INDIANA BUDDHIST CENTER

Beginning in 2020, videos have been recorded for many of the teachings at IBC.

Some of these video recordings have been made available on YouTube. They can be viewed from YouTube or from the lists of teachings for each class below.

Seven Limb Arya Tara Practice

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam

Translated by Dianne McKinnon

2020

In this series of three classes Geshe Jinpa Sonam teaches the Seven part (or limb) practice of Arya Tara. Given during the coronavirus pandemic, this practice was suggested by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Due to social distancing required during the pandemic, the teachings were given by web conference. A copy of the Prayers is also included.

A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam

Translated by Tashi Lhadom and Dianne McKinnon

2018 -

In this series of classes Geshe Jinpa Sonam teaches 'A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life', by Shantideva.

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In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there may not be any text more studied and practiced than A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. The author, Shantideva, describes in verse ways to generate and cultivate the mind of enlightenment (Bodhicitta), and inspires us to cultivate the perfections of the Bodhisattva: generosity, ethics, patience, enthusiasm, meditative concentration, and wisdom.

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Geshe la said this about the book (as translated by Dianne McKinnon): Master Shantideva writes in his opening verses of the Bodicharyaavatara that he himself is neither personally knowledgeable on the subject, nor capable of composing anything poetically pleasing, and being devoid of the mind of benefiting others, he is simply composing the text to sustain his own practice and understanding. However, Shantideva then goes on to beautifully compose one of the most clear and profound texts on the subject of not only bodhicitta (the mind of compassion and enlightenment), but one that encompasses all 6 perfections. Furthermore, among many texts, A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life remains until today a text that is one of the most beneficial for practitioners to study.

Jewel Ornament of Liberation

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam

Translated by Dianne McKinnon

2018

In this series of classes Geshe Jinpa Sonam teaches 'The Jewel Ornament of Liberation', by Gampopa. It is expertly translated into English by Dianne McKinnon.

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This text has been described as a masterwork of Tibetan Buddhism, providing the complete foundation for study and practice, from the beginning to Buddhahood. This series provides a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in learning about Buddhism and Buddhist practice, and also for experienced students wishing to deepen their understanding.

For more than eight centuries, this text has provided the backbone of study of some Tibetan traditions, covering the initial entry into the path and continuing through finding a spiritual master, teachings on impermanence, karma, bodhicitta, Buddha nature, the six perfections, the ten bodhisattva bhumis, Buddhahood and the activities of Buddha.

According to Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen: "Anyone who knows the Jewel Ornament well can say that they really understand Buddhism."

The author, Gampopa Sonam Rinchen (11th centrury) established the Kagyu school - one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, as an institution. He is renowned to this day for the clarity of his perception and knowledge.

Classes with Jason McDonald

2020 -

Jason McDonald leads classes and discussion groups at IBC. Classes include Seven Point Mind Training, an exploration of Chekawa Dorje's compilation and commentary of Atisha's Seven Point Mind Training teachings.

Mind in Buddhist Psychology

Taught in English and Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam and Geshe Stenzin Mejay

Translated by Geshe Stenzin Mejay

2017

In this series of classes Geshe Jinpa Sonam and Geshe Stenzin Mejay present the nature of mind, consciousness and awareness. This important set of teachings will include a study of the divisions of minds and consciousnesses and their many functions. When we have a better understanding of our mind, we are better able to actively reduce negative and harmful emotions and mental states, and cultivate positive ones.
There are reading assignments from two books during the series: 'Mind in Tibetan Buddhism' by Lati Rinpoche and Elizabeth Napper, and Buddhist Psychology by Geshe Tashi Tsering. While the teachings are not based on these books, they are aids in understanding what is presented.

Class Materials:

Geshe Stenzin Mezay prepared study aid documents. Click here to see a list of the documents. From the list, you can read and download them. Click the Audio button below to display a list of recordings in MP3 audio format. The recordings can be downloaded and played on any device that supports this format.The name of each recording is the date of the class in YYMMDD format. For each date, there are two recordings. Each of the two have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "A" is a lower quality audio file, but is a little smaller file. The one that ends in "B" is a higher quality audio file, and is a little larger. Use the "B" version if you have a good internet connection.

The Thirty-Seven Practices of the Bodhisattva

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam), Dianne McKinnon, and Geshe Stenzin Mejay

2016 - 2017

Also called the Thirty-Seven Practices of All Buddha's Sons. Geshe Jinpa Sonam gives teachings on this text written by the Tibetan master Thogme Zangpo, who had a profound realization of genuine compassion and love. It consists of thirty-seven verses that came from his heart, that provide instruction on the activities of a Bodhisattva.

Dr. Alexander Berzin provides a translation on his web site. The full text can be read here: http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/sutra/level3_lojong_material/specific_texts/37_bodhisattva_practices/thirty_seven_bodhisattva_practices/37_practices_buddhas_sons_poetic.html

The name of each recording is the date of the class in YY-MM-DD format. For each date, there are two recordings. Each of the two have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "A" is a lower quality audio file, but is a smaller file. The one that ends in "B" is a higher quality audio file, and is larger. Use the "B" version if you have a good internet connection.

