Shenten Academy
Increasing Wisdom and Knowledge together
What is the Shenten Academy?
The Shenten Academy is a programme offered by Shenten Dargye Ling, designed for students and practitioners of the Bön Sangha as well as those from other spiritual traditions. Its purpose is to create meaningful opportunities for learning and study, primarily focused on Yungdrung Bön. While the curriculum emphasizes key areas of the various vehicles within this ancient tradition of Zhang Zhung and Tibet, it also welcomes the exploration of other (closely or distantly) related subjects (e.g. Tibetan language, Tibetan medicine, cosmology, art etc.) and spiritual paths. At its core, it is about creating together the knowledge and wisdom that is necessary and useful on the path to liberation. Respect for all spiritual traditions, authenticity and truthfulness in the transmission of knowledge, and a steadfast and unconditional dedication to the benefit and welfare of all beings are always at the core.
What is the purpose of the Shenten Academy?
The Shenten Academy has the following main objectives:
• To promote the spiritual practice of followers of the Bön tradition and other spiritual traditions by increasing their wisdom and knowledge of the various vehicles and paths to liberation of the Bön tradition and (e.g. in a comparative sense) of other spiritual traditions.
• To convey further, supplementary knowledge which is useful for the spiritual path and which is related to certain other areas of knowledge (e.g. Tibetan language, Tibetan medicine, art, cosmology etc.).
• To establish and maintain the teachings of Yungdrung Bön by imparting the knowledge and wisdom of the Bön tradition in the West.
• Yongdzin Lopon Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche, the founder of Shenten Dargye Ling, has always emphasised the importance of combining meditation and philosophy in his monasteries. It is precisely to fulfil this vision as well as this wish that the Shenten Academy was founded.
What is generally planned to offer?
The following courses are generally planned. Other study areas and courses may and will be added in the future.
• Shenten Lectures:
◦ Lectures that take place once a week over a period of several weeks and cover a specific topic
◦ One-off lectures on a specific topic
• Shenten Language:
◦ Language courses such as Oral or Written Tibetan or Tibetan Reading classes
• Shenten Medicine:
◦ Tibetain Medicine courses
When does it start?
The Shenten Academy was officially established by a resolution of the Shenten Association on 23 September 2024. The Shenten Academy is expected to launch in November 2024.
How does the lectures and courses work?
The courses usually take place from November to March. However, there may also be courses outside this period. All courses will be held online via Zoom. There will always be a lecturer or teacher to impart the relevant knowledge. However, great emphasis will be placed on an open and discussion-friendly atmosphere. Sharing and developing knowledge and wisdom together is always paramount.
How to register
Registration for the lectures and courses is the same as for other retreats organised by Shenten Dargye Ling. There is a separate registration link for each lecture or course. Registration requires simply clicking on the registration link and following the registration and payment instructions. If a different procedure is planned, this will be explicitly stated.
One-off lectures can be booked individually. For courses lasting several weeks, registration is always for the entire course; individual course units cannot be booked. Lectures or courses may be offered on a donation basis. This will be announced separately.
Recordings
All courses are recorded. The recordings will be made available to participants.
Costs and payment
Unless otherwise stated, the participation fee for two hours of teaching is 15 € per lecture or individual course unit. Depending on the length of the course or other circumstances, a different participation fee may apply. This will be indicated separately. The course fee is generally paid to Shenten Dargye Ling. Any exceptions will be announced separately.
As usual, payment is made via PayPal when registering for Zoom.
For those who do not wish or cannot pay via PayPal, we recommend using a friend's account. In any case, please provide your own email address when registering to receive the link for the event.
If you do not have the option to use PayPal, please contact us at contact@shenten.org. We will send you the details to pay by bank transfer and register you manually after your payment.
If you are currently having financial difficulties but would still like to attend the seminar, please write to contact@shenten.org
What is planned for 2024/2025?
The following events are currently planned for 2024/2025. Further events may be added.
