Entering the Mandala: Foundations of the Vajrayana Path (Part 1)

Explore Vajrayana Buddhism in this 8-week course—discover mind, lineage, and transformative practices to awaken wisdom and compassion.

Step into the sacred world of Vajrayana Buddhism—where every experience, thought, and emotion becomes part of the path to awakening. Entering the Mandala is an 8-week immersive journey into the transformative heart of Tibetan Buddhist Tantra, designed for practitioners ready to deepen their understanding beyond foundational teachings.

Drawing from the wisdom streams of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions in a non-sectarian (Rimé) spirit, this course offers a clear, grounded introduction to the essential view, practices, and principles of the Vajrayana path. Together, we will explore the rich historical roots of Tantra, the nature of mind, and the powerful frameworks of Ground, Path, and Fruition—revealing how awakening is not something to be created, but recognized.

Throughout the course, students will be guided through key elements of Vajrayana practice, including the Three Roots (Guru, Yidam, and Dakini), the importance of lineage and empowerment, and the sacred commitments that sustain the path. We will also uncover the profound purpose of Ngöndro—the preliminary practices that purify obscurations, accumulate merit, and prepare the mindstream for realization.

Each session blends study, reflection, discussion, and contemplative practice—offering not just intellectual understanding, but direct experiential insight. Whether you are drawn to the symbolic richness of Tantra or seeking a more integrated, transformative approach to daily life, this course provides a safe and meaningful gateway into the mandala.

Come discover how the challenges of life can be transformed into fuel for awakening—and how the wisdom already within you can be revealed.

Need the Entering the Mandala book? Order it online at Amazon, or pick it up from the Rime Center’s gift shop.