From May 1 to June 30, Kunzang Palyul Choling will host Khenpo Tsewang Gyatso, who will teach the second semester of KPC's newly formed Shedra, or institute for the academic study and practice of Buddhist philosophy. Khenpo Tsewang will teach chapters 5 through 10 of Shantideva's Guide lo the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, a classic treatise on the development of the mind of universal compassion. He will also teach Tibetan for reading comprehension. There is no prerequisite for the course, although reading the text in advance is recommended. Students may audit on a class-by-class basis if desired. A brochure is available by calling (301) 428-8116, or by writing to KPC Shedra, 18400 River Road, Poolesville, MD 20837.

The Shedra at KPC, instituted by H. H. Penor Rinpoche and Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, is preparing to publicly release its seven-year curriculum, pending approval of Rinpoche. The course of study is modeled on the Nyingmapa view of the nine yanas, or progressive vehicles leading to the attainment of full enlightenment. There will be two semesters a year in addition to a month of retreat time. The full course is designed to culminate in a traditional three-year retreat. Those satisfactorily completing the entire course will be eligible for the title of Khenpo.

Khenpo Tsewang is a senior instructor at H. H. Penor Rinpoche's shedra, the Ngagyur Nyingmapa Institute, where he teaches the last three years of inner tantra. Having undergone the nine-year Shedra at Varanasi, Khenpo graduated first among all four schools represented and was honored with a silver medal from the Dalai Lama. Penor Rinpoche's institute is the largest Nyingmapa shedra in the world, educating 325 students from across Asia. Rinpoche's knowledge of religious tradition and Nyingmapa doctrine, his spontaneous humor, and his practical experience have inspired his many students.