Summer Course 2008
July 28th through August 1, 2008

Bodhicaryavatara -  July 28^th to August 1

Ocean of Reasoning -  August 4^th to 15^th

Following the Long Life Celebration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama (July 19-24), Venerable Geshe Lhundub Sopa will be teaching two programs in Deer Park’s new temple. 

• July 28^th to August 1^st
  Geshe-la will teach from the Meditation chapter of
  Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara.

This commentary will be given in English with translation into Mandarin Chinese. Prayers will also be in Chinese.

ALL ARE WELCOME
Geshe-la Encourages Everyone to Attend.

• August 4^th to 15^th
  Geshe-la will continue his commentary on Je Tsong Khapa's
  Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on Nagarjuna's Mülamadhyamakakarikã
  (Tibetan: rTsa she tik chen rigs pa'i rgya mtsho). 

Ocean of Reasoning is essential in the study and understanding of Prasangika philosophy and is rarely taught in Western dharma centers.   As well as a commentary on Nagarjuna's Fundamental Verses on the Middle Way, it is a sub-commentary on the related works of Chandrakirti and Buddhapalita. More information on these texts is available at:
www.wisdom-books.com  
If attending, it is highly recommended that you purchase the English translation that is available at that site and at other online bookstores. 

For both of the above programs Geshe Sopa-la will teach:
Monday through Friday tentatively from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon
and from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM from Monday, July 28^th through Friday, August 15^th.  During the Ocean of Reasoning program, most days will have a discussion session from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, hosted by a senior sangha member or layperson.

There will be Long Life Puja for Venerable Geshe Sopa on Sunday, August 10^th.  Although Geshe-la's commentary is offered primarily in English, a reading knowledge of Tibetan is very helpful.

Sangha Housing (July 28 to August 15 only)
Ordained monks should contact Ven. Lhundub Sherab or Ven. Lhundub Chowang (608-835-5572 or Lsherab@hotmail.com ) at Deer Park to see if space is available.

Ordained nuns should contact Ven. Lhundub Drolma (liane.nakamura@mail.mhcdc.org or 608-835-6990).

To help cover the costs of the facilities, sangha staying at either of the Deer Park residences are asked to pay a per-night fee, with fundraising undertaken for those who need assistance**.  Ask about the rates when making arrangements.

IMPORTANT:
Please send in a registration form even if you speak to someone at Deer Park regarding sangha housing or otherwise inform him or her of your intention to attend the course.
Housing at Deer Park is not available during the Long Life Celebration.

Housing for Laypeople: With limited housing available for ordained sangha only, Deer Park is unable to provide accommodations for students. Students are asked to make their own housing arrangements. Please see the list provided for housing options in the Madison area.  The list has changed somewhat from previous years. If you live in the Madison area and can provide housing for course attendees, especially those from outside the U.S., please let us know.

Suggested Donation: The suggested donation is $100 per week, prorated by day and session. There is no charge for ordained sangha.  No one is refused for inability to pay.  

Meals: Please bring a bag lunch/dinner or enjoy meals from among the many and varied local restaurants. 

**Donations for Sangha Needing Financial Assistance: As in the past we will solicit donations from course attendees to help cover sangha expenses. Donations will be collected only after the course begins and the need is determined. Donations received will first be used to help those sangha members most needing assistance in paying for housing at Deer Park and for food costs. If any additional donations are received, they will be used to defray those costs for the remaining sangha.

To help with planning, please register early by completing and either mailing or emailing the registration form.

Final registration will be the first or second day of your attendance at the course.

We hope that you can join us.  Questions regarding Geshe Sopa’s programs (only) should be mailed to the address above or emailed to deerparkcourse@gmail.com; or call Cathy or Frank at 608-233-6954.