May, 2023. This page will be under development for some time to be refined, corrected, and expanded
Geshe Drakpa Gelek Archive
In 2006 Geshe Drakpa accepted a handful of San Antonio students during his first of seven visits to the city. Over a 12-year period he shared a magnificent collection of teachings that spanned the entire path as presented in the Tibetan tradition known as Lam Rim: stages of the path. Geshe-la permitted video recording during his first two visits, but as topics became more complex video was no longer permitted. Ven. Passang Gelek served as translator throughout the entire 12-year period. His deep understanding of the Dharma, and his generous heart, made it possible for Geshe Drakpa to teach Americans despite his limited ability in English language. Without Lama Passang students would not have understood a single syllable, and for that we are eternally indebted.
May the altruistic wishes of Geshe Drakpa Gelek and his kind translator Ven. Passang Gelek be completely fulfilled!
May the altruistic wishes of Geshe Drakpa Gelek and his kind translator Ven. Passang Gelek be completely fulfilled!
Geshe Drakpa Gelek (1955–2018) was born Lhakpa Tsering to parents in the Keydong, Zongka region in Central Tibet. He sought political asylum in India in the wake of Communist China's invasion and subsequent occupation of Tibet, which until then, preserved one of humankind's most ancient civilizations and traditions. He began his monastic education in one of Tibet's largest center of learning, Drepung Losel-Ling Monastic University, which is now re-established in India. (Founded in 1416 in Tibet, Drepung was the home of the early Dalai Lamas.)
He was formally ordained as a novice monk by His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen and was given the religious name Drakpa Gelek. In 1991, Geshe Drakpa Gelek successfully completed the intensive spiritual studies and training in the five sciences, and graduated with a Master of Metaphysics degree, called Geshe, from Drepung Loseling Monastic University. Following completion of the Geshe degree, he enrolled himself at the re-established Lower Tantric University in Hunsur, India, in 1992. For his skilled communication and originality, he was unanimously appointed as Disciplinarian of the Tantric University. Geshe Drakpa taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at Drepung University from 1991 to 1997, and is well-known for his spiritual insights, knowledge, and debating skills.
He received profound and vast Buddhist teachings from distinguished and accomplished spiritual teachers including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama's tutors His Eminence Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, as well as other realized Buddhist saint-scholars. He received spiritual education in the five major Buddhist philosophy and tenets (such as the Buddhist Science of Debate, the perfection of wisdom, the theory of the Middle Way View, ethical discipline, and the Buddhist science of Cosmology by several of Tibet's renowned saint-scholars and accomplished spiritual masters such as His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen, and His Eminence Shakor Khen Nyima Gyaltsen.
Geshe Drakpa received rare oral transmissions of the entire texts of the Buddha's actual teaching, the Kangyur in 1999 and 2000, and the complete works of the founder of the Gelukpa sect, Je Tsongkhapa Rinpoche, and his two heart-disciples saint-scholar Gyaltsab Je and Khedrup Je. He also received explanatory transmission of "The Great Commentary of the Kalachakra Tantra" from His Eminence Kyabje Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, and the complete oral transmission of the 225 voluminous Buddhist spiritual commentaries, the Tengyur, written by the great masters from India and Tibet, from the accomplished hermit His Eminence Paknang Rinpoche.
Geshe-la spend many years living in solitude in spiritual retreat in the high mountains in Dharamsala where the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in-exile is based. He received empowerments and experiential teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and occasionally from other spiritual teachers. He has taught general Tantra and Kalachakra Tantra grounds and paths to the monks of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during their regular annual summer retreat. In recent years he traveled to the United States, South Korea, Spain, Belgium, and France to give teachings.
Geshe-la passed away in India in December, 2018.
He was formally ordained as a novice monk by His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen and was given the religious name Drakpa Gelek. In 1991, Geshe Drakpa Gelek successfully completed the intensive spiritual studies and training in the five sciences, and graduated with a Master of Metaphysics degree, called Geshe, from Drepung Loseling Monastic University. Following completion of the Geshe degree, he enrolled himself at the re-established Lower Tantric University in Hunsur, India, in 1992. For his skilled communication and originality, he was unanimously appointed as Disciplinarian of the Tantric University. Geshe Drakpa taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at Drepung University from 1991 to 1997, and is well-known for his spiritual insights, knowledge, and debating skills.
He received profound and vast Buddhist teachings from distinguished and accomplished spiritual teachers including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama's tutors His Eminence Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, as well as other realized Buddhist saint-scholars. He received spiritual education in the five major Buddhist philosophy and tenets (such as the Buddhist Science of Debate, the perfection of wisdom, the theory of the Middle Way View, ethical discipline, and the Buddhist science of Cosmology by several of Tibet's renowned saint-scholars and accomplished spiritual masters such as His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen, and His Eminence Shakor Khen Nyima Gyaltsen.
Geshe Drakpa received rare oral transmissions of the entire texts of the Buddha's actual teaching, the Kangyur in 1999 and 2000, and the complete works of the founder of the Gelukpa sect, Je Tsongkhapa Rinpoche, and his two heart-disciples saint-scholar Gyaltsab Je and Khedrup Je. He also received explanatory transmission of "The Great Commentary of the Kalachakra Tantra" from His Eminence Kyabje Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, and the complete oral transmission of the 225 voluminous Buddhist spiritual commentaries, the Tengyur, written by the great masters from India and Tibet, from the accomplished hermit His Eminence Paknang Rinpoche.
