Summer Course 2010
July 7th through July 30, 2010

Ocean of Reasoning 

Summer Course 1 - During morning sessions, Venerable Geshe Lhundub Sopa will continue his commentary on Tsong Khapa's Ocean of Reasoning. During afternoon sessions, Khensur Rinpoche will tentatively be teaching Buddhist Tenet Systems.

Venerable Geshe Lhundub Sopa will continue his commentary on Je Tsong Khapa's Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on Nagarjuna's Mülamadhyamakakarikã (Tibetan: rTsa she tik chen rigs pa'i rgya mtsho). Ocean of Reasoning is essential in the study and understanding of Prasangika philosophy and is rarely taught in Western dharma centers. As well as a commentary on Nagarjuna's Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way, it is a sub-commentary on the related works of Chandrakirti and Buddhapalita. More information on these texts is available at:
http://www.wisdom-books.com/ProductExtract.asp?PID=14543.
If attending, it is highly recommended that you purchase the English translation that is available at that site and at other online bookstores. Geshe-la will begin on page 188.

This year we are fortunate that additional teachings will be given by the newly enthroned Ganden Jangtse Choje Rinpoche, Lobsang Tenzin (whom we have known as Gyume Khensur Rinpoche). Jangtse Choje is one of the three highest positions in the Gelug tradition. Jangtse Choje Rinpoche will teach Gyaltsap Darma Rinchen’s Commentary on the Uttaratantra (Tibetan: Theg-pa chen-po rgyud bla-ma'i bstan-bcos).  The Uttaratantra, or Sublime Continuum, is one of the Five Books of Maitreya as transmitted to Arya Asanga.  This text is a sutra-level discussion of the essential factors of Buddha-Nature, those seven factors being Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, Tathagatagarba (source), Buddhahood/Enlightenment, Supreme Qualities, and Enlightened Activities.  An English translation of the beginning of this text is not available at this time.  There is a translation of the second section and this will be made available if the oral commentary reaches that point. Versions in Tibetan will be available for those who read Tibetan.

Geshe Sopa-la will teach
Monday through Friday tentatively 10:00 AM -12:00 noon.

Jangtse Choje Rinpoche will teach
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Most days will have a discussion session from 4:15 to 5:15 PM hosted by a senior sangha member or layperson. Though not required, a reading knowledge of literary Tibetan is very helpful for this program.

Tuesday July 6th is the birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. All are welcome to attend the annual service and potluck lunch held at Deer Park sponsored by Deer Park and the Wisconsin Tibetan Association. No class this day.

The Long Life Puja for Venerable Geshe Sopa will be held on
Wed., July 28th.
9:00 a.m. to noon; followed by a potluck lunch in honor of Jangtse Choje Rinpoche
Please bring a dish to pass. NO summer course teachings on July 28.

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Please note:
NEW THIS YEAR:
The Regent Apartments are now available for short-term rentals at $15 per day per person for a single room. See the Housing Options document for details.
A deposit is not necessary. To help with planning, it is important that you email or mail the completed registration form. All donations will be collected after you arrive.
Geshe Sopa has again arranged for lunch (veg./non-veg.) to be provided daily for all course attendees as part of the program. The suggested donation includes the cost of the daily lunch.

Sangha Housing:
Very limited housing is available for sangha at Deer Park. Ordained monks should contact Ven. Lhundub Sherab or Ven. Lhundub Chowang (608-835-5572 or Lsherab@hotmail.com ) at Deer Park to see if space is available. Ordained nuns should contact Ven. Lhundub Drolma (608-835-6990).
To help cover the costs of the facilities, sangha staying at either of the Deer Park residences are asked to pay a per-night fee, with fundraising undertaken for those who need assistance**. Ask about the rates when making arrangements.

IMPORTANT: To help with planning please send in a registration form even if you speak to someone at Deer Park regarding sangha housing or otherwise inform him or her of your intention to attend the course.

Housing for Laypeople:
With limited housing available for ordained sangha only, Deer Park is unable to provide accommodations for students. Students are asked to make their own housing arrangements. Please see the list provided for housing options in the Madison area. If you live in the Madison area and can provide housing for course attendees, especially those from outside the U.S., please let us know.

Suggested Donation:
The suggested donation for the complete program (18 days), including lunches*, is $520 ($29/day). Early deposit is not necessary. There is no charge for ordained sangha. No one is refused for inability to pay.
*Lunch: Geshe-la has again arranged for a hot lunch (veg./non-veg.) to be provided daily as part of the program so attendees have the opportunity to visit and have discussions while sharing and enjoying a delicious meal.

**Donations for Sangha: Donations are welcome to cover the cost of Sangha lunches and to help those sangha members most needing assistance in paying for housing at Deer Park.
To help with planning, please register early by completing and either mailing or emailing the registration form.
If mailing, send to: Deer Park Buddhist Center If emailing: deerparkcourse@gmail.com

Please let us know as soon as possible if you register but then are not able to attend.
We sincerely hope that you can join us for this very auspicious program. Questions should be mailed to the address above or emailed to deerparkcourse@gmail.com; or call Cathy or Frank at 608-233-6954.