Shenten Academy Lecture: Basics of Bön Philosophy Part 1

with Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin​​​

We are happy to share with you information on the upcoming teaching by Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin offered by Shenten Dargye Ling.

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the Yungdrung Bön tradition. It comprises several mutually supportive philosophical disciplines of the Bön tradition: phenomenology or düdra (bsdus grwa; describing the empirical world as we experience it), epistemology and typologies of mind or tsema (tshad ma; analysing how we know), and ontology (dealing with the question of what is real).

The course consists of 10 lectures.

Topics covered include: the nature and scope of our suffering, the concept of impermanence, the scope and motives of philosophical analysis, the ramifications of our prevailing but indiscernible ignorance and its role in conditioning our existence, the dynamic cognitive and behavioural patterns of repetition (karma) that govern and determine our continued existence, the 12 links of interdependent arising, and the status of the empirical world and objects.

The course will address questions such as: Why is there so much dissatisfaction in our lives? What are the underlying recurring tendencies that keep us trapped in repetitive patterns of suffering? Is there a self that governs my body and mind? If not, how can we account for causation and continuity? Is the empirical world something given, or is it something constructed? Are we even capable of knowing anything at all?

Schedule

The course consists of 10 lectures, one hour each, once a week, always on Sundays. It starts on 03.11.2024. There will be no lectures on 22.12. 2024 and 29.12.2024. Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin will teach the first three dates from Nepal and the rest of the dates from Mexico. That is why the courses start at different times (see below)

November 03, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
December 01, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
December 08, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
December 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 05, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET

Recordings

All courses are recorded. The recordings will be made available to participants.

Costs and payment

Payments to be made via PayPal when registering for this event. For those who do not wish or cannot pay via PayPal, we recommend using a friend’s account. In any case, please provide your own email address when registering to receive the link for the event.

If you do not have the option to use PayPal, please contact us at contact@shenten.org. We will send you the details to pay by bank transfer and register you manually after your payment.

If you are currently having financial difficulties but would still like to attend the seminar, please write to contact@shenten.org

Biography

Tulku Pönse Yigme Tenzin – born as Jorge René Valles Sandoval on 17 August 1996 in Chihuahua, Mexico – is known to be the reincarnation of the Bön master Yongdzin Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche (1917-1978), who served as Lopon of Menri Monastery, the main monastery of the Yundrung Bön tradition.

From early childhood, H.H. Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd Menri Trizin, appointed several teachers who came to Mexico regularly to teach the young Tulku. When he was six years old, he began to learn the basics of the Tibetan language, how to read and write both Tibetan scriptures (Uchen and Ume).

In the following years, the Tulku regularly visited Triten Norbutse and Menri monasteries, staying for 1-2 months each year to learn about Tibetan culture and to improve his Tibetan language by reciting the texts over and over again.

At the age of 12, he spent a whole year at Menri Monastery. This was the first time he had been away from his parents in the monastery and lived with the monks. During this time he had 5 main classes: reading comprehension, recitation, Tibetan grammar and spelling, Tibetan writing and ritual classes along with meditation. 

The main purpose of this was to gain a deeper knowledge of the Tibetan language, along with the Bön tradition, its teachings, rituals, philosophy and so on.

After spending a full year in Menri, the Tulku returned to Mexico to continue his western studies. H.H. also appointed a teacher to go to Mexico and spend time there teaching the Tulku the Tibetan language and Bön philosophy.

After completing his 12th year of western studies, he went to Lishu Institute in India to deepen his knowledge of Bön philosophy and Tibetan language. A few months later he returned to Mexico to attend the University College, where he began his studies in Financial Administration. After 2 years of concentrating on his western studies, the Tulku decided to spend 3 years in India to fully develop his knowledge of the Tibetan language. He attended the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Programme in Dharamshala, India, and spent 2 years developing his knowledge of the Tibetan language. The first year included: grammar, spelling, reading, writing, listening comprehension and conversation classes. The second year was more focused on Buddhist philosophy, where he learned philosophy, logic, Tibetan debate, epistemology, and the study of typologies of mind and consciousness. When his classes ended, he continued to study on his own every day, reading Tibetan grammar books along with several Bonpo texts focusing on Dzogchen. He also continued to deepen his meditation practice, doing various practices that focused not only on Dzogchen, but also on Tantra and Sutra meditation and visualisation. After completing his studies in India, the Tulku went to Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal and spent 6 months concentrating on learning Bonpo philosophy. There he had three classes: epistemology and dialectics, the study of a very important text written by Nyame Sherab Gyaltsen – the first abbot of Menri Monastery – called ‘Paths and Grounds’ (Salam in Tibetan) which focuses on Madhyamaka philosophy, and the study of a Dzogchen text from the Atri tradition. After spending 6 months in the monastery, the Tulku returned to Mexico to complete his western studies. After 2 years he finished his studies in Financial Administration. He is currently studying at the Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, continuing his training in Bonpo philosophy, psychology and meditation, and working on translating Tibetan texts into English and Spanish.

