Essential Abhidharma and Lorig

Rinpoche will be teaching a three-month course on Essential Abhidharma and Lorig, offering a structured exploration of Buddhist philosophy and the science of mind based on the Tibetan monastic curriculum. Abhidharma provides a precise classification of all phenomena, deepening our understanding of perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality. Lorig, the Buddhist science of mind and cognition, maps out mental faculties and their functions, offering a systematic framework for contemplation and meditation. By integrating these two disciplines, this course will equip students with the analytical tools and contemplative methods needed to cultivate clarity, insight, and self-awareness in both study and practice.

Course Objectives: 

By the end of this course, students will:

✔️ Develop a foundational understanding of Abhidharma as a framework for analyzing experience.
✔️ Explore Lorig’s presentation of mind, perception, and mental processes to enhance self-awareness.
✔️ Understand Abhidharma’s influence on Buddhist philosophy and practice across traditions.
✔️ Learn how models of mind and awareness inform meditation and insight.
✔️ Apply Buddhist psychology to recognize and transform afflictive emotions, cultivating mental clarity.

Key Topics: 

1. Introduction to Abhidharma – Origins, purpose, and its place within the three baskets of Buddhist teachings.
2. Understanding our experience – The five skandhas, twelve ayatanas, and eighteen dhatus as analytical tools.
3. Mental Factors and Their Functions – The fifty-one mental states and their role in perception and behavior.
4. Models for Understanding Mind – How the eight consciousnesses function and their relationship to reality.
5. Lorig: The Buddhist Science of Mind – Definitions of mind, cognition, and awareness in Buddhist philosophy.
6. Valid and Mistaken Cognition – Understanding pramana (valid cognition) and sources of error in perception.
7. Afflictive Emotions and Their Antidotes – Identifying kleshas (mental afflictions) and methods for their transformation.
8. Meditation and Mind Training – Applying Abhidharma and Lorig to structured contemplative practice.

Importance for Practitioners:

Through this course, students will develop practical skills for understanding the mind and the nature of mind, enhancing both meditation and daily life. This knowledge strengthens Dharma practice, deepening insight into the path of liberation.

Course Format:

The course is structured to facilitate a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, combining lectures, contemplative inquiry, and group discussion to foster a dynamic exploration of the Dharma. Students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow learners and instructors in a supportive online environment, enhancing their understanding of the teachings and promoting the practical application of Buddhist philosophy.

Weekly Course Schedule

This three-month course will run from March to May 2025, featuring live online teachings on two weekends each month.

🗓️ Live Lectures: Saturdays and Sundays at 6 AM PT (8 AM CT)
🗓️ Student Study Groups: Weekly on Sundays at 4 PM PT (6 PM CT) for discussion and Q&A

All sessions will be recorded, and students will have access to lecture recordings and course materials throughout the program.

Course Fee & Registration

The full course fee is $300, which includes access to all live and recorded lectures, study materials, and discussion groups. Payment plans are available—please see the registration page for details.