Geshe-la spend many years living in solitude in spiritual retreat in the high mountains in Dharamsala where the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in-exile is based. He received empowerments and experiential teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and occasionally from other spiritual teachers. He has taught general Tantra and Kalachakra Tantra grounds and paths to the monks of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during their regular annual summer retreat. In recent years he traveled to the United States, South Korea, Spain, Belgium, and France to give teachings.
Geshe-la passed away in India in December, 2018.
Chronology of San Antonio Teachings 2006–2016
Venerable Lama Passang Gelek was the translator for the San Antonio teachings listed below.
The PDF below is a complete list of teachings given to our students:
Venerable Lama Passang Gelek was the translator for the San Antonio teachings listed below.
The PDF below is a complete list of teachings given to our students:
| geshe_drakpa_-_lama_passang_teaching_dates_.pdf |
Visit I.
December 2006 – January 2007
VIDEO PLAYLIST, Volume 1
Geshe Drakpa Gelek arrived on December 15, 2006 — which was also Je Tsongkhapa Day. He came after leading a Kalachakra retreat at Namgyal Monastery in Ithica, New York.
• Was introduced to students and gave a few teachings at Bao Quang Temple in San Antonio, where Lama Passang resided:
Sat. Dec. 30 at 11:30, "The Five Aggregates"
Sat. Jan. 6 at 11:30, "Bodhichitta: The Mind of Enlightenment"
Sat. Jan. 13 at 11:30, Topic to be decided.
• Taught a Three Part Series (for non-Buddhists) at Viva Books:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006: "Developing Mental Stability"
Wednesday, January 3, 2007: "Where Jesus Meets Buddha" with Rev. Jane Lancaster Patterson
Wednesday, January 10, 2007: "Overcoming the Fear of Death"
• Geshe Drakpa conferred Refuge to a handful of students on/about January 8, 2007
Visit II.
December 9, 2007 – March 9, 2008
Geshe-la arrived in San Antonio on December 9 from South Korea.
Stages of Meditation
VIDEO PLAYLIST, Volume 2
Sixty individuals registered for teaching and commentary on Kamalashila's Stages of Meditation series held at The Workshop at Los Patios.
A. INTRODUCTORY TALK:
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 4:00 pm Viva Books: "What Buddhists Believe and Practice"
B. FULL COURSE AT LOS PATIOS (8 sessions)
1. Wednesday, December 19 at 4:00 pm
a) The benefits of meditation: developing the wish to, and joy in, meditation
2. Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 am
b) The preliminary practices (preparation) for meditation that ensure one will be successful
3. Wednesday, December 26 at 4:00 pm
c) How to handle (shape) the mind by applying specific physical meditation techniques
4. Saturday, December 29 at 10:00 am
d) How to prevent grosser forms of conceptual thought through breathing meditation techniques
5. Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 4:00 pm
e) Utilizing external and internal objects of meditation in order to accomplish Samadhi (single pointed) meditation
6. Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 am
f) How to prevent obstacles in order to improve mental stability (concentration) and clarity of the mind
7. Wednesday, January 9 at 4:00 pm
g) Meditation practices for developing love, compassion, and boddhichitta (altruristic intention)
8. Saturday, January 12 at 10:00 am
h) How to meditate on special insight (vipasana meditation) combined with meditation on emptiness
Other 2007-08 Talks
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NOTE: Not all dates have a corresponding video.
Friday, December 28 -- Small Lam Rim class
Sunday, Dec 30 at 11 am -- Celebration Circle Talk
Thursday, Jan 3 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Friday, Jan 4 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Sunday, Jan 6 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Tuesday, January 8 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Thursday, Jan 10 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Friday, Jan 11 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Tuesday, January 15 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Monday Jan 16 through Friday, Jan 25 -- Dallas & Houston
Monday, Jan 28 -- Resume classes in San Antonio....DATES, TBA
January 12-13, 2008 - Austin, TX
(no video for these sessions)
Saturday, January 12 at 7-9 pm
The Foundation of All Good Qualities: transmission and teaching
Sunday, January 13 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons: transmission and teaching
Saturday, January 26 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
Sunday, January 27 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
February, 2008 - peaceCENTER San Antonio
(no video)
"Creating Peace: Tibetan Buddhist Wisdom & Methods"
Taught by Geshe Drakpa Gelek with Lama Passang Gelek
February 2: How to Develop and Practice Compassion
February 9: How to Practice The Six Perfections
February 16: Introducing the Causes and Methods to Overcome Suffering
February 23: Peace Through Mahayana Mind Training
February, 2008 Detailed Lam Rim
VOL 4 VIDEO PLAYLIST Of LAMRIM
February 3, 7, 17, 20,
VOL 5 VIDEO PLAY LIST, ADDITIONAL LAM RIM
Feb 22, 27, 28: In-depth Lam Rim teaching
March 2008, Buddhist Tenets
INTRODUCTION TO REALITY & EMPTINESS: FOUR TENETS CLASS
VOL 6 VIDEO PLAYLIST ON TENETS
March 1, 2, 7, 8
Departed San Antonio on March 9, 2008 to Delhi, India
MESSAGE FROM INDIA --
"Tashi Delek to all of students. As you know Saka Dawa is just began so study hard and make good puja. I will definitely come this year, so be happy. I dont know the date. There is a program at Paris so HH private office asked me to teach there. For details please contract Lama Passang.