Shenten Academy Lecture: Basics of Bön Philosophy Part 1

with Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin​​​

We are happy to share with you information on the upcoming teaching by Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin offered by Shenten Dargye Ling.

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of the Yungdrung Bön tradition. It comprises several mutually supportive philosophical disciplines of the Bön tradition: phenomenology or düdra (bsdus grwa; describing the empirical world as we experience it), epistemology and typologies of mind or tsema (tshad ma; analysing how we know), and ontology (dealing with the question of what is real).

The course consists of 10 lectures.

Topics covered include: the nature and scope of our suffering, the concept of impermanence, the scope and motives of philosophical analysis, the ramifications of our prevailing but indiscernible ignorance and its role in conditioning our existence, the dynamic cognitive and behavioural patterns of repetition (karma) that govern and determine our continued existence, the 12 links of interdependent arising, and the status of the empirical world and objects.

The course will address questions such as: Why is there so much dissatisfaction in our lives? What are the underlying recurring tendencies that keep us trapped in repetitive patterns of suffering? Is there a self that governs my body and mind? If not, how can we account for causation and continuity? Is the empirical world something given, or is it something constructed? Are we even capable of knowing anything at all?

Schedule

The course consists of 10 lectures, one hour each, once a week, always on Sundays. It starts on 03.11.2024. There will be no lectures on 22.12. 2024 and 29.12.2024. Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin will teach the first three dates from Nepal and the rest of the dates from Mexico. That is why the courses start at different times (see below)

November 03, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 17, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
November 24, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. EST/3 p.m. CET
December 01, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
December 08, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
December 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 05, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET
January 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST/5 p.m. CET

Recordings

All courses are recorded. The recordings will be made available to participants.

Costs and payment

Payments to be made via PayPal when registering for this event. For those who do not wish or cannot pay via PayPal, we recommend using a friend’s account. In any case, please provide your own email address when registering to receive the link for the event.

If you do not have the option to use PayPal, please contact us at contact@shenten.org. We will send you the details to pay by bank transfer and register you manually after your payment.

If you are currently having financial difficulties but would still like to attend the seminar, please write to contact@shenten.org

Biography

Tulku Pönse Yigme Tenzin – born as Jorge René Valles Sandoval on 17 August 1996 in Chihuahua, Mexico – is known to be the reincarnation of the Bön master Yongdzin Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche (1917-1978), who served as Lopon of Menri Monastery, the main monastery of the Yundrung Bön tradition.

From early childhood, H.H. Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd Menri Trizin, appointed several teachers who came to Mexico regularly to teach the young Tulku. When he was six years old, he began to learn the basics of the Tibetan language, how to read and write both Tibetan scriptures (Uchen and Ume).

In the following years, the Tulku regularly visited Triten Norbutse and Menri monasteries, staying for 1-2 months each year to learn about Tibetan culture and to improve his Tibetan language by reciting the texts over and over again.

At the age of 12, he spent a whole year at Menri Monastery. This was the first time he had been away from his parents in the monastery and lived with the monks. During this time he had 5 main classes: reading comprehension, recitation, Tibetan grammar and spelling, Tibetan writing and ritual classes along with meditation. 

The main purpose of this was to gain a deeper knowledge of the Tibetan language, along with the Bön tradition, its teachings, rituals, philosophy and so on.

After spending a full year in Menri, the Tulku returned to Mexico to continue his western studies. H.H. also appointed a teacher to go to Mexico and spend time there teaching the Tulku the Tibetan language and Bön philosophy.

