Discussion Led by Jeff Schoening
Date: Wednesdays, April 10 & 24, May 8
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Sakya Monastery Cultural Hall
Suggested Donation:
per class: $15 Members, $20 Non-Members
Or, $35 Members/50 Non-Members for the series
Registration link: https://conta.cc/2IaiVY8
In 1265, Chögyal Phakpa composed a verse summary on the main points and practice of the Buddha’s Dharma for Kublai Khan at the Khan’s request. In 1271, Shérap Shönnu, a disciple of Chögyal Phakpa, wrote a prose commentary, Ornament that Explicates the Buddha’s Teaching. In 1976, Āchāryas Lobsang Jamspal and Mañjusiddārtha translated the verses into English prose with the title A Gift of Dharma to Kublai Khan. In this class we will read and discuss a new verse translation of the Gift of Dharma written by Jeff Schoening with Jeff Bennett and Tom Linder, in consultation with Shérap Shönnu’s commentary. In addition to the content of the translation, we will discuss issues encountered and choices made during translation, in order to take a deeper look into the meaning and content of the text. This marvelous treatise leads us into the stages of practice, the deepest view, and its culmination.
Jeffrey Schoening (Upasaka), holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies, and is a longtime member and interpreter at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Jeff is the author of The Shalistamba Sutra and Its Indian Commentaries (Vienna 1995), a two-volume study of teachings on dependent arising. He served as a health care chaplain at Swedish Medical Center and Northwest Kidney Center and is currently a private practice spiritual director.