Programs

Date & Time Details: Thursdays, 6 - 7:30 pm

Location: Online

Contact: [email protected]

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Exploring the Dharma: Weekly Study Group

With Peter Woods

January 30 - May 22, 2025

Join us for a weekly study group devoted to exploring the rich and profound Dharma teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This class will facilitate an accessible exploration of key texts, teachings, and practices, with a focus on understanding how these ancient wisdoms apply to modern life.

In this series, we will delve into Gampopa’s seminal work, The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, guided by a new set of teachings by Phakchok Rinpoche. These teachings, created for the global Samye sangha, span the entire text, providing a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the path to awakening.

Class Format: Each session will begin with a brief group practice of the Treasury of Blessings. (For those unfamiliar with this practice, you can download it here and review extensive teachings here.) We will then watch a recorded teaching on the Jewel Ornament by Phakchok Rinpoche, which will be followed by time for guided discussion and reflection. Participants are encouraged to read the chapter to be covered each week and bring any questions or insights for our discussions.

While our primary reference will be the newly published translation, Ornament of Precious Liberation, other translations are welcome. You can purchase the primary text here.

Details:

  • No prior experience is required to join.
  • Classes begin at 6 PM ET on Zoom (register for the link).
  • A preliminary class schedule will be shared soon.

Join us as we reorient towards the path to awakening, drawing on the vast and timeless resources of the Buddhist tradition to deepen our shared practice and understanding!

Teacher

Peter Woods
Peter has been a student of Phakchok Rinpoche for over a decade. His Buddhist journey began in 2012 in India, where he received teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama—a profound encounter that inspired him to study the Tibetan language. This passion for Tibetan Buddhism led him to Yale Divinity School, where he explored religious literature and practice more broadly, and later to Rangjung Yeshe Institute, where he trained as a translator. As a Tsadra Scholar, Peter earned his second master’s degree in Buddhist Studies in 2019. During his studies, Peter became involved with Samye Translations and played a key…
Learn more about Peter Woods