* What is the Zangdok Palri Institute?
* Who will teach at the shedra?
* When will the courses begin?
* Who can attend Zangdok Palri Institute courses?
* Where will the Annual ZPI courses take place?
* What will the Annual ZPI courses cost?
* Where can I stay during the Annual ZPI courses?
* How can I be kept informed about courses?
* I would like to help.
What is the Zangdok Palri Institute?
The Zangdok Palri Institute is an educational facility, which has been founded by Dzogchen Ranyak Patrul Rinpoche as a support for the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy. Starting with its inaugural course, The Precious Bodhi Tree, which was held in Brussels in 2004, it will run both residential and home-study courses which will be open to all those who wish to attend.
Who will teach at the shedra?
Patrul Rinpoche, the ZPI's founder and director, will be its main teacher, and Rinpoche will decide who else is invited to teach at the shedra.
In 2005 and 2006, Khenpo Thubten Lodro Nyima assisted the students in their studies. Khenpo conduted the morning practices while explaining about the meditation. In the evening, Khenpo summarised and clarified the most difficult points of the teachings given by Patrul Rinpoche.
When will the courses begin?
The General Buddhist Studies Course was the inaugural course at the first Annual ZPI , in Brussels from 24 to 30 June 2004.
The Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course began in 2005, and continued in 2006, etc.
In 2007, a new First Year will begin.
This new First Year will give an opportunity to those who would like to join the Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners Course to do so.
Who can attend Zangdok Palri Institute courses?
The General Buddhist Studies Course is open to everyone and students do not require any qualifications.
Enrolment in the Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course depends on students making a commitment to study and practice, and continuation on the course depends on their passing annual exams and completing set practices.
The second year is open to students who have attended the first year; the third year is open to students who have attended the first & second year, etc.
Students who did not pass their exams will be admitted until the fifth year. The sixth year will be strictly open to students who have passed all their exams.
What could I read to get some idea of the course material for the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course?
You could read The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, ISBN 1-57062-412-7, which is one of the shedra's basic texts. It has also been translated from Tibetan into other languages such as French and Polish.
Where will the Annual ZPI courses take place?
The inaugural course of the ZPI, was held in the Brussels Dzogchen Centre.
Annuals course in 2005 and 2006 were held in Slupca, Poland.
The Summer course in 2007 will be held in Belgium. We are in the process of purchasing a retreat place.
Future courses are very likely to take place in Belgium.
In 2008, the Zangdok Palri Institute will take place in Dzogchen. Please see the ZPI08 FAQs.
Can I do the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course without attending the Annual ZPI Shedra?
No, you cannot. Each academic year will start with the Annual ZPI Shedra Summer Course, during which the principle subject matter for the year will be taught. Follow-up courses will be arranged in Dzogchen Centres during the year to assist with revision.
However, if you have already started the course, had an obstacle to attend one course and have the strong wish to continue, you may ask for an exemption (exemption form).
An exemption will only be made once during each 6-Year cycle of a
Dzogchen Practitioner's Course. Nevertheless students who have not attended an Annual ZPI Shedra course will not be admitted into the 6th Year Course.
If I do not pass the annual exam, can I continue on the course?
Participation can continue in the second year regardless of exam results. However one must have passed all exams in order to attend the 6th Year Course.
What will the Annual ZPI Shedra and the courses cost?
Please consult the courses fee page in the enrolment section.
Where can I stay during the Annual ZPI Shedra?
Please consult the accomodation page.
How can I be kept informed about courses?
You can subcribe to the mailing list.
How can I enrol in a course?
You can fill out the enrolment form and send it back to us. Please see the details on the Gereral Buddhist Studies Course enrolment page, and the Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course enrolment page.
Can I reserve a place on the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course provisionally and confirm later?
No, but you can ask to be kept informed about developments by
subscribing
to the mailing list.
I want to attend the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course, but I am afraid that if I enrol, the arrangements you make may not suit me and I may not be able to attend. What should I do?
Please do not worry. If you really wish to attend the course, you can enrol now. The arrangements will not differ too much from what has been arranged up to now. The Annual ZPI Shedra will take place somewhere in Europe during the summer months, most likely in Belgium in July or August, and will last for about 16-17 days. The cost of the courses will always be kept as low as possible.
I would like to help.
Thank you!
Please read the volunteer page, and send us back the volunteer form. You can also send us an email or write to us.