Series of lectures: Introduction to the Philosophical Views of the Nine Ways of Bon (according to the Central Treasures)
Description:
It is certainly reasonable to be concerned that someone who is taught that everything is empty and that nothing exists on its own might not understand what is meant and end up with a nihilistic outlook. Therefore, it is far better to start with a strong affirmation of the world as it appears, in all its variety, and then analyse what could be wrong with that view. We are all inherently naïve realists, believing in the genuine actuality of what our senses perceive. The Nine Ways of Bön signify the progressive journey of realization, both intellectually and experientially, that an individual undertakes. This progression leads to increasingly profound modes of realization, each accompanied by their unique application practices, leading either to the dissolution of all our erroneous superimpositions (ma rig pa, or ignorance), or to a more complete, whole and perfect vision (which is literally what the term 'Dzog chen' means).
One of the key teaching approaches of the Nine Ways is to help us identify beliefs that we may hold unconsciously, so that they can be analysed. The significance of this approach to studying Yungdrung Bön and the explanations derived from each of the Nine Ways does not lie in their absolute accuracy regarding the nature of reality — only Dzogchen presents the complete perspective — but in their capacity to elevate our understanding and facilitate a transition from ignorance (naïve realism, the first Way) to thorough realisation (Dzogchen emptiness, the ninth Way).
This Introduction to the Nine Ways of Bön course will primarily focus on the first two Ways. The examination will predominantly focus on the objects of our common experience, paying particular attention to how they are scrutinised by dharma theory.
Teacher:
Tulku JorgeRéne (Tulku Pönse Jigme Tenzin)
Dates:
12.04.2026 4:30 pm CEST
19.04.2026 4:30 pm CEST
23.04.2026 4:30 pm CEST
26.04.2026 4:30 pm CEST
30.04.2026 4:30 pm CEST
03.05.2026 4.30 pm CEST
07.05.2026 4:30 pm CEST
10.05.2026 4:30 pm CEST
Price:
120 Euro for the entire lecture (8 x 15 Euro)
Biography:
Tulku JorgeRéne or Tulku Pönse Yigme Tenzin – born as Jorge René Valles Sandoval on 17 August 1996 in Chihuahua, Mexico – is known to be the reincarnation of the Bön master Yongdzin Sangye Tenzin Rinpoche (1917-1978), who served as Lopon of Menri Monastery, the main monastery of the Yundrung Bön tradition.
From early childhood, H.H. Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd Menri Trizin, appointed several teachers who came to Mexico regularly to teach the young Tulku. When he was six years old, he began to learn the basics of the Tibetan language, how to read and write both Tibetan scriptures (Uchen and Ume).
In the following years, the Tulku regularly visited Triten Norbutse and Menri monasteries, staying for 1-2 months each year to learn about Tibetan culture and to improve his Tibetan language by reciting the texts over and over again.
At the age of 12, he spent a whole year at Menri Monastery. This was the first time he had been away from his parents in the monastery and lived with the monks. During this time he had 5 main classes: reading comprehension, recitation, Tibetan grammar and spelling, Tibetan writing and ritual classes along with meditation.
The main purpose of this was to gain a deeper knowledge of the Tibetan language, along with the Bön tradition, its teachings, rituals, philosophy and so on.
After spending a full year in Menri, the Tulku returned to Mexico to continue his western studies. H.H. also appointed a teacher to go to Mexico and spend time there teaching the Tulku the Tibetan language and Bön philosophy.
After completing his 12th year of western studies, he went to Lishu Institute in India to deepen his knowledge of Bön philosophy and Tibetan language. A few months later he returned to Mexico to attend the University College, where he began his studies in Financial Administration. After 2 years of concentrating on his western studies, the Tulku decided to spend 3 years in India to fully develop his knowledge of the Tibetan language. He attended the Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Programme in Dharamshala, India, and spent 2 years developing his knowledge of the Tibetan language. The first year included: grammar, spelling, reading, writing, listening comprehension and conversation classes. The second year was more focused on Buddhist philosophy, where he learned philosophy, logic, Tibetan debate, epistemology, and the study of typologies of mind and consciousness. When his classes ended, he continued to study on his own every day, reading Tibetan grammar books along with several Bonpo texts focusing on Dzogchen. He also continued to deepen his meditation practice, doing various practices that focused not only on Dzogchen, but also on Tantra and Sutra meditation and visualisation. After completing his studies in India, the Tulku went to Triten Norbutse Monastery in Nepal and spent 6 months concentrating on learning Bonpo philosophy. There he had three classes: epistemology and dialectics, the study of a very important text written by Nyame Sherab Gyaltsen – the first abbot of Menri Monastery – called 'Paths and Grounds' (Salam in Tibetan) which focuses on Madhyamaka philosophy, and the study of a Dzogchen text from the Atri tradition. After spending 6 months in the monastery, the Tulku returned to Mexico to complete his western studies. After 2 years he finished his studies in Financial Administration. He is currently studying at the Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, continuing his training in Bonpo philosophy, psychology and meditation, and working on translating Tibetan texts into English and Spanish.