From my side I am praying for long life good health and good practice for all of you always. As our body are far, but mind are near. So I will definately come there soon again don't worry.
I stayed for meditation for about twenty days so thats why I cant check mail often. I hope to hear from you soon. geshe dakpa:"
———————--
Paris, France Kalachakra teachings July 30, 2008 - August 15, 2008 LINK
Geshe Drakpa then visited his sister in Belgium
———————--
Visit III.
October 20, 2008 – April 3, 2009
(topics and dates under research)
1. Saturdays at 10:00 am, at Bao Quang Temple
Lam Rim Teachings
The stages of the path to enlightenment, or Lamrim in Tibetan, is the backbone of
Buddhism. Lamrim is a series of instructions that includes all the essential teachings
of Buddha Shakyamuni arranged in such a way that all his teachings can be put into
practice as well as contemplated in meditation sessions. This class is taught by
Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang. The text for this class is Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabonka Rinpoche.
2. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, Moroney home
Schools of Buddhist Tenets
Cutting Through Appearances, Buddhist Tenets by Geshe Lhundrup Sopa & Jeffrey Hopkins
Geshe Drakpa teaches this class on Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Lama Passang
translates. Tibetan Buddhists practise one or more understandings of the true nature of
reality, the emptiness of all things. The Tenet system is used in monasteries and colleges
to teach Buddhist philosophy in a systematic and progressive fashion, each philosophical
view being more subtle than its predecessor. Therefore the four schools can be seen as
a gradual path from a rather easy-to-grasp, "realistic" philosophical point of view, to more
complex and subtle views on the ultimate nature of reality.
The text we will use is Cutting Through Appearances by Geshe Sopa and J. Hopkins.
3. Small private teachings on additional topics:
Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth by Lati Rinbochay & Jeffrey Hopkins
Grounds and Paths of Guyasamaja
Thu - 1/31: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/3: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/7: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/10: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/14: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/17: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/21: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/24: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/28: Small class at 10 am
• PEACE CENTER
November 9, 2008: 12 Links of Dependent Origination
January, 2009: The Five Aggregates
• VIVA BOOKS
January 5, 2009 Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang will teach Buddhist concepts of how humans
perceive. They will talk about the five aggregates of the human body, including
an introduction of the eighteenth spheres of perception; the six objects as the basis,
the six sense powers as the reliance, the six consciousness that rely upon senses.
• SOL CENTER - February 2009 at SoL Center
"A Summary of Buddhist View and Conduct"
In this series of three talks Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang will describe the essential points of Buddhist conduct, as well as the Buddhist view of how things exist. Each session will include: Buddhist chanting in Tibetan, a short meditation, a lecture by Geshe Drakpa (interpreted by Lama Passang) and a brief question-and-answer segment.
Tuesdays, Feb 10, 17, & 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm. UPC Sanctuary.
Tibetan Buddhist Practices for Cultivating Love and Compassion
———————--
Visit IV.
September 26, 2009 – March 25, 2010 (April 26 went to DC)
Teaching Started October 3, 2009
• Who: Geshe Drakpa and Venerable Passang Gelek (bios at bottom of email)
• Text: Lamrim Chenmo (Great Treatise on the Path to Enlightenment), Volume Three
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_6022.html
• Where: Bao Quang Temple, 14837 Santa Gertrudis, San Antonio 78217
• When: every Saturday, beginning October 3rd (2009), at 10:00 am
Class 1: Samadhi Meditation:
Beginning on Saturday, October 3rd, Geshe Drakpa will begin teaching "Calm Abiding," or "Samadhi" meditation — an essential practice for anyone who wishes to develop the potential of the mind to maintain serene, focused concentration. In addition to being helpful for any person (Buddhist or non-Buddhist) developing this mental state (samadhi), is a pre-requisite of advanced esoteric Buddhist practices. This class will take about eight weeks, depending on a number of factors.
Class 2: Vipashyana Meditation:
After Geshe-la completes his teaching on calm abiding (which could take approximately 8 weeks) he will begin instruction on "Special Insight" or "Vipashyana" meditation. Vipashyana emphasizes discerning, or analytical meditation which gives rise to exceptional understanding of the object of meditation. NOTE: Students will gain much more benefit from the teaching on Vipashyana if they first attend the Samadhi meditation classes. It is not yet known the exact start and end dates for this teaching.
The Four Tenets: Philosophical Views of Reality
• Text: Cutting Through Appearances by Geshe Sopa and J. Hopkins.
