Building a Stable Foundation of Dharma Practice

A pioneering online Dharma curriculum, the Palpung Thubten Choling Dharma Path program was created in 2006 under the direct guidance of Lama Norlha Rinpoche to meet the needs of serious meditation practitioners who do not have the circumstances to participate in the traditional three-year retreat. Designed to provide an opportunity for significant personal development in the basic meditation practices and contemplation techniques of the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharma Path program serves as an in-depth curriculum for lay practitioners as well as an excellent preparation for dharma students who aspire to do a three-year retreat.

Practice Commitment

Participation in the program consists of listening to assigned teachings by Lama Norlha Rinpoche and other teachers, reading assigned texts, and applying the teachings through contemplation and meditation on a daily basis. For those with a typical work week, the recommended daily commitment is one hour a day of practice on workdays and two hours a day on two days off, totaling nine hours of practice per week. By following this recommendation, each full level can be completed in approximately a year (this will vary somewhat depending on the level). The time commitment can be structured according to individual needs. Those with more time can complete each level more quickly, while those with less time will take longer. The most important commitment in order to progress on the path is to practice consistently every day, however much time you are able to allocate.

Working with a Mentor

Each level 1 participant is assigned a mentor who is a longtime practitioner and senior student within the Dharma Path program and/or a graduate of the Palpung Thubten Choling three-year retreat. For subsequent levels (2-7), all mentors are three-year retreat graduates. Students meet with their mentor at designated points in the program to review their understanding of the material. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed to answer questions or provide guidance. Mentors and students meet via a combination of email, telephone, and videoconference, depending on the student’s location and the individual mentor’s availability. When there’s no pandemic, in-person meetings may also be scheduled if feasible.

Keeping Track

Participants are required to keep an accurate record of their practice hours. Each level includes a time sheet to be filled out as you accumulate practice hours, and shared with your mentor when you complete the level.

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