Course Description
This is the second of a three term Elementary Tibetan Program. In this second trimester you will learn the main particles used in Tibetan grammar to connect words and ideas, creating grammatical cases. At the end of this term, you will have a good knowledge of all these cases and will be able to increase your understanding when reading classical texts.
The study of Tibetan grammar is based on the study of these grammatical particles which are used to create different grammar cases and connections. We will be learning most of these particles during this second term, using the traditional ‘30 Verses on Tibetan Grammar’ (sum cu pa) and ‘The Magical Wish-Fulfilling Tree, Essence of Thönmi’s Masterpiece' (legs bshad ljon dbang) as well as other study materials.
During this term you will continue to have the chance to memorise a great amount of Dharma vocabulary and to learn the different rules and cases through the study of carefully selected extracts from classical texts such as philosophical commentaries, practice instructions and aspiration prayers.
The Tibetan Canon is one of the three most complete Buddhist Canons in the world, along with the Chinese and Pali Canons. This body of works, divided into Kangyur (Words of the Buddha) and Tengyur (Commentaries) contains, in some cases, the sole surviving translation of lost Buddhist scriptures which belonged to the Sanskrit translation of the teachings, the source of Mahayana Buddhism.
Three 12-Week Terms
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TIBET 101 | Elementary Tibetan I (September 10 - November 29, 2024)
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TIBET 102 | Elementary Tibetan II (Jan 7 - March 28, 2025)
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TIBET 103 | Elementary Tibetan III (May 2025)
Course Structure
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Two 90-minute live lessons will be held per week on Zoom.
- Tuesdays and Thursdays 10-11:30am PT.
- All live sessions will take place via Zoom and will be recorded for later viewing.
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Live sessions will address all student questions, go over exercises and readings together, as well as personalize the learning experience with your instructor.
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Weekly written homework, quizzes to test yourself, as well as a mid-term and a final.
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The grading will be such that anyone who puts a regular solid effort into the weekly homework will pass; those aiming for a B or an A will also need to perform accordingly on the two exams.
Students Will Receive:
- 24 Zoom live class sessions + recordings (90 min)
- Up to 36 Hours of CE credit with YA
- 5 ACP Credits
- Yogic Studies Certificate upon completion (PDF)
- Access to the private Community Forum
Kunsang (Jakaira Peréz)
Translator and Teacher of Buddhist Philosophy and Tibetan Language
Kunsang studied Letters and Philosophy at the Central University of Venezuela and attended a two-year residential Buddhist Philosophy program in Italy, where she became ordained in the Tibetan Tradition in 2006. After this, she moved to India and joined Thosamling Nunnery and Institute in Dharamsala. There she completed both Basic and Advanced Tibetan Language programs. She also completed the Traditional Buddhist Philosophy Studies in Tibetan, which correspond to a Lobön (slob dpon) degree in Buddhist Studies in the Tibetan Tradition.
She has been teaching Tibetan language, translating Buddhist texts and interpreting for numerous masters for over 16 years. Currently, as a lay teacher, she offers various courses online aiming to transmit and preserve the study method of philosophical debate derived from the ancient Nalanda University. She believes that a direct, accurate translation from Tibetan into Western languages is essential to better understand the Dharma through the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites to enroll?
What if I can't attend the Live Sessions? Are they recorded?
Do I have to take all three TIBET courses?
Is there a required textbook? Can I use a different book?
What does online Tibetan learning look like?
Are these TIBET courses included in the YS Membership Program?
Is there a certificate I can receive for the course?
Have further questions?
This course is eligible for 36 hours of Continued Education (CE) credits with Yoga Alliance
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