DHARMA CHAKRA PROGRAM – BODHICARYAVATARA
February 24, 2026 @ 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Teachings by: H.H. THE 42ND SAKYA TRIZIN RATNA VAJRA RINPOCHE
Date: TUE 20.1. (1), 3.2. (2), 24.2. (3)
Time: 19.15 – 21.00
Place: Thupten Changchup Ling, Arosio/CH & ZOOM
Language: EN
Available translations: IT, DE, FR, NL
→ Select your language in Zoom by clicking on the globe icon
Prerequisites: No prerequisites, open to all
Participation in the centre of Arosio: no registration needed!
DHARMA CHAKRA PROGRAM
Extended Study Program on the Essentials of Classical Buddhist Philosophy
Teachings by H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
Information about the Dharma Chakra Program → connect this with a link that opens the info below between the two lines
About the Program
From the Buddhist perspective, engaging in the progressive steps of study, contemplation, and meditation acquaints us with wisdom, empowering us with the potential to become great practitioners. The Dharma Chakra Program (DCP) is designed to provide the indispensable elements of the philosophical tradition in a succinct manner. This program is an extraordinary opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the main tenets of classical Buddhist philosophy through one of the most esteemed erudites of our time, His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.
This extended study program provides the everyday practitioner in the modern world with rare access to the essence of Mahayana philosophy through an unbroken lineage, a privilege traditionally available only in monastic universities.
The subjects of the study program
Year 1: Abhidharma
Year 2: Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 1 – 6
Year 3: Bodhisattvacharyavatara Chapters 7 – 10
Year 4: Madhyamaka
Year 5: Uttaratantra
The Dharma Chakra Program in the European centres founded by Khenchen Sherab:
The Dharma Chakra Program is an initiative of the Sachen Foundation and can be followed online in English by anyone via their dedicated website:
www.sachenfoundation.org/dharmachakra/
In our centres we offer about two meetings per month, both in presence and online, where we listen together to the teachings of H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche with translation into Italian, French, German and Dutch. After the teachings there will be a 30-minute meditation in which we can reflect on the topics covered and then rest a while in the empty presence.
There will be occasional question-and-answer sessions with Khenpo Tashi. Questions should be submitted through this form. On the Sachen Foundation website dedicated to this study programme, you will find additional material in English on the topics discussed, which we will also use in our meetings if necessary.
Second Year: Bodhisattvacaryavatara
19.15: Refuge and meditation on Bodhicitta
19.30: Listening to teachings of H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche with translation
20.30: Meditation: contemplation of the topics discussed and rest in the empty presence.
Click HERE to access additional material and the texts of the prayers.
You can write any questions you may have on the subject HERE. Khenpo Tashi will occasionally answer them in question-answer sessions.
Description:
The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life (Sanskrit: Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra) is an immortal masterpiece by the great 8th-century CE Indian Mahayana Buddhist master, Shantideva. Composed in beautiful verse, this treatise systematically and profoundly expounds the complete path of generating bodhicitta and training in the conduct of a bodhisattva. It is not merely a theoretical exposition but a practical manual brimming with guidance and emotional power for spiritual practice.
For those studying Buddhism, especially practitioners aspiring to follow the Mahayana path, The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is virtually essential reading for the following reasons:
- The Definitive Guide to Bodhicitta: Bodhicitta is the core of Mahayana Buddhism. This treatise elaborates in detail on the benefits of bodhicitta, how to generate it, how to protect it, and how to nurture its growth, serving as the most complete and systematic guide to learning and practicing bodhicitta.
- Practical Guidance: It is not merely philosophical speculation but provides concrete methods for adjusting one’s mindset and conduct, guiding practitioners on how to practice the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, joyful effort, meditative concentration, wisdom) in daily life.
- A Powerful Antidote to Afflictions: The methods for countering anger (Chapter 6 on Patience), pride, jealousy, laziness, and other common afflictions are extremely practical and profound, helping practitioners effectively transform negative emotions.
- The Key to Cultivating Wisdom: Chapter 9, “Wisdom,” lucidly explains the correct view of emptiness, which is crucial for understanding dependent origination and emptiness, and for eliminating self-grasping and the grasping at phenomena.
- Inspiring Compassion and Courage: Śāntideva, with his own realization and compassion, uses deeply moving language to inspire readers to generate vast, selfless altruism and courageously embark on the bodhisattva path.
- Highly Esteemed by Masters Throughout History: From ancient times to the present, countless great masters in India, Tibet, and China have highly esteemed this treatise, regarding it as an important basis and guide for practice.
- Universal Values Beyond Faith: Although The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is a classic work of Mahayana Buddhism, its profound ethical teachings and methods for mental cultivation can bring tremendous inspiration and substantial benefits to anyone who yearns to improve their quality of life and reduce inner suffering.
In summary, The Bodhisattva’s Way of Life is a precious manual for practice that integrates theory, practice, emotion, and wisdom. It is an invaluable guiding light and blueprint for all Buddhist learners who seek liberation and aspire to benefit sentient beings.
