Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche
Thought Education and Emotional Hygiene
a program of the Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa
Teachings on The eight worldly dharmas
July 19 – 21, 2024
Teachings on the 15th chapter of the text Clear Words by the great Master Chandrakirti
July 23 – 28, 2024
The Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa is happy to announce the visit and teachings of Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche from July 19 to 28, 2024.
Rinpoche, who is considered by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to be among the most valuable Dharma teachers of the new generation, will give teachings on The eight worldly dharmas from July 19 to 21 and on the 15th chapter of the Great Candrakīrti’s text Clear Words (dbu ma tshig gsal). from July 23 to 28, 2024.
We quote Serkong Rinpoche’s words in the presentation of the teachings he will give in July: “The discussion in the fifteenth chapter is very important, it is talking about the nature (rang bzhin) of phenomena or their emptiness. Not knowing what is emptiness or what is the true nature of phenomena is how we get deluded and then how all suffering comes. This is what the Buddha taught and this is what all the great masters taught. So it is a very big topic that we need to discuss”. He added “secondly, they also requested me to give some teachings about how to eliminate the eight worldly concerns (‘jig rten chos brgyad). So the two topics, this one and the one I said before, have a strong connection. I think most people like me have the second problem manifesting in day to day life. So I think it will be very interesting for me to share my own experience, maybe not so much how to reduce, but it’s very interesting to discuss how our problems and suffering really arise; so it is good to know our own suffering.
I am definitely going to enjoy it and I hope you will enjoy it; so I’m looking forward to it. I look forward to seeing you all soon, thank you”.
The eight worldly concerns (or dharmas) are those mental and emotional dispositions that tend to rule in every area of our lives and destabilize us. They are: being happy if someone praises us, disheartened if we are insulted or criticized; rejoicing when we get what we want, despairing when we encounter difficulties; rejoicing over gains and being discouraged over losses; pleased if we enjoy a good reputation, saddened if we do not receive appreciation.
Well, a true spiritual practitioner should ensure that his or her every activity is not contaminated by such thoughts, and that one’s mind dwells in a state of equanimity with respect to the opposing attitudes present in each of the four groups. It is very important to be honest with oneself, and to be aware and check that worldly concerns do not influence one’s practice, so as to keep it pure and increase its quality.
Detailed instructions on this can be found in the teachings on mind training, which are very powerful and should really be thought about. For example, one passage reads, “May I rejoice when I am belittled and take no pleasure when I am praised. For if a praise pleases me, it increases my arrogance, pride and haughtiness; if, on the other hand, I appreciate criticism I will eventually be able to see clearly all my shortcomings and remedy them”.
Translations available in Italian and English. Please go to “What to Bring” section for the important instructions on how to follow the translation.
Please find a detailed program and other useful information below.
Indicative schedule possible to change.
Teachings on The Eight Worldly Dharmas
Friday, July 19, 2024
- 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Teachings
Saturday, July 20, 2024
- 7:30-8:00 meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Teachings
- 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Q&A with Stefano Gaviglio
- 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teachings
Sunday, July 21
- 7:30-8:00 meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 9:30 – 12:00 a.m. Teachings
- 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Q&A with Stefano Gaviglio
- 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teachings
Teachings on the 15th chapter of the text Clear Words by the great Master Chandrakirti
Tuesday, July 23
- 7:30-8:00 meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. meditation
- 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teachings
Wednesday, July 24 to Friday, July 26
- 7:30-8:00 meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 9:30 – 12:00 a.m. Teachings
- 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Q&A with Stefano Gaviglio
- 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Teachings
Saturday, July 27
- 7:30-8:00 a.m. meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 9:30-11:30 a.m. PROGRAM CHANGE Q&A with Atisha Mathur (no session with Serkong Rinpoche)
- afternoon session: no activity/free afternoon
Sunday, July 28
- 7:30-8:00 a.m. meditation with Ven. Tashi
- 9:30-12:00 Conclusion text and Illumination Mind Ceremony with Serkong Rinpoche
Download text: Commentary on the fifteenth chapter: Investigation of Nature By Āćārya Candrakīrti >>
At the age of two, Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche II (1984 – present) pointed to the photo of the recently deceased Assistant Tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama and said, “That’s me!” Recognized as the reincarnation of the former Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, the young tulku received his Buddhist training initially at Ganden Jangtse Monastery in South India. After deciding to continue his work for the Dharma as a layman, he completed his education at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics in Dharamsala. On the advice of the Dalai Lama, he has now completed two years of intensive study of English in Canada and is continuing his higher Buddhist training.
Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche I
Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche studied with masters from all the four major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. He was a member of Ganden Jangtze Monastic University, where he received his Geshe Lharampa degree after fourteen years of study. He then spent nine years at Gyume Tantric College, where after passing all his examinations he held the position of Master of Discipline, before being appointed in 1948 one of the seven Tsenshab or Master Debate Partners to His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche served His Holiness in this capacity for the rest of his life and imparted to His Holiness many lineages, initiations and oral transmissions. He accompanied His Holiness to China in 1954 and came in exile to India in 1959.
In India, Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche further served His Holiness in helping establish the Office of Religious and Cultural Affairs. He also served as one of His Holiness’ main advisors, chief performer of his personal religious rituals, his teacher of Buddhist technical knowledge and skills such as mandala construction and his spiritual lieutenant for communicating and carrying out his policies.
As a master of both sutra and all four classes of tantra, Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche travelled extensively throughout India and Nepal to give teachings and initiations and help the monasteries re-start their rituals. He made five trips to Spiti where, in the manner of Atisha, he reformed and revitalized the monasteries and the Buddhist tradition of that remote mountain region. He also made two tours of North America and Europe.
Taking on all obstacles to the welfare and works of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche passed away in full control and in accordance with his intentions, in the manner of the Buddha Shakyamuni, on August 20, 1983 in Kyipar, Spiti, India. In memorium, His Holiness has praised his former Master Debate Partner as a real Kadampa Geshe, someone who always remained humble in the truest sense.
During your stay at the Institute, it would be useful to bring the following:
- IMPORTANT: TRANSLATIONS
ITALIAN: In the hall the languages will be Italian and Tibetan. Therefore, to follow the Italian and Tibetan translation, it is not necessary to have electronic devices.
OTHER LANGUAGES: To follow the event with English translation, please remember to bring a cell phone or tablet equipped with the latest version of the ZOOM application and internet connection + earphones mandatory for listening - A digital device to consult any practice materials made available and thus avoid printing on paper.
- A personal cup and water bottle (also available at the ILTK Shop)
- A blanket / shawl;
- Comfortable clothing;
- The areas surrounding the Institute are not completely lit; therefore, it is recommended to bring a good flashlight for the evenings;
- Shoes suitable for the countryside;
- May weather can be variable, so we suggest: a hat, a waterproof windbreaker, shoes suitable for mud, an umbrella;
- Wi-Fi: Free and available to guests all day inside the main building.
Stores in the village of Pomaia are within a 5-minute walk and are stocked with essentials. There is a pharmacy that opens in half-day shifts six days a week: information on site.
• Please note that photographing the event and taking any kind of audio/video footage is prohibited during the teachings. Only ILTK authorised personnel will be allowed to take photos and audio/video footage.
• Phones will be allowed only for use of the radio. Those who do not comply will be asked to leave the hall.
• Please remember not to leave unattended objects inside the hall and to take them with you at the end of each session.
• No shoes are allowed inside the teaching hall; please remove your shoes prior to entering and store them neatly in the shoe-racks provided.
• For more information on what to bring please see the relevant section on the main event page
Thank you for your understanding and kind cooperation.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
ON SITE and ON LINE LIVE STREAMING
SUPPORT THE EVENT
Having the precious opportunity to receive a visit from Serkong Rinpoche is a great blessing for the benefit of all. This is also made possible through the generosity of those who make a free offering.
At the Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, we try to create the best conditions to offer everyone
the most affordable prices to participate.
For this event we have created 3 different plans to support the event:
SPONSOR
As a sponsor, help support the event and make it available to those who would not otherwise have the means to.
What does it include?
- Priority registration for the event.
- Reserved seat in the teaching hall.
- Ability to reserve accommodation and meals with the reception office.
Please fill out the registration form and submit your offer.
THANK YOU!
RESIDENTIAL
This option is reserved for those wishing to stay at the Institute or the Borgo di Pomaia Residence.
What does it include?
- Guaranteed place in the teaching hall.
- Ability to reserve accommodation and meals with the reception office.
Please fill out the registration form and submit your offer.
THANK YOU!
NON RESIDENTIAL
This option is reserved for those NOT staying at the Institute or the Borgo di Pomaia Residence.
What does it include?
- Guaranteed place in the teaching hall.
- Ability to book meals with the reception office.
Please fill out the registration form and submit your offer.
THANK YOU!
You can also support us by Bank Transfer
RESERVED EXCLUSIVELY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FILLED OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM
specifying one of the three plans above related to your mode of participation
(Sponsor, Residential, Non-Residential)
BANCA ETICA
ISTITUTO LAMA TZONG KHAPA
IBAN: IT25 H 05018 02800 000012496204
SWIFT/BIC: CCRTIT2T84A
Example reference: Event offering Serkong Rinpoche Sponsor €1000