Some people ask how they can take their dharma explorations deeper. This page is for you.

Individual study projects are a contemporary expression of the kinds of study undertaken in the traditional Tibetan shedra or 'study centre'. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries usually have shedra (study of lineage teachings) and drupdra (long term retreat) sections. Many also have arts / artisan sections where students can specialise in creating thankas, rupas etc. More info on shedra here.

In addition to participating in group courses, we encourage those wishing to take dharma studies to deeper levels to establish their own ongoing personal meditation practice and, as time permits:

• give ongong attention to the 8-fold noble path taught by the buddha. The sila aspect of the training is often overlooked. With good sila there will be good support for progress in meditation. The opposite is also true.
• ngon dro - 'foundation work'
• retreat work
• individual study projects

Individual study projects are based on experiential learning, and on the 3-part learning model developed in the shedra -

• study - listening, reading, research - what teachings and other information is available in the area of interest? What other perspectives might be relevant and useful?
• reflection - how might this information apply to me / my life / others / this project?
• application - meditation, both in sitting practice and 'in the world' - making the study real, bringing it to life, bringing it more deeply into my life - work, relationships, play etc.

While many projects include some required content, your suggestions for reading lists and indeed the entire structure of a project are encouraged. Also, individual study projects not listed here can be set up that are relevant to your interests and experience.

Topics available for individual study projects include:

Practical mindfulness and the helping professions
- explores the works of Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jack Kornfield, Judith Lief and others
- best suited to those already working or actively training to work in areas such as counselling, psychology, social work, medical / paramedical, hospice etc.

Social action and the path - 'engaged buddhism'
- a chance to explore relevant buddhist teachings, what other groups and individuals are doing in your area of interest, undertake your own practical project, and assess how effective your project was including making recommendations for future projects or future stages of your project in consultation with other involved parties.

Mandala painting
- relevant to individual path exploration and for counselling and other therapeutic practitioners.
- no prior artwork experience or skills necessary.

Landmarks in the evolution of human consciousness
- paradigms for the development of consciousness from viewpoints in western psychology and the world's wisdom traditions.
- explores the works of Adam (dreamhealer), Arthur Koestler, Thomas Kuhn, Edgar Mitchell, Lyall Watson, Ken Wilbur, Gary Zukav and others.
- depending on your level of interest and experience, this could be one or more study projects.

Wake up to your life
- Ken McLeod's major reworking for western practitioners of a traditional Tibetan structured meditation program such as done in Kagyu three year retreats.
- a substantial body of work: one study project will be useful, completion of the work set out in the book will require further study projects. As Ken wrote in my copy, 'best in small doses'. If this work is of interest, commit to one project. In the review process we will assess together how best to proceed.

Sunyata - progressive stages of meditation on emptiness
- prerequisite 3 years plus meditation experience.

Green Tara or Chenrezig
- or another yidam given to you by a qualified lama
- intensive study and practice relating to one Vajrayana meditation archetype.

The Body speech and mind program:

1. The three-yana graded path - overview
2. The Theravadin path
3. The Mahayana path
4. The Vajrayana path

- These four classical shedra study units together form a comprehensive program. The four units should be done sequentially in the order set out here.
- usually participants in the body speech and mind program will be working through the ngon dro foundation practice.

These projects are suitable for lay people living contemporary lifestyles in 'the west'. Our learning style emphases openness, experiment and exploration. The training remains firmly based in the view, meditation and action of the vajrayana teaching, and includes much of the scope of the traditional shedra teachings. Extending the shedra model, there are additional options for study. On the other hand, there is no training in Tibetan language or many of the classical Tibetan texts. There are several options for those wishing to study in a more traditional Tibetan school. Feel free to ask about these.

Study projects should be set up with care, in order that the project fully addresses your interests, the resources available, and your strengths and challenges, and especially so that you make genuine progress. Speak to Mana , together we will work out relevant meditation practice, reading lists, written assignment(s), and other practical components if applicable (eg for Social action and the path and Practical mindfulness and the helping professions study projects).

Questions:

are individual study projects open to anyone?

Yes, if you have an ongoing meditation practice or wish to commit to establishing one for the duration of the project. Some projects have other prerequisites as set out above.

how are individual study projects assessed?

An agreement is worked out at the beginning of a project, typically:

• regular monthly individual consultations throughout the project,
• written assignment(s)
• completion of agreed meditation component
• completion of any practical components if applicable
• written review / report.

Interactive guidance, practical expression and written assessment are also traditional aspects of shedra training. Individual consultation can be by phone or email for those outside Perth area, and during those times when Mana is out of Perth.

is distance learning an option?

Yes. Usually participants have an established connection with Mana or another vajrayana teacher.

how long does it take to complete an individual study project?

Usually 6 months, with flexibility for other commitments or projects with several components. A project may be ongoing by agreement, depending on your interest. Timeframes for the project will be agreed when initially setting up the project. Participants may undertake more than one study project at a time, although usually two concurrent projects are enough for most people.

how much does it cost?

Participants make a monthly donation based on an equivalent of 2-3 hours individual consultation per month (eg in an average month 1 hr consultation on meditation practice and progress, 1 hour course preparation, 1 hour study assistance and assessment etc.) The donation should be made each month for the duration of the project regardless of actual contact hours - some months will involve considerably more than three hours total teaching support, other months less.

See individual sessions page for suggested donation range and statement on dana / giving.

Low income is not a barrier to receiving teaching, please discuss with Mana if this is your situation.

can more than one person register?

Yes, study projects can be run as small groups depending on interest.

how do I register?

email us noting your ideas for the project and times you are available for an initial meeting to set up your project.