2011 LAMRIM CLASS!
(By Tsem Rinpoche)
About 2 months ago, it was decided by the Kechara Education Committee that they wanted to step up their education classes. They wanted to hold classes for more serious students who wanted to learn the Lamrim* with a progressive syllabus and exams to measure their understanding.
Although it could be argued that the understanding of the Lamrim is not through memorization for the sake of answering exam questions (but more of the results attained through contemplation, followed by the application of your understanding), it is however easier for some people to have a structured syllabus and a set of questions at the end of it to pick their brains a little. These classes are optional and it was open to all to join. Those that did join knew the style that would be used. Even in the monasteries, there are debates and exams to test the students’ knowledge, memorization and understanding.
There are 48 students who have signed up for the 2011 Lamrim class. These students will study in an 80-week program led by Mr Ngeow (Liaison and Head of Education Committee) and Thierry Janssens (a successful architect and interior designer). The classes are held every Friday, with Thierry conducting the class once a week for 2 weeks, followed by a re-cap class on the 3rd week held by Mr Ngeow. This pattern of teaching will repeat itself till the 80th week.
They are both very well-read on the Lamrim, but being their humble selves they clearly clarified with the class participants how they are ALL students during the Lamrim class (including themselves)….that there shouldn’t be a “I am your teacher, you are my student” relationship.
They strongly encouraged the participants to investigate and question, but not to doubt. To not just accept things just because it is being “taught” to them. If they are unsure they should question and clarify in order to validate their understanding. They cited a quote from Sakya Pandita, “To treat it like a dog treats food”. This is in relation to learning the Dharma. When a dog gets food put in front of them, they don’t question it and just gobble it up. Learning the Lamrim should not be done in that manner.
Written by Pabongkha Rinpoche, who gave a 24-day discourse in 1921, he requested Trijang Rinpoche (junior tutor of HH Dalai Lama) to transcribe his teachings into the book that is now called “Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand”.
Pabongkha Rinpoche was a practitioner of the Gelug lineage (aka New Kadam lineage) which was started and taught by Lama Tsongkhapa. Lama Tsongkhapa had combined 3 lineages (aka Old Kadam Lineage: Classical, Stages of the Path and Oral Instruction lineage) from Atisha, who had taught those 3 lineages after combining the existing Extensive (Compassion) and Profound (Wisdom) methods together. If you have the Lamrim, you could refer to page 39 to read more extensively on it.
It could be said that what Pabongkha taught was what Lama Tsongkhapa taught, so why not just follow the direct teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa?
During Lama Tsongkhapa’s time, it was very monastic-centric. Those that studied within the Gelug lineage were all monks and nuns, i.e. only people in robes. Pabongkha Rinpoche had taken the teachings and taught it to both the lay people and those within the monastic system. He was seen to be revolutionary, and what he taught could be understood by those who had never entered the monastery. It wasn’t that it was a no-no to teach the lay people, but it just wasn’t a norm.
For the students at Kechara House, the 80 week program will be divided up into 6 parts: The Preliminaries, The Preparatory Rites, Foundations of the Paths, The Small Scope, The Medium Scope and The Great Scope.
They are the modern people of today who are learning 2,500 year old teachings that have withstood the test of time. Amongst the group of students are full-time staff such as David Lai, Jamie Khoo, Jeffrey Gan, Khong Jean Ai and Khong Jean Mei.
Tsem Rinpoche
*‘Lam’ means path and ‘rim’ means stages. Together it means that by reading the Lamrim, it shows you step-by-step the path towards enlightenment.
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Hi, in my frustration struggling in my Lamrin class tonight, I decided to surf the net on available resources that are simple to learn. I stumbled onto your site and learnt of Mr. Ngeow’s simplified Lamrin classes. Would appreciate to know from you if there is similar class set up in Singapore? Is it possible to get hold of his PowerPoint notes? Thanks. My mobile is +65 96379933
Hi Lee,
At the moment we do not have such classes in Singapore. However, you are able to participate in the KL class online, via http://livestream.com/kechara. Should you wish a copy of the notes, it would be best to write directly to the Kechara education committee education@kechara.com. Hope that helps.
Beng
The Best Gift We Can Ever Have, Come Across Is Dharma…
The Light Rays hit me 2 years back when I rush back from Singapore to Kechara to attend one of the usual Friday’s class. I was very compelled and felt the urgency to be make it for the LAMRIM class, conducted by our kind and patient Mr.Ngeow. At that time I had only just started a few lessons, I literally sneaked in and became a student. Being a relatively new, I was not just merely interested – something kicked started inside and made me gravitate towards the lessons.
That year in 2009, on my birthday, I made a promise – be at LAMRIM class by hook or by crook somehow make it and not miss it. I felt apologetic ( bad for being late) as I arrived about half an hour late and class was already started. But that feeling soon changed as I sat down and listened…
I will always remember that day and class for I received the best Birthday Gift Ever! That day’s lesson was on the Wheel of Life… and it really changed one’s life dynamism.
I feel that we are most fortunate to be able to have access to Dharma and to have facilities, teachers, centres, etc.
I do know I am not alone in saying that many of us do read a lot (by ourselves), but attending any LAMRIM class with Dharma brothers and sisters – is very different. Through their sharing and teaching I have benefitted tremendously each time I attend class. And with each reading, the missing puzzles are gathered one by one – and slowly but surely they fall into place.
Thank your very much Rinpoche!
Please continue to teach us the Dharma!
With Folded Hands
Ling
i really rejoice with the organiser and participants of the Lamrin class! i feel Lamrin understanding is crucial – a good foundation. Whenever i waver or got lazy in my practice, i depended on Lamrin teachings to prop up. Used properly, Lamrin is indispensible.