Ganden Lhagyama

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)

2015

Geshe Jinpa Sonam provides teachings on Ganden Lhagyama, also called One Hundred Deities of the Land of Joy. This is a practice of Lama Tsongkhapa, and is a method for increasing compassion, wisdom and the spiritual power to subdue all forms of obstacles.

The name of each recording is the date of the class in YY-MM-DD format. For each date, there are two recordings. Each of the two have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "A" has lower quality audio file, but is a smaller file. The one that ends in "B" has higher quality audio, and is a larger file. Use the "B" version if you have a good internet connection.

Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)

2015

Geshe Jinpa Sonam taught this series of teachings on the text Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun. Several sessions at the beginning were not recorded due to technical difficulties.

Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2006-2013

For eight years, starting in 2006, Geshe Jinpa Sonam gave weekly teachings based on the book Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand, A Concise Discourse on the Path to Enlightenment, by Pabongka Rinpoche.

Introduction to Buddhism

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2010-2013

This is a collection of individual teachings taught by Geshe Jinpa Sonam which cover a variety of introductory Buddhist topics. Often, time was allowed at the end to allow more time for questions.

Buddhist Psychology

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2011-2013

Geshe Jinpa Sonam provided teachings on Buddhist Psychology, an in-depth study of mind and mental factors. The book Mind in Buddhist Psychology: Necklace of Clear Understanding, by Yeshe Gyaltsen was used as a guide, although Geshe la also used taught from several other Tibetan texts.

Geshe Lobsang Dhondup

Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam) 2011

On Jan. 16, 2011, the monks from the Drepung Gomang monestary (Geshe la's monestary) tour group came to IBC. The senior Geshe on the tour, Geshe Lobsang Dhondup, kindly enough gave this teaching on the 12 Links of Dependent Arising

There are two recordings, and they each have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "Lo" is a lower quality audio file, but is a smaller file. The one that ends in "Hi" is a higher quality audio file, and is larger. Use the "Hi" version if you have a good internet connection.

The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2010

Geshe Jinpa Sonam interupted his weekly teaching of Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand to provide this teaching on the Heart Sutra in preparation for His Holiness the Dalai Lama's public teaching of the Heart Sutra May, 2010.

The name of each recording is the date of the class in YY-MM-DD format. The "Hi" and "Lo" in the file name indicates audio quality. "Lo" indicates lower quality audio, but a smaller file. "Hi" indicates higher quality audio, and a larger file. Use the "Hi" versions if you have a good internet connection.

Taklung Matul Rinpoche

Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam) 2010

On Saturday, July 31, 2010, Taklung Matul Rinpoche, recognized as as the reincarnation of the sixth H.H. Taklung Matul Thupten Jigme Choechog Rinpoche, kindly gave us an introductory teaching to Buddhism.

There are two recordings, and they each have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "Lo" is a lower quality audio file, but is a smaller file. The one that ends in "Hi" is a higher quality audio file, and is larger. Use the "Hi" version if you have a good internet connection.

Precious Garland of Tenets

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2009-2010

Upon request from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Geshe Jinpa Sonam gave instruction based on the text The Precious Garland of Tenets, by Gonchok Jigme Wangpo.

The name of each recording is the date of the class in YY-MM-DD format. The "Hi" and "Lo" in the file name indicates audio quality. "Lo" indicates lower quality audio, but a smaller file. "Hi" indicates higher quality audio, and a larger file. Use the "Hi" versions if you have a good internet connection.

Teachings by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten

Taught in Tibetan by Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2007

On November 8, 2007, Khen Rinpoche Geshe Lobsang Samten, Abbot of the Drepung Gomang Monastery and Geshe Jinpa Sonam's teacher, came to the Indiana Buddhist Center (and the home of Geshe Jinpa Sonam-la)to bless IBC with his presense and to give two precious teachings: 1oo Deities of the Land of Joy and Cultivating the Mind.

The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)

2006

Also called the Thirty-Seven Practices of All Buddha's Sons. Geshe Jinpa Sonam gives teachings on this text written by the Tibetan master Thogme Zangpo, who had a profound realization of genuine compassion and love. It consists of thirty-seven verses that came from his heart, that provide instruction on the activities of a Bodhisattva.

Along with the audio files, text copies of the verses are available when you press the Audio Recordings button. Also, Dr. Alexander Berzin provides a translation on his web site. The full text can be read here: http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/sutra/level3_lojong_material/specific_texts/37_bodhisattva_practices/thirty_seven_bodhisattva_practices/37_practices_buddhas_sons_poetic.html

The name of each recording is the date of the class in YY-MM-DD format. For each date, there are two recordings. Each of the two have exactly the same teaching content. The audio file that ends in "A" is a lower quality audio file, but is a smaller file. The one that ends in "B" is a higher quality audio file, and is larger. Use the "B" version if you have a good internet connection.

Geshe Jinpa Sonam's Advice

Taught in Tibetan by Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Translated into English by Tenzin Namgyal (Tenam)
2006

In 2006, Geshe la reserved one teaching each month for Questions and Answers. The time provided an opportunity for students to ask any questions and receive advice or spiritual guidance.