After completing his 12th year of western studies, he went to Lishu Institute in India to deepen his knowledge of Bön philosophy and Tibetan language. A few months later he returned to Mexico to attend the University College, where he began his studies in Financial Administration. After 2 years of concentrating on his western studies, the Tulku decided to spend 3 years in India to fully develop his knowledge of the Tibetan language. He attended the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Programme in Dharamshala, India, and spent 2 years developing his knowledge of the Tibetan language. The first year included: grammar, spelling, reading, writing, listening comprehension and conversation classes. The second year was more focused on Buddhist philosophy, where he learned philosophy, logic, Tibetan debate, epistemology, and the study of typologies of mind and consciousness. When his classes ended, he continued to study on his own every day, reading Tibetan grammar books along with several Bonpo texts focusing on Dzogchen. He also continued to deepen his meditation practice, doing various practices that focused not only on Dzogchen, but also on Tantra and Sutra meditation and visualisation. After completing his studies in India, the Tulku went to Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal and spent 6 months concentrating on learning Bonpo philosophy. There he had three classes: epistemology and dialectics, the study of a very important text written by Nyame Sherab Gyaltsen – the first abbot of Menri Monastery – called ‘Paths and Grounds’ (Salam in Tibetan) which focuses on Madhyamaka philosophy, and the study of a Dzogchen text from the Atri tradition. After spending 6 months in the monastery, the Tulku returned to Mexico to complete his western studies. After 2 years he finished his studies in Financial Administration. He is currently studying at the Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, continuing his training in Bonpo philosophy, psychology and meditation, and working on translating Tibetan texts into English and Spanish.

FREE EVENT

Breathe How You Want to Feel

A live internet dialog with Matteo Pistono and host Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D. 

The live online conversation will explore Matteo’s groundbreaking book Breathe How You Want to Feel, which offers practical methods to harness the power of breath for emotional balance, improved focus, and overall well-being. As part of our series of science & spirituality dialogs, the session will delve into the mechanics of breathing and the research into its profound impact on our daily lives, including better sleep, increased energy, and enhanced meditation practice.

Discover how conscious breathing can become your secret tool for resilience and personal growth. Whether you are seeking to calm your mind or elevate your energy levels, this dialog promises to provide valuable insights that can transform your approach to health and wellness. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from two experts in the field!

•  Options to join the chat: View on Facebook | View on the Community App | Explore or join the app now.

• Or, view on the CyberSangha website — click here

• About the presenters — click here

If the livestream doesn’t appear at the scheduled time, try refreshing the page.

We are very sorry that we have had to cancel this retreat.

Join us this January for a Tummo Practice Retreat at Serenity Ridge! Tummo is a powerful breathing and visualization practice for clearing obstacles to meditation, and building health in body, speech and mind. Attend from one to seven days at Serenity Ridge.

This retreat is open to everyone, whether you have received instruction on Tummo previously or not. During the first days of the retreat, Geshe Gyatso will introduce the preliminary practices as well as the jam lung breathing technique. In the later days of the retreat he will expand the practice to include the more vigorous breath known as bar lung.

Students are encouraged to stay for the full week to experience the fullest deepening of their practice. For those who cannot stay the full week, you are cordially invited to come at the start of the retreat and stay as many days as you wish.

Because the mission of Ligmincha is not only to preserve and share the Bön teachings but also to see their capacity for personal and social transformation come to fruition, the cost of attending practice retreats is kept to a minimum.

COURSE

The Healing Power Of Sacred Sleep

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. More than 30% of people experience sleep disorders, with insomnia being one of the most common issues. Sleep deprivation doesn’t just leave you tired, it impacts your health, mood, memory, ability to socialize, and even your life expectancy. But what if restful, rejuvenating sleep was within reach? The Healing Power of Sacred Sleep course is designed to help you achieve deep, peaceful sleep, guided by the wisdom of ancient Tibetan teachings and backed by modern science.

In this course, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche merges the timeless practices of the ancient Tibetan teachings with latest insights on the science of sleep. Rinpoche’s compassionate yet powerful approach addresses not only the surface symptoms of sleep difficulties but also the root causes, including anxiety and deep-seated physical and emotional tension as some of the most significant contributors to insomnia. By combining science and ancient Tibetan wisdom, this course offers a transformative path toward restful sleep, inner peace, and improved overall well-being.

Rinpoche’s approach is profoundly unique because it combines Tibetan spiritual practices with scientific insights. The sacred teachings of the Tibetan tradition invite you to address sleep from a holistic perspective, considering both the body and the spirit. This isn’t just a sleep course; it’s a journey into deep healing and inner peace.