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_294.html
• When: every Wednesday evening, beginning October 7th (2009), at 7:00 pm
Tibetan Buddhists study several philosophical understandings of the true nature of reality. The Tenet system is used in monasteries and colleges to teach monks to see reality in a systematic and progressive fashion, each philosophical view being more subtle than its predecessor. Therefore the four schools can be seen as a gradual path from a rather easy-to-grasp, "realistic" philosophical point of view, to more complex and subtle views on the ultimate nature of reality, that is emptiness and dependent arising.
———————--
Visit V.
February 13, 2011 – August, 2011
travelled to Atlanta and Chicago after San Antonio....flight to Delhi was Oct 30
Saturdays:
Bao Quang Temple, 14837 Santa Gertrudis Street, San Antonio, TX 78217-1170
CUTTING THROUGH APPEARANCES
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_294.html
THE MIND AND ITS FUNCTIONS
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_5242.html
MIND IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_190.html
DEBATE IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_5895.html
Wednesdays:
Moroney's house, 12107 Magnolia Blossom, San Antonio, TX 78247
4. THE GELUG/KAGYU TRADITION OF MAHAMUDRA #GEKATR
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_1148.html
Mondays, Small Class:
Geshe-la invited students who were going to receive Kalachakra initiation in Washington DC (July 2011) to attend extra classes.
Prior to Washington DC (July 6-16, 2011) for the Kalachakra event we had many classes to prepare us.
(Remember what we talked about at our last Wednesday class regarding spiritual teachers and the qualifications that are needed to bring a student all the way to enlightenment? Geshe-la certainly has those qualifications. Scroll down the page at this link and re-read his bio: http://www.namgyal.org/events/details.cfm?id=3
The reason I'm bringing this up is that Geshe-la is "weighty with qualifications," one of the meanings of the Sanskrit word "guru." He has a substantial presence, and even though the relationship he has with all of us is very familial, the full scope of his qualities far exceeds what meets the eye and imagination. He impressed me tonight with the importance he is placing on this smaller class and the significance it will have on our spiritual growth, so I wanted to pass that along to all of you.
1. KALACHAKRA TANTRA: RITE OF INITIATION
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_697.html
2. DEATH, INTERMEDIATE STATE AND BARDO*
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_1117.html
3. Six Session and explanation of vows, etc.
———————--
———————--
2012 India Trip
Feb 28 through March 19, 2012
Claudia Ladensohn, Christopher Moroney, Covita Moroney
Kalachakra Tantra private teachings in the hills above McLeod Ganj
———————--
March 20, 2012:
Geshe-la brain anyruism
January 2015:
Dear Covita,
Hope you all are doing well. I talked with geshe lak about his health concern by you all. He wants to thank you for worrying about his health. He said that due to the pure mind and good intention from both side, three jewels will protect and obstacles will not hinder. He said not to feel worry on it. Also we went to doctor check up when he came back from south India. He asked doctors that he will be going for a foreign visit for some months and is there any problem to travel by plane? Doctor said there will be not any problem on travelling. So, don't be worry on it. Due to your prayers he will be well.
Take care,
Tenzin Minkyi
———————--
———————--
Visit VI.
Arrived Jan 22, 2015 — Departed April 14, 2015
Three Month Buddhism Residency in San Antonio:
• Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
• Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
All teachings took place at Moroney house.
Seven Point Mind Training
Nagarjuna's "Fundamental Wisdom of Middle Way"
35 Confession Buddhas
Classes for the three-month San Antonio Residency with Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang begin this Wednesday.
• Who — Tibetan Buddhist Monks
• What — Three Month Buddhism Residency in San Antonio
• Topics* — 1.) Seven Point Mind Training followed by...
. . . . . . .. . . 2.) Nagarjuna's "Fundamental Wisdom of Middle Way"
• Location — 12107 Magnolia Blossom, San Antonio 78247
• Schedule — Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
. . . . . . . . — Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Fee/Cost — No fee; all are welcome; donation to teachers welcome
• Contact — [email protected] / ph: 210-573-6335
*a PDF of the text for our first several classes, Seven Point Mind Training, is attached. The PDF contains the verses that Geshe Drakpa will teach and expand on during the class. (Printed copies will be provided.) For the next topic, which we will begin in a couple of weeks, students can purchase a copy of the text: The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika translated by Jay Garfield (Paperback – November 9, 1995)
———————--
———————--
Visit VII.
Summer, 2016 Visited USA
Geshela informed us that he would not teach, just visit friends. Two San Antonio students were ill with cancer and it was wonderful that he saw them prior to their passing away. He visited Madison, Wisconsin; Oakland and Santa Ana, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Washington, DC.
Geshe-la and Lama Passang were with the Moroneys and/or in San Antonio from August 22 – September 13, 2016. The Moroneys drove to California to pick up the monks for a road trip from Southern California to the Grand Canyon, then to visit a student in Chama, New Mexico, and on to San Antonio.
Palden Lhamo Sadana
Geshe Drakpa performed a unannounced Palden Lhamo sadana in the living room at Moroneys, where most classes had taken place.
Note to gather the chair, table, ritual items used.
