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.