The Buddhist Studies Summer Program (BSSP) is an intensive residential study and practice program. Students in the BSSP spend four to eight weeks at our remote Northern California center, participating in concentrated daily sessions of Buddhist teaching and meditation led by lamas, teachers, and translators from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Nepal.

This summer, we will focus on the Sutric and Tantric teachings of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition, guided by skilled Tibetan monks from Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling. Daily study of these philosophical and practice traditions will be supported by regular review sessions and ample space to integrate these teachings into our experience. The philosophical intent of our studies will be brought to life through daily meditation sessions and longer practice retreats.

Students will also have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the forests, rivers,  and gardens of Gomde California in the summertime.

Program Structure

Part I, June 6 – July 6, The Great Vehicle: Mahayana Thought and Practice

Part II, July 10 – August 4, The Vehicle of Indestructible Wakefulness: Vajrayana View and Methods

Throughout the summer, our teachers will guide us through treasured Buddhist commentaries. For Part I, the first half of the program, we will study the view of interdependence, diving deep into the Buddhist concept of emptiness. We will also receive comprehensive instructions on the stages of the key points in the development of bodhicitta, the awakened mind of unified wisdom and compassion.

In Part II, the second half of the program, students will be introduced to the special view and meditation methods of the Vajrayana. These teachings will be supplemented by evening meditation sessions, incorporating the profound and elaborate methods of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This section will conclude with a practice retreat at the end of July,

Teachings will be offered five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays off for personal study, practice, and enjoyment of Gomde California’s beautiful land.

Program Costs

Residential Tuition:

Full Program: $3600

Part I or II: $1850

Participants may choose to join the full Summer Program or alternatively join for only Part I or Part II (see Program Description for dates). Residential tuition includes attendance at all major summer teaching events (such as Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche’s onsite seminar) that occur within the program period, lodging in our campground “tent cabins,” three meals per day, five days each week, and participation in daily classes and practice sessions. Optional camping trips and other social events are included. All residential participants will assist with the minor chores of maintaining a Buddhist practice center and help run the intermittent summer programs for non-residents. All attendees will have ample time to engage in private study and practice.

*All participants will be expected to contribute service practice to the center throughout the summer, and during our large seminar programs with visiting Rinpoches. If you are unable to offer physical service for a particular reason, please write to us at coordinator@gomdeca.org.

Scholarships

Limited need-based scholarships are available. To inquire, please write coordinator@gomdeca.org.

Online

Information regarding online attendance will become available in May 2024.

Application

To apply for the program, please register here.  Once you are accepted, an invoice will be sent to you with the remaining balance. Your reservation is complete upon payment.

The application deadline is April 23, 2024. 

Cancellations within 3 weeks of the program’s start are subject to a $100 processing fee.