This opening week of the Samye Institute Summer Immersion: The Buddhist Arts & Sciences introduces participants to the inner science of buddha dharma — the contemplative foundation that underlies the full immersion. In the weeks that follow, this inner science will be brought into dialogue with the outer sciences of medicine, artisanry, and philosophy (psychology and reasoning). The first week establishes the ground from which those later integrations unfold, inviting participants into the Buddhist tradition through meditation, study, and dialogue.

The week opens with the Inner Science of Awakening Dignity, taught by Shu-chin Wu. From a Buddhist perspective, dignity arises from recognizing that our nature is fundamentally pure and that our hearts are inherently noble. Cultivating this inner dignity invites us to shift our sense of identity beyond the narrow confines of ego toward the broader expanse of our innate goodness.

Through meditation, reflection, and practical exercises, participants will explore the Awakening Dignity teachings and learn methods for cultivating confidence in their own fundamental goodness. The course also offers practical tools for bringing these insights into everyday relationships, family life, and community.

Complementing this contemplative training, the Introduction to the Inner Science of Buddhism presents a foundational framework of Buddhist understanding through the Four Noble Truths: the nature of suffering, its causes, its cessation, and the path leading beyond it. Together, these two strands offer both an experiential entry into Buddhist practice and a conceptual map of the tradition’s view of mind, suffering, and awakening.

Format

The week weaves together several modes of learning and practice:

• Talks introducing the philosophy and practice of dignity
• Guided meditations
• Facilitated Q&A and group discussion
• Space for personal practice and movement

Free & Open to All

Several sessions each week are free and open to anyone, with no registration required. We warmly welcome locals and newcomers to drop in:

• The weekly public talk
• The Wednesday evening Introductory Talk, which opens the week
• All morning and afternoon meditation sessions, every day of the week

If you’ve been curious about Samye Institute or Buddhist practice, these are an easy way to step in and experience the teachings firsthand.

Schedule

The course opens on the evening of Wednesday, June 17, allowing participants to arrive earlier in the day and settle in. From June 18 through June 20, each day follows a full rhythm of morning and afternoon meditation alongside two teaching sessions in the afternoon and evening. The program concludes on the morning of Sunday, June 21, followed by lunch and departure.

Wednesday, June 17 — Arrival

• 3:00 – 5:00 pm — Registration
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm — Dinner
• 7:00 – 8:30 pm — Introductory Talk (free and open to all)

Thursday – Saturday, June 18–20

• 7:00 – 8:00 am — Personal Practice
• 9:00 – 9:45 am — Breakfast
• 10:00 – 10:45 am — Guided Meditation (free and open to all)
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm — Lunch
• 1:30 – 2:15 pm — Dignity Meditation (free and open to all)
• 3:00 – 4:30 pm — Awakening Dignity with Shu-chin Wu
• 4:30 – 5:00 pm — Break
• 5:00 – 6:00 pm — Q&A / Discussion
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm — Introduction to the Inner Science of Buddhism
• 7:00 – 8:00 pm — Dinner

Sunday, June 21 — Closing

• 8:00 – 8:45 am — Breakfast
• 10:00 – 11:30 am — Closing Session
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm — Lunch and Departure

Attendance & Hybrid Access

Participants are welcome to register for the full week or for individual days as their schedules allow. To help sessions begin on time, we ask that all attendees arrive 15 minutes early.

The Outer Science, Inner Science, and Q&A / Discussion sessions are offered in a hybrid format, accessible both in person and online. Recordings of these sessions will be made available to all registered attendees, so anyone who joins partway through will receive recordings of the days they missed.

Commuter registration includes lunch and dinner; residential registration includes all meals and on-site lodging. Scholarships are available on request — please reach out if cost is a barrier to attending.

Prerequisites

No prior experience is necessary. This week offers an excellent introduction to the perspectives and practices of Buddhism and is open to participants of all backgrounds. It will be especially meaningful for those who have already taken the Awakening Dignity course on Samye Institute.