The International Seminar for Buddhist Studies and Practice will be held at Shechen Institute, Bodhgaya, India, from November 1-10,1999. The seminar is the second in a series of yearly courses that offer detailed and in depth teachings on the fundamentals of Buddhist philosophy and practice. Over the years, the teachings will be given by the principal disciples of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

This year's course will focus on two main subjects: Rabjam Rinpoche will give daily teachings on Lobjung: Seven-Point Mind TYaining based on the commentaries by Jamgon Kontrol and Shechen Gyaltsab. Rabjam Rinpoche is the abbot of Shechen Monastery and is one of the main holders of Khyentse Rinpoche's lineage.

Khenpo Pema Sherab will teach on The Wheel of Analytical Meditation and The Guide to Madhyamika View, two texts by Mipham Rinpoche (1846-1912), one of the foremost Nyingma philosophers of all times. Khenpo Pema Sherab, a longtime disciple of Khyentse Rinpoche and the head of Penor Rinpoche's philosophical college in Mysore, is one of the most learned Nyingmapa khenpos in India. Both these courses will be translated by Matthieu Ricard.

There will also be additional special courses by guest teachers. Included in the schedule is individual and group meditation. The group will also go on a pilgrimage of the surrounding sacred sites with Rinpoche.

There is no need to register in advance for the teachings and they are given at no cost.

The newly built Institute is located on the grounds of Shechen Monastery, a few minutes walk from the Enlightenment Stupa and the BodhiTree. There are eighteen comfortable double rooms available for those wishing to stay at the Institute. The charge for accommodation and food is US $15 per day. For room reservations contact:  [email protected] or vist their website.