Further information:
The course consists of eight one-hour lectures. The course is held online only.
This course is intended for both complete beginners wishing to learn the fundamental philosophical concepts of Yungdrung Bon and advanced practitioners wishing to deepen their knowledge of the tradition.
The lectures will be given in English, with translation into other languages (e.g. Spanish) available. Translation into other languages is also under consideration. Please check back on this page for updates.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aww18IzzThSySarOybmx0A
Lecture: Continuation and completion of the teachings on the Salam of Nyamme Sherab Gyaltsen (Completion of the Shedra):
Description:
This course is a continuation of the Shedra, but it is open for everyone.
In the Shedra organized by Shenten Dargye Ling in 2028–2024, the central study text was a text by Nyamme Sherab Gyaltsen entitled Sa lam trül drön me rang drel zhuk pa lak (sa lam ‘phrul sgron me'i rang 'grel bzhugs pa lags), which can be translated as ”The Self-Commentary on the Magic Lamp of Stages and Paths“. This text focuses on Madhyamaka philosophy and is one of the central sutra texts of traditional Geshe training. In the text itself, we have reached the third path, the path of seeing. We will continue at this point. In addition to Shedra participants, newcomers are also very welcome.
If you have any questions regarding this, please contact togyal@yahoo.com
Teacher:
Khenpo Gelek Jinpa
Dates:
The new dates have not yet been confirmed. They will be announced as soon as they are finalised.
Price:
15 euros per lecture
Biography:
https://www.shenten.org/khenpo-gelek-jinpa-rinpoch%C3%A9?lang=en
Further information:
The new dates have not yet been confirmed. They will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
Please note:
This course is a continuation of the Shedra. We will pick up where we left off. However, if you are interested, you can join.
If you have any questions, please email togyal@yahoo.com
Registration link: To be confirmed
Series of lectures: Tibetan Reading Class
Description:
During the Shedra, participants were very fortunate to be taught Tibetan by Prof Charles Ramble. Two courses were always offered: a beginners course and an advanced reading course.
Prof Ramble has kindly agreed to offer a reading course as part of the Shenten Academy. In this course we will read a text in Tibetan and also look at unfamiliar vocabulary and grammar constructions.
The text will be chosen and announced in advance.
Teacher:
Prof. Charles Ramble, D.Phil.
Dates:
The reading class will take place on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm
CET, depending on Prof. Ramble's schedule.
Registration:
If you are interested in participating, please write to togyal@yahoo.com
Further information:
The course is offered on a donation basis.
For this, please see https://www.shenten.org/donation?lang=en
Your generous support of Shenten Dargye Ling helps us considerably in our mission to preserve and share the Yungdrung Bön teachings. It helps to make the teachings available to practitioners of all ages and backgrounds through the organization of workshops and retreats.
We receive all donations with deep gratitude.
Biography:
Charles Ramble is director of studies in the History and Philology Section of the École Pratique des Hautes Études, PSL University, Paris, and director of the Tibetan Studies research team of the Center for Research on East Asian Civilizations (CRCAO). From 2000 to 2010 he held the position of University Lecturer in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies that had recently been established at the University of Oxford, UK, with which he remains associated as a University Research Lecturer. From 2006 to 2013 he was President of the International Association for Tibetan Studies. He is currently director of the European Society for the Study of Himalayan and Central Asian Civilizations (SEECHAC). His research interests include the Bon religion, Tibetan pagan religion in the Himalayan region, the social history of Tibetan societies, pilgrimage and biography. He is currently the Principal Investigator in an ERC-funded research project “Reconstructing the Pagan Religion of Tibet (PaganTibet)”, 2023–2028. He is the author or co-author of eight books, including The Navel of the Demoness: Tibetan Buddhism and Civil Religion in Highland Nepal (2008) as well as three volumes in a series entitled Tibetan Sources for a Social History of Mustang (Nepal), (2008, 2015, 2019), in addition to approximately a hundred articles on aspects of Tibetan civilization
Registration link:
Will be communicated via email. Please write to: togyal@yahoo.com
Lecture: The treasury of the Mind - The mind and its factors
Description:
This lecture is about a book written by Ponlob Tsangpa Tenzin Rinpoche several years ago. It is entitled ‘The Treasury of the Mind’. The sources of the text can be found in many writings of the three traditions Do (mdo), Ngag (sngag) and Sem (sems).