Workshop Features:

• Three-week teacher-guided online workshop
• Step-by-step class instructions (via pre-recorded video)
• New material released twice a week
• Six hours of video instruction, exercises, and meditations
• No set class times – review video instruction any time and as often as necessary for the duration of the workshop
• Continuous personal support and individual advice from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche via workshop forums
• Easy to use and navigate course site

Website: GlideWing (https://www.glidewing.com/twr/soundhealing_home.html)

FREE EVENT

24-Hour Full Moon Practice: Finding Refuge Within

On January 13, 2025, join us online for a 10 a.m. meditation guided by Alejandro Chaoul, followed by a 24-hour session of silent contemplation alternating with periods of guided meditation. Our online gathering offers a sacred space in which we acknowledge personal pain and societal challenges while abiding within the open, clear, warmth of presence — who we truly are. Discovering this space of inner refuge is the ultimate sense of protection and supports genuine compassion to emerge to meet the challenges we face individually and collectively.

Each month the 24-hour session begins with a guided meditation at 10 a.m. New York time on the day of the full moon and continues unbroken until 10 a.m. the following day. We are supported by Ligmincha International’s global community of practitioners. Unlike Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s CyberSangha® Facebook Live broadcasts, the 24-hour full moon practice takes place via Zoom. Its simple group meditation is open to anyone regardless of one’s religious or spiritual background. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required.

Learn more and register — click here

To stay informed of future 24-hour full moon practice sessions, subscribe to the CyberSangha Announcements email list.

COURSE

The Healing Power Of Sacred Sleep

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. More than 30% of people experience sleep disorders, with insomnia being one of the most common issues. Sleep deprivation doesn’t just leave you tired, it impacts your health, mood, memory, ability to socialize, and even your life expectancy. But what if restful, rejuvenating sleep was within reach? The Healing Power of Sacred Sleep course is designed to help you achieve deep, peaceful sleep, guided by the wisdom of ancient Tibetan teachings and backed by modern science.

In this course, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche merges the timeless practices of the ancient Tibetan teachings with latest insights on the science of sleep. Rinpoche’s compassionate yet powerful approach addresses not only the surface symptoms of sleep difficulties but also the root causes, including anxiety and deep-seated physical and emotional tension as some of the most significant contributors to insomnia. By combining science and ancient Tibetan wisdom, this course offers a transformative path toward restful sleep, inner peace, and improved overall well-being.

Rinpoche’s approach is profoundly unique because it combines Tibetan spiritual practices with scientific insights. The sacred teachings of the Tibetan tradition invite you to address sleep from a holistic perspective, considering both the body and the spirit. This isn’t just a sleep course; it’s a journey into deep healing and inner peace.

Workshop Features:

• Three-week teacher-guided online workshop
• Step-by-step class instructions (via pre-recorded video)
• New material released twice a week
• Six hours of video instruction, exercises, and meditations
• No set class times – review video instruction any time and as often as necessary for the duration of the workshop
• Continuous personal support and individual advice from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche via workshop forums
• Easy to use and navigate course site

Website: GlideWing (https://www.glidewing.com/twr/soundhealing_home.html)

COURSE

Awakening the Sacred Body

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

This three-week online workshop, with personal guidance from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, instructs you in ancient practices of Tibetan yoga. These practices have been used for thousands of years to open and awaken the energy centers and channels of the subtle energy body. They can enhance your physical fitness, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. By clearing uncomfortable emotions and other obscurations, they can open the space from which joy, love, compassion, and other enlightened qualities spontaneously manifest.

In each practice you will be guided to bring to mind the specific obstacles you are personally facing in life, so you can clear them, access their antidotes, and transform your life in profound and lasting ways. The power of each practice relies on the correct focus of mind as you guide your breath—and with it, the subtle breath known as prana, chi, or lung—into and through the visualized channels and chakras, releasing obstacles and obscurations through physical movement and with the exhalation. Together, these practices can allow you to discover the best of who you are and manifest your greatest potential.

Workshop Features:

• Continuous personal support and individual advice from Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche via workshop forums
• Three-week teacher-guided online workshop
• Step-by-step video instructions via streaming video
• New material released twice a week
• Six hours of video instruction and meditations
• No set class times — review video instruction any time and as often as necessary throughout the workshop
• Downloadable guided meditations and written practice instructions for your ongoing practice
• Easy-to-use and -navigate course site

Website: GlideWing (https://www.glidewing.com/twr/soundhealing_home.html)

COURSE

Awakening the Sacred Body

with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

This three-week online workshop, with personal guidance from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, instructs you in ancient practices of Tibetan yoga. These practices have been used for thousands of years to open and awaken the energy centers and channels of the subtle energy body. They can enhance your physical fitness, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. By clearing uncomfortable emotions and other obscurations, they can open the space from which joy, love, compassion, and other enlightened qualities spontaneously manifest.