Advice Given in September, 2016 by Geshe Drakpa
At the conclusion of his 10-day visit to San Antonio, which was his last, Covita asked Geshe Drakpa if he had any specific spiritual advice to share before he returned to India. This took place on the drive from San Antonio to Houston where he would fly to India. In a potent 10-minute response (translated by Lama Passang) Geshe-la gave instructions to adhere to seven attitudes. Geshe-la's advice was not only for Covita and Christopher, but for all of his students:
1. Practice satisfaction when things are not as you would like them to be.
2. Cultivate happiness for the good things in your life.
3. Follow the Middle Way in your behavior of body, speech, mind.
4. Take a long view about your spiritual development toward liberation and enlightenment.
5. Accept that is the nature of samsara for ordinary human life to be difficult.
6. When troubles arise, recall that difficulties burn off your past negative karma.
7. Frequently meditate on the fact that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence.
December 2006 – January 2007
VIDEO PLAYLIST, Volume 1
Geshe Drakpa Gelek arrived on December 15, 2006 — which was also Je Tsongkhapa Day. He came after leading a Kalachakra retreat at Namgyal Monastery in Ithica, New York.
• Was introduced to students and gave a few teachings at Bao Quang Temple in San Antonio, where Lama Passang resided:
Sat. Dec. 30 at 11:30, "The Five Aggregates"
Sat. Jan. 6 at 11:30, "Bodhichitta: The Mind of Enlightenment"
Sat. Jan. 13 at 11:30, Topic to be decided.
• Taught a Three Part Series (for non-Buddhists) at Viva Books:
Wednesday, December 27, 2006: "Developing Mental Stability"
Wednesday, January 3, 2007: "Where Jesus Meets Buddha" with Rev. Jane Lancaster Patterson
Wednesday, January 10, 2007: "Overcoming the Fear of Death"
• Geshe Drakpa conferred Refuge to a handful of students on/about January 8, 2007
Visit II.
December 9, 2007 – March 9, 2008
Geshe-la arrived in San Antonio on December 9 from South Korea.
Stages of Meditation
VIDEO PLAYLIST, Volume 2
Sixty individuals registered for teaching and commentary on Kamalashila's Stages of Meditation series held at The Workshop at Los Patios.
A. INTRODUCTORY TALK:
Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 4:00 pm Viva Books: "What Buddhists Believe and Practice"
B. FULL COURSE AT LOS PATIOS (8 sessions)
1. Wednesday, December 19 at 4:00 pm
a) The benefits of meditation: developing the wish to, and joy in, meditation
2. Saturday, December 22 at 10:00 am
b) The preliminary practices (preparation) for meditation that ensure one will be successful
3. Wednesday, December 26 at 4:00 pm
c) How to handle (shape) the mind by applying specific physical meditation techniques
4. Saturday, December 29 at 10:00 am
d) How to prevent grosser forms of conceptual thought through breathing meditation techniques
5. Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at 4:00 pm
e) Utilizing external and internal objects of meditation in order to accomplish Samadhi (single pointed) meditation
6. Saturday, January 5 at 10:00 am
f) How to prevent obstacles in order to improve mental stability (concentration) and clarity of the mind
7. Wednesday, January 9 at 4:00 pm
g) Meditation practices for developing love, compassion, and boddhichitta (altruristic intention)
8. Saturday, January 12 at 10:00 am
h) How to meditate on special insight (vipasana meditation) combined with meditation on emptiness
Other 2007-08 Talks
VIDEO PLAYLIST
NOTE: Not all dates have a corresponding video.
Friday, December 28 -- Small Lam Rim class
Sunday, Dec 30 at 11 am -- Celebration Circle Talk
Thursday, Jan 3 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Friday, Jan 4 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Sunday, Jan 6 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Tuesday, January 8 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Thursday, Jan 10 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Friday, Jan 11 at 10 am -- Small Lam Rim class
Tuesday, January 15 at 10 am - Small Lam Rim class
Monday Jan 16 through Friday, Jan 25 -- Dallas & Houston
Monday, Jan 28 -- Resume classes in San Antonio....DATES, TBA
January 12-13, 2008 - Austin, TX
(no video for these sessions)
Saturday, January 12 at 7-9 pm
The Foundation of All Good Qualities: transmission and teaching
Sunday, January 13 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons: transmission and teaching
Saturday, January 26 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
Sunday, January 27 at 10 am & 2-4 pm
February, 2008 - peaceCENTER San Antonio
(no video)
"Creating Peace: Tibetan Buddhist Wisdom & Methods"
Taught by Geshe Drakpa Gelek with Lama Passang Gelek
February 2: How to Develop and Practice Compassion
February 9: How to Practice The Six Perfections
February 16: Introducing the Causes and Methods to Overcome Suffering
February 23: Peace Through Mahayana Mind Training
February, 2008 Detailed Lam Rim
VOL 4 VIDEO PLAYLIST Of LAMRIM
February 3, 7, 17, 20,
VOL 5 VIDEO PLAY LIST, ADDITIONAL LAM RIM
Feb 22, 27, 28: In-depth Lam Rim teaching
March 2008, Buddhist Tenets
INTRODUCTION TO REALITY & EMPTINESS: FOUR TENETS CLASS
VOL 6 VIDEO PLAYLIST ON TENETS
March 1, 2, 7, 8
Departed San Antonio on March 9, 2008 to Delhi, India
MESSAGE FROM INDIA --
"Tashi Delek to all of students. As you know Saka Dawa is just began so study hard and make good puja. I will definitely come this year, so be happy. I dont know the date. There is a program at Paris so HH private office asked me to teach there. For details please contract Lama Passang.
