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Home Courses ACI 2: “Buddhist Refuge”

ACI 2: “Buddhist Refuge”

Level 1: Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita)

This course is based on the root text “Ornament of Realizations” (Abhisamayalamkara) by Maitreya and Master Asanga (350 CE), with monastic commentaries by Master Kedrup Tenpa Dargye (1493–1568).

 

Taking refuge in the Buddha is considered the single act that defines someone as a Buddhist. Thus, this ACI course explores how we take refuge – seeking protection from the suffering of life within our own hearts. In connection with this, we study other essential Buddhist concepts associated with refuge: the desire for enlightenment, the bodhisattva path, nirvana, emptiness, and enlightenment itself.

 

This course is based on the fourth major topic, Perfection of Wisdom, and includes readings from the “Jewel of Realizations” by the future Buddha Maitreya (see image) with commentary by Arya Asanga (circa 350 CE). These teachings were compiled by Kedrup Tenpa Dargye (1493 – 1568), a respected author of textbooks for the Geshe curriculum at the Tibetan Sera Mey Monastery.

 

This course also incorporates the third major topic, “Clear Thinking,” as one of its goals is to establish evidence for past and future lives. It further explores related topics such as levels of reality, definitions of valid perception, evidence of omniscience, and the connection between karma and rebirth.



Topics Covered:

  • What is the Perfection of Wisdom?
  • What is refuge?
  • The objects of refuge
  • Reasons for taking Buddhist refuge
  • The qualities of the Buddha
  • Different types of bodhichitta
  • What is nirvana?
  • Subdivisions of nirvana
  • Five proofs that emptiness is the ultimate nature of reality
  • The five paths leading to full enlightenment

 

Steps for Completing the Course:

  1. Listen to the Lecture

Select a time when you will not be disturbed. Focus on the teachings, avoiding multitasking to maintain concentration.

  1. Read the Lecture Notes

Review notes prepared by students who attended Geshe Michael’s teachings to clarify concepts and terms.

  1. Review the Reading Materials

The reading materials are based on sacred Buddhist scriptures and their commentaries.

  1. Complete the Homework

Use the provided materials to answer each question. Avoid consulting the answer key while preparing your responses.

  1. Check Your Homework

Compare your answers with the key. Do not revise your homework after reviewing the correct answers.

  1. Perform Required Meditations

Each lesson requires at least two analytical meditations, completed on different days. Only one meditation per day counts toward the requirement.

  1. Learn Memorization Assignments

Memorize specific passages or concepts as outlined in the homework.

  1. Take the Quiz

Complete the quiz after finishing the homework, meditations, and memorization. Quizzes must be done without referencing materials.

  1. Move to the Next Lesson

Proceed only after completing all steps for the current lesson.

  1. Prepare for the Final Exam

After finishing 10 lessons, listen to the 11th lecture for an overview and prepare for the final exam. Focus on understanding rather than rote memorization.

  1. Write the Final Exam

Answer all questions independently without using notes or materials.

  1. Submit Your Work for Review

Submit all completed materials for peer review through the designated platform (instructions will be provided).

 

Course Author: Geshe Michael Roach

 

Instructors: Yuliya and Yevhen Belyayev