Shedra in Europe - FAQ

The Zangdok Palri Institute as an educational facility, will offer the possibility for people in Europe to study and and practice of Buddhist philosophy.

Learn more about that opportunity through the FAQ here below or by visiting the web site of the Zangdok Palri Institute educational activities.

What is the Zangdok Palri Institute?

The Zangdok Palri Institute is an educational facility, which has been founded by Dzogchen Ranyak Dza Patrul Rinpoche as a support for the study and practice of Buddhist philosophy. Starting with its inaugural course, The Precious Bodhi Tree, which will be held in Brussels from 24 to 30 June 2004, it will run both residential and home-study courses which will be open to all those who wish to attend.

I have heard the Zangdok Palri Institute and its courses referred to as 'the shedra'. What is a shedra?

The Zangdok Palri Institute and its courses are indeed commonly referred to as 'the shedra'. A shedra means 'a college' in Tibetan. Shedra is the name given to the college connected to monastic settlements in Tibet. Daily classes are given by a Khenpo (PhD), which are revised later in tutorials, and then studied individually. Students usually memorise the texts they are studying, and later engage in public debate on the subject of the teachings. Exams are set at regular intervals and must be passed in order to advance
through the course.

Who will teach at the shedra?

Dzogchen Ranyak Dza Patrul Rinpoche, the ZPI's founder and director, will be its main teacher, and Rinpoche will decide who else is invited to teach at the shedra.

When will the courses begin?

The General Buddhist Studies Course will be the inaugural course at the first Annual ZPI Shedra, to be held in Brussels from 24 to 30 June 2004. The Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course will begin during the second Annual ZPI Shedra in 2005.

Who can attend Zangdok Palri Institute courses?

The General Buddhist Studies Course is open to everyone and students do not require any qualifications.
Enrolment in the Six-Year Dzogchen Practitioners' Course depends on students making a commitment to study and practice, and continuation on the course depends on their passing annual exams and completing set practices.

What could I read to get some idea of the course material for the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course?

You could read The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche, ISBN 1-57062-412-7, which is one of the shedra's basic texts. It has also been translated from Tibetan into other languages such as French, Spanish and Polish.

Can I attend both the General Buddhist Studies Course and the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course?

Yes, you can in 2005. Just tick the relevant boxes in the enrolment form. During the inaugural Annual ZPI Shedra 2004 there will only be a General Buddhist Studies course.

Where will the Annual ZPI Shedra take place?

The inaugural course of the shedra, a General Buddhist Studies course entitled The Precious Bodhi Tree, will be held in Brussels from 24 to 30 June 2004. The location of future Annual ZPI Shedras has not yet been decided, though arrangements are being made so that the shedra will be convenient for everyone to attend.

Can I do the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course without attending the Annual ZPI Shedra?

No, you cannot. Each academic year will start with the Annual ZPI Shedra, during which the principle subject matter for the year will be taught. Follow-up courses will be arranged in Dzogchen Centres during the year to assist with revision.

If I do not pass the annual exam, can I continue on the course?

Normally, you cannot continue on the course, if you do not pass the annual exam. However, whether you pass or not depends on your motivation.

What will the Annual ZPI Shedra and the courses cost?

The cost of the inaugural Annual ZPI Shedra in Brussels from 24 to 30 June 2004 is 180 euros. This is an all-in price for the shedra, and includes the cost of three meals for each of the 7 days, as well as each student's share of the costs of arranging and administering the shedra. The cost of future shedras and courses has not yet been decided, though arrangements are being made so that they will be affordable for everyone.

Where can I stay during the Annual ZPI Shedra?

The inaugural course will be held in the premises of Dzogchen Centre Brussels. Unfortunately, the centre is not large enough to offer accommodation and each student will have to make his or her own arrangements. To help with this, an information sheet about accommodation in Brussels will be available, and you can obtain your copy by ticking the relevant box on the enrolment form.

How can I be kept informed about courses?

You can show your interest by ticking the relevant box on the enrolment form.

How can I enrol in a course?

You can fill out the enrolment form.

Can I reserve a place on the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course provisionally and confirm later?

No, but you can ask to be kept informed about developments by ticking the relevant box on the enrolment form.

I want to attend the Dzogchen Practitioners' Course, but I am afraid that if I enrol, the arrangements you make may not suit me and I may not be able to attend. What should I do?

Please do not worry. If you really wish to attend the course, you can enrol now. The arrangements will not differ too much from what has been arranged this year. The Annual ZPI Shedra will take place somewhere in Europe during the summer months, most likely in July or August, and will last for two or three weeks. The cost of the courses will always be kept as low as possible.

I live outside the EU. How can I arrange a visa?

You can contact your local Dzogchen Centre. They should be able to inform you about the correct procedure. Otherwise, you should contact the authorities in your own country.

I would like to help.

You can send us an email or write to the address overleaf.