From my side I am praying for long life good health and good practice for all of you always. As our body are far, but mind are near. So I will definately come there soon again don't worry.
I stayed for meditation for about twenty days so thats why I cant check mail often. I hope to hear from you soon. geshe dakpa:"
———————--
Paris, France Kalachakra teachings July 30, 2008 - August 15, 2008 LINK
Geshe Drakpa then visited his sister in Belgium
———————--
Visit III.
October 20, 2008 – April 3, 2009
(topics and dates under research)
1. Saturdays at 10:00 am, at Bao Quang Temple
Lam Rim Teachings
The stages of the path to enlightenment, or Lamrim in Tibetan, is the backbone of
Buddhism. Lamrim is a series of instructions that includes all the essential teachings
of Buddha Shakyamuni arranged in such a way that all his teachings can be put into
practice as well as contemplated in meditation sessions. This class is taught by
Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang. The text for this class is Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabonka Rinpoche.
2. Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, Moroney home
Schools of Buddhist Tenets
Cutting Through Appearances, Buddhist Tenets by Geshe Lhundrup Sopa & Jeffrey Hopkins
Geshe Drakpa teaches this class on Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Lama Passang
translates. Tibetan Buddhists practise one or more understandings of the true nature of
reality, the emptiness of all things. The Tenet system is used in monasteries and colleges
to teach Buddhist philosophy in a systematic and progressive fashion, each philosophical
view being more subtle than its predecessor. Therefore the four schools can be seen as
a gradual path from a rather easy-to-grasp, "realistic" philosophical point of view, to more
complex and subtle views on the ultimate nature of reality.
The text we will use is Cutting Through Appearances by Geshe Sopa and J. Hopkins.
3. Small private teachings on additional topics:
Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth by Lati Rinbochay & Jeffrey Hopkins
Grounds and Paths of Guyasamaja
Thu - 1/31: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/3: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/7: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/10: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/14: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/17: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/21: Small class at 10 am
Sun - 2/24: Small class at 10 am
Thu - 2/28: Small class at 10 am
• PEACE CENTER
November 9, 2008: 12 Links of Dependent Origination
January, 2009: The Five Aggregates
• VIVA BOOKS
January 5, 2009 Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang will teach Buddhist concepts of how humans
perceive. They will talk about the five aggregates of the human body, including
an introduction of the eighteenth spheres of perception; the six objects as the basis,
the six sense powers as the reliance, the six consciousness that rely upon senses.
• SOL CENTER - February 2009 at SoL Center
"A Summary of Buddhist View and Conduct"
In this series of three talks Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang will describe the essential points of Buddhist conduct, as well as the Buddhist view of how things exist. Each session will include: Buddhist chanting in Tibetan, a short meditation, a lecture by Geshe Drakpa (interpreted by Lama Passang) and a brief question-and-answer segment.
Tuesdays, Feb 10, 17, & 24th, 7:00-9:00 pm. UPC Sanctuary.
Tibetan Buddhist Practices for Cultivating Love and Compassion
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Visit IV.
September 26, 2009 – March 25, 2010 (April 26 went to DC)
Teaching Started October 3, 2009
• Who: Geshe Drakpa and Venerable Passang Gelek (bios at bottom of email)
• Text: Lamrim Chenmo (Great Treatise on the Path to Enlightenment), Volume Three
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_6022.html
• Where: Bao Quang Temple, 14837 Santa Gertrudis, San Antonio 78217
• When: every Saturday, beginning October 3rd (2009), at 10:00 am
Class 1: Samadhi Meditation:
Beginning on Saturday, October 3rd, Geshe Drakpa will begin teaching "Calm Abiding," or "Samadhi" meditation — an essential practice for anyone who wishes to develop the potential of the mind to maintain serene, focused concentration. In addition to being helpful for any person (Buddhist or non-Buddhist) developing this mental state (samadhi), is a pre-requisite of advanced esoteric Buddhist practices. This class will take about eight weeks, depending on a number of factors.
Class 2: Vipashyana Meditation:
After Geshe-la completes his teaching on calm abiding (which could take approximately 8 weeks) he will begin instruction on "Special Insight" or "Vipashyana" meditation. Vipashyana emphasizes discerning, or analytical meditation which gives rise to exceptional understanding of the object of meditation. NOTE: Students will gain much more benefit from the teaching on Vipashyana if they first attend the Samadhi meditation classes. It is not yet known the exact start and end dates for this teaching.
The Four Tenets: Philosophical Views of Reality
• Text: Cutting Through Appearances by Geshe Sopa and J. Hopkins.
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_294.html
• When: every Wednesday evening, beginning October 7th (2009), at 7:00 pm
Tibetan Buddhists study several philosophical understandings of the true nature of reality. The Tenet system is used in monasteries and colleges to teach monks to see reality in a systematic and progressive fashion, each philosophical view being more subtle than its predecessor. Therefore the four schools can be seen as a gradual path from a rather easy-to-grasp, "realistic" philosophical point of view, to more complex and subtle views on the ultimate nature of reality, that is emptiness and dependent arising.
