In 2003, the Venerable Khenpos initiated the Shedra program of philosophical study by teaching the two schools of the Hinayana tradition. In this week-long intensive, the program continues with the Mind Only (Cittamatra) School of the Mahayana.
The Mahayana has seven distinctive characteristics which distinguish it from the Hinayana. These are presented by the Khenpo Rinpoches according to the teachings of Longchenpa, along with an extensive discussion of The Twenty Verses of the great master Vasubandu. Buddha Shakyamuni declared, "Oh Bodhisttvas, the three realms are nothing other than mind." Cittamatrins take these words as their point of departure.
These teachings were recorded August 30 - September 4, 2004 at Padma Samye Ling. So as to have a complete picture of the four foundational doctrines of Buddhism, students are encouraged to also study the Hinayana philosophies presented in the first Shedra, as well as the remaining studies of the Mahayana to come.