The main theme of the book (and thus also of the lecture) is the mind and its factors. Apart from many further subdivisions of the mind, the mind itself and its factors are dealt with in particular. The mind is like a king, while the mental factors are like his ministers and assistants.
Understanding the detailed functions of the mind and mental factors, their way of perceiving objects, etc., is very useful.
The mind is like a factory that produces both happiness and suffering. Therefore, we must understand that all peace and strife in this world depend on the mind. However, when we say that virtuous and non-virtuous mind, concentration, wisdom, suffering and everything else belong to the mind, this is only a basic statement. In detail, there are many subtle aspects to the individual aspects and functions of the mind, and there is much to learn about the nature of each one. In short, anyone seeking to cultivate the mind needs to know something about the mind and its mental factors. This lecture will introduce this topic. This lecture is the beginning of a series that will span several years.
Teacher:
Ponlob Tsangpa Tenzin Rinpoche
Dates:
24.01.2026 13:15 to 15:15 pm CET
31.01.2026. 13:15 to 15:15 pm CET
07.02.2026. 13:15 to 15:15 pm CET
14.02.2026. 13:15 to 15:15 pm CET
Price:
15 euros per lecture
Biography:
https://www.shenten.org/ponlob-tsangpa-tenzin-rinpoch%C3%A9?lang=en
Further information:
The course consists of four lectures. The course is conducted entirely online. This lecture aims to introduce the subject. It marks the beginning of a series that will span several years.
The lectures will be given in Tibetan and translated into English on site, with the possibility of online translation into other languages (e.g. Spanish). Translations into other languages are therefore planned. Please visit this page again to stay up to date.
Please note:
If you have any questions, please email togyal@yahoo.com
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BG8dKzlQSfOTBVz_4Zl8MA
Lecture: Classification of the Bonpo Tantras
Description:
As is the case with Tibetan Buddhism, the Bonpo tradition has both the Sutra system with its teachings and practices and the Tantra system with its teachings and practices. Moreover, the Tantras are found among the Three Cycles of Precepts (bka‘ skor gsum) and among the Four Portals of Bon and the Treasury (bon sgo bzhi mdzod lnga). According to the revelation of the Southern Treasures System (lho gter lugs), there are the Outer Tantras and the Inner Tantras, whereas according to the revelation of the Central Treasure System (dbu gter lugs), there are extant four classes of Tantra together with their meditation methods and ritual practices. In this seminar, we shall examine the methods of these Tantras as taught by the Buddha Tonpa Shenrab and as explained by Yondzin Rinpoche, Lopon Tenyin Namdak, in his commentaries.
Teacher:
John Myrdhin Reynolds
Dates:
06.12.2025 6.00 pm CET
07.12.2025 6:00 pm CET
Price:
30 Euro (15 Euro per lecture)
Biography:
John Myrdhin Reynolds, born in the US, studied Sanskrit and Tibetan languages, as well as Buddhist Philosophy, in the US at Universities at Berkeley and Seattle. Thereafter, he lived and travelled in India and Nepal, engaging in research and practice for more than ten years. He met Yongdzin Rinpoche in 1989 and then collaborated with this master for many years on the translating of Bonpo Tibetan texts into English, both Bonpo Tantras and Dzogchen. He now resides in Budapest.
Further information:
The course consists of two lectures. The course is conducted entirely online.
The lectures will be given in English, with the possibility of online translation into other languages (e.g. Spanish). Translations into other languages are therefore planned. Please visit this page again to stay up to date.
Please note:
If you have any questions, please email togyal@yahoo.com
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6EzBPfOYTnGqLvzuBkO3WQ