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Visit V.
February 13, 2011 – August, 2011
travelled to Atlanta and Chicago after San Antonio....flight to Delhi was Oct 30
Saturdays:
Bao Quang Temple, 14837 Santa Gertrudis Street, San Antonio, TX 78217-1170
CUTTING THROUGH APPEARANCES
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_294.html
THE MIND AND ITS FUNCTIONS
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_5242.html
MIND IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_190.html
DEBATE IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_5895.html
Wednesdays:
Moroney's house, 12107 Magnolia Blossom, San Antonio, TX 78247
4. THE GELUG/KAGYU TRADITION OF MAHAMUDRA #GEKATR
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_1148.html
Mondays, Small Class:
Geshe-la invited students who were going to receive Kalachakra initiation in Washington DC (July 2011) to attend extra classes.
Prior to Washington DC (July 6-16, 2011) for the Kalachakra event we had many classes to prepare us.
(Remember what we talked about at our last Wednesday class regarding spiritual teachers and the qualifications that are needed to bring a student all the way to enlightenment? Geshe-la certainly has those qualifications. Scroll down the page at this link and re-read his bio: http://www.namgyal.org/events/details.cfm?id=3
The reason I'm bringing this up is that Geshe-la is "weighty with qualifications," one of the meanings of the Sanskrit word "guru." He has a substantial presence, and even though the relationship he has with all of us is very familial, the full scope of his qualities far exceeds what meets the eye and imagination. He impressed me tonight with the importance he is placing on this smaller class and the significance it will have on our spiritual growth, so I wanted to pass that along to all of you.
1. KALACHAKRA TANTRA: RITE OF INITIATION
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_697.html
2. DEATH, INTERMEDIATE STATE AND BARDO*
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_1117.html
3. Six Session and explanation of vows, etc.
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2012 India Trip
Feb 28 through March 19, 2012
Claudia Ladensohn, Christopher Moroney, Covita Moroney
Kalachakra Tantra private teachings in the hills above McLeod Ganj
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March 20, 2012:
Geshe-la brain anyruism
January 2015:
Dear Covita,
Hope you all are doing well. I talked with geshe lak about his health concern by you all. He wants to thank you for worrying about his health. He said that due to the pure mind and good intention from both side, three jewels will protect and obstacles will not hinder. He said not to feel worry on it. Also we went to doctor check up when he came back from south India. He asked doctors that he will be going for a foreign visit for some months and is there any problem to travel by plane? Doctor said there will be not any problem on travelling. So, don't be worry on it. Due to your prayers he will be well.
Take care,
Tenzin Minkyi
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Visit VI.
Arrived Jan 22, 2015 — Departed April 14, 2015
Three Month Buddhism Residency in San Antonio:
• Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
• Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
All teachings took place at Moroney house.
Seven Point Mind Training
Nagarjuna's "Fundamental Wisdom of Middle Way"
35 Confession Buddhas
Classes for the three-month San Antonio Residency with Geshe Drakpa and Lama Passang begin this Wednesday.
• Who — Tibetan Buddhist Monks
• What — Three Month Buddhism Residency in San Antonio
• Topics* — 1.) Seven Point Mind Training followed by...
. . . . . . .. . . 2.) Nagarjuna's "Fundamental Wisdom of Middle Way"
• Location — 12107 Magnolia Blossom, San Antonio 78247
• Schedule — Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
. . . . . . . . — Saturdays from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Fee/Cost — No fee; all are welcome; donation to teachers welcome
• Contact — [email protected] / ph: 210-573-6335
*a PDF of the text for our first several classes, Seven Point Mind Training, is attached. The PDF contains the verses that Geshe Drakpa will teach and expand on during the class. (Printed copies will be provided.) For the next topic, which we will begin in a couple of weeks, students can purchase a copy of the text: The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika translated by Jay Garfield (Paperback – November 9, 1995)
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Visit VII.
Summer, 2016 Visited USA
Geshela informed us that he would not teach, just visit friends. Two San Antonio students were ill with cancer and it was wonderful that he saw them prior to their passing away. He visited Madison, Wisconsin; Oakland and Santa Ana, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Washington, DC.
Geshe-la and Lama Passang were with the Moroneys and/or in San Antonio from August 22 – September 13, 2016. The Moroneys drove to California to pick up the monks for a road trip from Southern California to the Grand Canyon, then to visit a student in Chama, New Mexico, and on to San Antonio.
Palden Lhamo Sadana
Geshe Drakpa performed a unannounced Palden Lhamo sadana in the living room at Moroneys, where most classes had taken place.
Note to gather the chair, table, ritual items used.
