Classical Tibetan Reading and Pronunciation Practice 301 - Sarnath International Nyingma Institute

Classical Tibetan Language

Reading and Pronunciation Practice 301

Instructor: Dr. Tenzin Ghegay

This course offers a guided reading of Atiśa’s Bodhipathapradīpa (A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment), a foundational text of the Tibetan Lamrim tradition. Students will work directly with the Classical Tibetan, developing reading accuracy through grammar, vocabulary, and close textual analysis. The course also explores the historical context and philosophical themes of the work. Designed for intermediate and advanced students, it provides a structured path toward deeper proficiency in Classical Tibetan.

Details

Begins March 21, 2026
Online via Zoom
Prerequisite: Prior knowledge of Classical Tibetan reading

The Basics

Daily Structure & What to Expect

This course offers a guided reading of Bodhipathapradīpa (A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment), the seminal 11th-century work of the Indian master Atiśa, known in Tibetan as Byang chub lam gyi sgron ma. Widely regarded as a foundational text of the Tibetan Lamrim tradition, the work presents a clear synthesis of Buddhist teachings through Atiśa’s framework of three levels of spiritual aspiration—lesser, middling, and superior capacities.

Students will engage directly with the Classical Tibetan text, developing advanced reading skills through close attention to grammar, vocabulary, and literary style, while also exploring the historical and philosophical context of the work.

Course Structure

Guided reading of Atiśa’s Bodhipathapradīpa in Classical Tibetan
Detailed focus on grammar, vocabulary, and textual analysis
Translation practice and discussion during live sessions
Introduction to historical context and textual traditions
All course materials provided through Moodle
Interactive online classes via Zoom with opportunity for questions and discussion

What You’ll Learn

Advanced Classical Tibetan reading skills
Methods of close textual and grammatical analysis
Vocabulary development through direct engagement with root texts
Understanding of Atiśa’s Lamrim framework and philosophical themes
Confidence in reading and interpreting Buddhist literature in Tibetan

Students should come prepared with prior experience in Classical Tibetan reading, as this course builds on foundational knowledge and develops it through practical application.