steady progress on the path and qualify for advanced teachings. It is also an excellent preparation for those who aspire to do a three-year retreat.
Completion of Dharma Path Level I is the prerequisite for participation in retreats on the Union of Mahamudra and Dzokchen.
Daily Commitment
Participation in the program will require an initial consultation with Lama Norlha Rinpoche, listening to specified teachings and application of the teachings on a daily basis. For those with a typical work week, the daily commitment would be one hour a day of practice on work days, and two hours a day on two days off, making nine hours of practice per week. Total practice hours required for each section of Level I (A-D) are 60 hours within seven weeks. Completion of Level I in its entirety is designed to take about seven months.
Each participant will be assigned a mentor who is a KTC retreat graduate. The mentor will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. At the end of each section, students are to meet with their mentor and demonstrate their mastery of the material. A personal interview with Lama Norlha Rinpoche will be required at the end of the program to evaluate the student’s overall understanding and progress.
Participants are required to keep an accurate record of their practice hours and bring this with them to any meeting with their mentor and to their personal interview with Lama Norlha Rinpoche. Please download our Dharma Path Time Sheet for this purpose.
Course Outline
Level I Outline-- Tranquility Meditation & Contemplation of the Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind:
A. Tranquility With a Support and Precious Human Existence
B. Tranquility Without a Support and Death and Impermanence
C. Tranquility Focusing on Breath and Karma: Cause and Result
D. Tantric Tranquility and Defects of Samsara
How to Structure Individual Meditation Sessions
Daily meditation sessions should be divided into three parts: for the first and third parts, meditate on Tranquility; for the middle part, do the appropriate contemplation.
FAQ’s
1. How do I start?
Complete our Dharma Path Program Registration Form. Include a registration fee of $30 payable to Kagyu Thubten Chöling or KTC. Return both to to the Dharma Path administrator in California at:
Dharma Path Program
c/o Kat Carrol
3061 Rutgers Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90808
2. How do I arrange for my meeting with Lama Norlha Rinpoche? With my mentor?
After you send in your registration, we will contact you regarding these meetings. The email address for the Dharma Path Program is ktcdharmapath@yahoo.com.
3. What if I have already started other dharma practices such as Ngondro?
Ngondro practice time can count for one-third of your Dharma Path practice hours. Speak to your mentor about how to integrate Dharma Path practice with your existing practice.
4. What if I live far away from the Monastery?
Ideally, you should try to come to the Monastery for your initial meeting with Lama Norlha Rinpoche, especially if you are a new student. If not possible, consult with Ani Jamdron at 845-297-4810. The final meeting with Lama Rinpoche is required. Otherwise, the rest of your consultations with your mentor can occur by phone or email.
5. What if I can’t keep the daily commitment?
It is crucial to your success in the program to keep the daily commitment to the best of your ability.