Advice Given in September, 2016 by Geshe Drakpa
At the conclusion of his 10-day visit to San Antonio, which was his last, Covita asked Geshe Drakpa if he had any specific spiritual advice to share before he returned to India. This took place on the drive from San Antonio to Houston where he would fly to India. In a potent 10-minute response (translated by Lama Passang) Geshe-la gave instructions to adhere to seven attitudes. Geshe-la's advice was not only for Covita and Christopher, but for all of his students:
1. Practice satisfaction when things are not as you would like them to be.
2. Cultivate happiness for the good things in your life.
3. Follow the Middle Way in your behavior of body, speech, mind.
4. Take a long view about your spiritual development toward liberation and enlightenment.
5. Accept that is the nature of samsara for ordinary human life to be difficult.
6. When troubles arise, recall that difficulties burn off your past negative karma.
7. Frequently meditate on the fact that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence.
Subjects taught by Geshe Drakpa Gelek to San Antonio students, to be placed on a sequential timeline:
Liberation in the Palm of Your Hands, Lam Rim teaching
Refuge ceremony
Lamp for the Path, transmission and teaching
Pratimoksha Vows
Aspiring Bodhisattva Vows
Engaged Bodhichitta Vows
Eight Mahayana Precepts
Tonglen, lineage transmission and teaching
Three Principal Aspects of the Path, transmission and teaching
Foundation of All Good Qualities, transmission and teaching
Chapter from Great Lam Rim used in Stages of Meditation
Heart Sutra, transmission and teaching
Root text refered to in Cutting Through Appearances
Grounds and Paths of Guyasamaja, teaching
Mindtraining like Rays from the Sun, teaching
Death Bardo and Rebirth, teaching on book by same title
Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, teaching
Tsong Khapa sadana Ganden Lhagye, transmission & teaching
Debate (the book)
35 Confession Buddhas
Kalachakra Six Session, commitments instructions
Vajrasattva, sadana instructions and transmission
Mahamudra, teaching on Dalai Lama book
Palden Lhamo, sadana performed
2008 Kalachakra Retreat in France
https://kalachakranet.org/kalachakra-retreat-2008-france.htm
A Personal Account of a Tibetan Yogi
a public talk by Geshe Drakpa Gelek
https://www.drepung.org/Changing/ChangingMenu/Drakpa-Gelek-2011.htm
August 9, 2011 - 7:30 pm
Drepung Loseling Monastery, Inc.
1781 Dresden Drive - Atlanta, GA 30319
Geshe Drakpa Gelek was born in the Keydong, Zongka region in Central Tibet. He sought political asylum in India in the wake of Communist China's invasion and subsequent occupation of Tibet, which until then, preserved one of humankind's most ancient civilizations and traditions. He began his monastic education in one of Tibet's largest and most prestigious Buddhist centers of learning, Drepung Losel-Ling Monastic University, which is now re-established in India. (Founded in 1416 in Tibet, Drepung Monastery was the home of the early Dalai Lamas.) He was formally ordained as a novice monk by His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen and was given the religious name Drakpa Gelek. In 1991, Geshe Drakpa Gelek successfully completed the intensive spiritual studies and training in the five sciences, and graduated with a Master of Metaphysics degree, called Geshe, from Drepung Loseling Monastic University. Following completion of the Geshe degree, he enrolled himself at the re-established Lower Tantric University in Hunsur, India, in 1992. For his skilled communication and originality, he was unanimously appointed as Disciplinarian of the Tantric University. Geshe Drakpa taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at Drepung University from 1991 to 1997, and is well-known for his in-depth spiritual insights, knowledge, and debating skills among the monks, students, and faculty members of the re-established monastic univer-sities of Sera, Drepung, and Gaden in India.
Since 1997, he has been living in solitude in spiritual retreat in the high mountains in Dharamsala where the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in-exile is based. He receives empowerments and experiential teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and occasionally from other spiritual teachers. He has taught general Tantra and Kalachakra Tantra grounds and paths to the monks of Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, during their regular annual summer retreat. Over the past year, he has traveled to South Korea, Spain, Belgium, and France to give teachings.
Geshe Drakpa became fully ordained as Bhikshu (monk) from His Holiness the Dalai Lama before the age of twenty. He has received profound and vast Buddhist non-sectarian teachings of empowerment, oral transmission, pith-instruction, and commentaries of a number of distinguished and accomplished spiritual teachers including His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama's tutors His Eminence Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and His Eminence Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche, as well as other realized Buddhist saint-scholars. He received spiritual education in the five major Buddhist philosophy and tenets (such as the Buddhist Science of Debate, the perfection of transcendental wisdom {Prajnaparamita}, the theory of the Middle Way View {Madhayamaka}, the ethical discipline {Vinaya}, and the Buddhist science of Cosmology {Abhidharmakosha}) by several of Tibet's renowned saint-scholars and accomplished spiritual masters such as His Eminence Drepung Khenchen Pema Gyaltsen, and His Eminence Shakor Khen Nyima Gyaltsen. He received the rare and precious oral transmissions of the entire 100 texts of the Buddha's actual teaching, the Kangyur, for six months in 1999 and 2000, and the complete works of the founder of the Gelukpa sect, Je Tsongkhapa Rinpoche, and his two heart-disciples saint-scholar Gyaltsab Je and Khedrup Je. He also received explanatory transmission of "The Great Commentary of the Kalachakra Tantra" from His Eminence Kyabje Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche, and the complete oral transmission of the 225 voluminous Buddhist spiritual commentaries, the Tengyur, written by the great Buddhist masters from ancient India and Tibet, from the accomplished hermit His Eminence Paknang Rinpoche.