The term Shedra in Tibetan means a college or learning institution where the various fields of knowledge of the buddhadharma, particularly the sutras, vinaya, abhidharma, and secret mantra, may be studied in depth and thus be a source of true benefit. With this in mind, it is Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche's
wish for students in the west to have an opportunity to study the classical texts of buddhadharma with the great teachers from the east.
During the 2009 Shedra Program (25th June - 5th July), His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche concluded his teachings on the Bodhisattvacaryavatara, a text written in the 7th century by the great Indian master Shantideva. Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche continued to bestow her commentary on the Mahayana-Uttaratantrashastra, a text attributed to the great bodhisattva Maitreya, and written down by the great Indian scholar Asanga in the 4th century.
Both the Bodhisattvacaryavatara and the Mahayana-Uttaratantra-shastra are texts which are common to the curriculum of the traditional shedras of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Additionally, this year's Shedra Program continued the course on the "History of Buddhism" taught by Lopön Rita Gross. Lessons in kyudo, or Japanese imperial court archery, taught by Sensei Ken Rawie were also offered, establishing a beginning foundation for a contemplative arts curriculum which will be further developed in the future.
Information on the 2010 Shedra will be posted as it becomes available.