In each practice you will be guided to bring to mind the specific obstacles you are personally facing in life, so you can clear them, access their antidotes, and transform your life in profound and lasting ways. The power of each practice relies on the correct focus of mind as you guide your breath—and with it, the subtle breath known as prana, chi, or lung—into and through the visualized channels and chakras, releasing obstacles and obscurations through physical movement and with the exhalation. Together, these practices can allow you to discover the best of who you are and manifest your greatest potential.

Workshop Features:

• Continuous personal support and individual advice from Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche via workshop forums
• Three-week teacher-guided online workshop
• Step-by-step video instructions via streaming video
• New material released twice a week
• Six hours of video instruction and meditations
• No set class times — review video instruction any time and as often as necessary throughout the workshop
• Downloadable guided meditations and written practice instructions for your ongoing practice
• Easy-to-use and -navigate course site

Website: GlideWing (https://www.glidewing.com/twr/soundhealing_home.html)

From March 2025 through April 2027, learn the Du Tri Su Drip Jong, the Yungdrung Bön Ritual for escorting the consciousness of the deceased through the Bardo. This ritual is from the text: The Lamp that Dispels Darkness: The Practice Manual of the DU TRI SU that Purifies Defilements and Liberates All Beings from the Depths of Samsara

The Du Tri Su Drip Jong cycle is a powerful and skillful method of guiding the consciousness of the deceased and protecting that individual from the terrors of the bardo (after death state of the consciousness) experiences. This ritual practice and text stir the depths of samsara and can purify obstacles both for ourselves and for others, the living and the dead. With proper care and respect, it can even lead to the attainment of Buddhahood, or total liberation. When done on behalf of the dead, this ritual protects the consciousness from wandering in the the bardo realms of the intermediate state. These ancient practices and rituals were taught directly by Buddha Tonpa Shenrab, and the tradition has been held and practiced continually until the present day.

This teaching and training of the Du Tri Su Drip Jong are important for Bön practitioners who would like more support for their own preparations for dying, as well as for students who want to benefit those who have died.

Overview

This training program will include five 5-day retreats; three retreats will be at Serenity Ridge, and two will be online. There will also be monthly sessions on Zoom where Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar will be available to support students in between retreats. Join us for this special opportunity to learn a powerful ritual from the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition.

Translation into Spanish: Live simultaneous translation into Spanish will be available for all sessions.

Participants Will Learn

• The meaning and purpose of this powerful ritual
• The preparation for the DU TRI SU ritual making the required tormas (offerings)
• The core prayers and their meaning
• How to play the Tibetan ritual instruments used in this ritual
• How to conduct the ritual and learn the melodies of each ritual section

For detailed information about the training program, click here.

Click here to fill out the application form. 

From March 2025 through April 2027, learn the Du Tri Su Drip Jong, the Yungdrung Bön Ritual for escorting the consciousness of the deceased through the Bardo. This ritual is from the text: The Lamp that Dispels Darkness: The Practice Manual of the DU TRI SU that Purifies Defilements and Liberates All Beings from the Depths of Samsara

The Du Tri Su Drip Jong cycle is a powerful and skillful method of guiding the consciousness of the deceased and protecting that individual from the terrors of the bardo (after death state of the consciousness) experiences. This ritual practice and text stir the depths of samsara and can purify obstacles both for ourselves and for others, the living and the dead. With proper care and respect, it can even lead to the attainment of Buddhahood, or total liberation. When done on behalf of the dead, this ritual protects the consciousness from wandering in the the bardo realms of the intermediate state. These ancient practices and rituals were taught directly by Buddha Tonpa Shenrab, and the tradition has been held and practiced continually until the present day.

This teaching and training of the Du Tri Su Drip Jong are important for Bön practitioners who would like more support for their own preparations for dying, as well as for students who want to benefit those who have died.

Overview

This training program will include five 5-day retreats; three retreats will be at Serenity Ridge, and two will be online. There will also be monthly sessions on Zoom where Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Khandro Tsering Wangmo Khymsar will be available to support students in between retreats. Join us for this special opportunity to learn a powerful ritual from the ancient Yungdrung Bön tradition.

Translation into Spanish: Live simultaneous translation into Spanish will be available for all sessions.

Participants Will Learn

• The meaning and purpose of this powerful ritual
• The preparation for the DU TRI SU ritual making the required tormas (offerings)
• The core prayers and their meaning
• How to play the Tibetan ritual instruments used in this ritual
• How to conduct the ritual and learn the melodies of each ritual section

For detailed information about the training program, click here.

Click here to fill out the application form.