DHARMA CHAKRA PROGRAM
FR-DCP : BODHICARYAVATARA
Teachings by His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.
The classes begin on January 20, 2026, taking place on two Tuesday evenings per month, for a total of 20 lessons.
Time : 19h15 – 21h00
Place : Thupten Changchup Ling, Arosio/CH & ZOOM
Language : EN
Traductions disponibles : IT, DE, FR, NL
→ Select your language on Zoom by clicking on the globe icon.
Prerequisites: none; open to all.
Participation in Arosio center: no registration required!
PROGRAMME DHARMA CHAKRA
In-depth study program on the foundations of classical Buddhist philosophy Teachings by His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche
About the program
From a Buddhist perspective, engaging in the progressive stages of study, contemplation, and meditation enables us to acquire wisdom and gives us the potential to become great practitioners. The Dharma Chakra Program (DCP) is designed to provide the essential elements of the philosophical tradition in a concise manner. This program offers an extraordinary opportunity to develop a profound understanding of the key principles of classical Buddhist philosophy under the guidance of one of the most esteemed scholars of our time, His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin, Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.
This in-depth study program offers the modern-day practitioner rare access to the essence of Mahayana philosophy through an unbroken lineage—a privilege traditionally available only in monastic universities.
What you will learn
Year 1: Abhidharma
Year 2: Bodhisattvacharyavatara, Chapters 1–6
Year 3: Bodhisattvacharyavatara, Chapters 8–10
Year 4: Madhyamaka
Year 5: Uttaratantra
The Dharma Chakra Program at the European centers founded by Khenchen Sherab:
The Dharma Chakra program is an initiative of the Sachen Foundation and can be taken online in English by anyone via their dedicated website:
www.sachenfoundation.org/dharmachakra/
At our centers, we offer approximately two meetings a month—both in-person and online—during which we listen together to the teachings of His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche, translated into Italian, French, German, and Dutch. Following the teachings, there is a 30-minute meditation session allowing us to reflect on the topics discussed and rest for a while in the emptiness of presence.
Q&A sessions with Khenpo Tashi Sangpo Lag will be held occasionally. Questions must be submitted via this form. On the Sachen Foundation website dedicated to this study program, you will find additional material in English on the topics covered, which we will also use during our meetings if necessary.
Q&A sessions with Khenpo Tashi Sangpo Lag will be held occasionally. Questions must be submitted via this link. On the Sachen Foundation website dedicated to this study program, you will find additional material in English on the topics covered, which we will also use during our meetings if necessary.
Second year: The Bodhisattvacaryavatara
7:15 PM: Refuge and meditation on Bodhicitta
7:30 PM: Listening to teachings by H.H. Ratna Vajra Rinpoche (with translation)
8:30 PM: Meditation: contemplation of the topics covered and resting in empty presence.
Click HERE for further information and prayer texts.
You can ask any questions on the subject HERE. Khenpo Tashi Sangpo Lag will answer them periodically during Q&A sessions.
Description:
The Way to Awakening (Sanskrit: Bodhisattvacaryāvatāra) is an immortal masterpiece by the great 8th-century Indian Mahayana Buddhist master Shantideva. Written in magnificent prose, this treatise systematically and thoroughly outlines the complete path leading to bodhicitta and the cultivation of the bodhisattva way of life. It is not merely a theoretical exposition but a practical manual, rich in guidance and imbued with great emotional power for spiritual practice.
For those studying Buddhism—particularly practitioners aspiring to follow the Mahayana path—The Way to Awakening is an essential read for the following reasons:
1. The definitive guide to bodhicitta: Bodhicitta lies at the heart of Mahayana Buddhism. This treatise explains in detail the benefits of bodhicitta and how to generate, protect, and cultivate it, serving as the most comprehensive and systematic guide for learning and practicing bodhicitta.
2. Practical advice: It offers not just philosophical speculation but concrete methods for adjusting one’s mindset and conduct, guiding practitioners on how to implement the Six Perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, joyful effort, meditative concentration, and wisdom) in daily life.
3. A powerful antidote to afflictions: The methods for countering anger (Chapter 6 on patience), pride, jealousy, laziness, and other common afflictions are extremely practical and profound, helping practitioners effectively transform their negative emotions. The key to cultivating wisdom: Chapter 9, “Wisdom,” clearly explains the correct view of emptiness—essential for understanding dependent origination and emptiness, and for eliminating attachment to self and phenomena.
4. The key to cultivating wisdom: Chapter 9, “Wisdom,” clearly explains the correct view of emptiness, which is essential for understanding dependent origination and emptiness, and for eliminating attachment to self and phenomena.
5. Inspiring compassion and courage: Drawing on his own realization and compassion, Śāntideva uses deeply moving language to inspire readers to generate vast, selfless altruism and to courageously embark on the bodhisattva path.
6. Highly esteemed by masters throughout history: From ancient times to the present, countless great masters in India, Tibet, and China have held this treatise in high regard, viewing it as a vital foundation and guide for practice.
7. Universal values beyond faith: Although The Way to Awakening is a classic Mahayana Buddhist text, its profound ethical teachings and methods of mental cultivation can offer immense inspiration and substantial benefits to anyone aspiring to improve their quality of life and alleviate inner suffering.
In summary, The Path to Awakening is a valuable practice manual that integrates theory, practice, emotion, and wisdom. It is an invaluable guide and model for all Buddhist students who seek liberation and aspire to benefit sentient beings.