What is The All–Encompassing Path?
The All-Encompassing Path is an ongoing Dharma program available to Rigpa students worldwide. The programme focuses on topics at the core of Rigpa’s curriculum which interest a wide spectrum of students. Users are offered high-quality content that is interactive, contemplative and practical. Guidance is given at a spacious pace rather than an intensive scholarly approach. The program has a vibrant study community and is suitable for users from all walks of life, including those with limited time. The heart of the program is to support users to explore deeper understanding and transformation through bringing Dharma into daily life.
Developed by an international team of Rigpa teachers, the All-Encompassing Path features a rich array of video teachings from contemporary Tibetan masters and Rigpa teachers. This includes the option to study some of Sogyal Rinpoche’s best teachings on the given topics. In addition, study, contemplation and practice resources are provided.
Modules of study offered in the All-Encompassing Path are mainly drawn from the first two stages of Rigpa’s Curriculum: The Foundations of the Path and the Mayahana, but are offered with the view that these topics are ‘all- encompassing’—crucial for students on any stage of the path. The program can function as both an in-depth introduction for newer students and an enhancement for those with more study and practice experience.
Originally designed as an ‘all-encompassing’ course for all Rigpa students, the program has evolved into one of the ways to follow Rigpa’s curriculum. The All-Encompassing Path doesn’t aim to cover the complete Rigpa curriculum in a step by step sequence, but rather to highlight and deepen specific core areas of study and practice which complement other courses, retreats and programs. Completion of any modules in The All-Encompassing Path count towards the completion of core areas of study and practice in Rigpa’s Curriculum.
The mode of study in the AEP is with a strong emphasis on reflecting and applying key points to our lives.
How to access these teachings
Online Home Study: These online home study sessions are accessible to all Rigpa mandala students who are subscribed to The All-Encompassing Path. A username and password is required to view them online or to download them onto your computer or device.
Online or Face to Face Classes: These classes focus on All Encompassing Path modules which are often the current online home study sessions. These classes provide the guidance of instructors with time for practice, reflection, discussion and community. Some modules are also open to people who wish to join but do not wish to be part of the Rigpa sangha.
All Encompassing Path to Enlightenment Classes in 2023
Rigpa Newcastle is offering the final module of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha program from the All Encompassing Path to Enlightenment as Term One of our online classes in 2023. These classes are open to all but are aimed at people with more experience with meditation and Buddhist studies. More information about these classes called ‘Discovering the True Nature of your Heart and Mind’ can be found on our website.
The topic for Term Two is still being decided. Later in the year it is planned to follow the new module in the All Encompassing Path, being the teachings on ‘Turning Suffering and Happiness into Enlightenment”. Turning Suffering and Happiness into Enlightenment is Dodrupchen Jikmé Tenpé Nyima’s famous instruction on lojong—’training’ or ‘transforming’ the mind. Whatever comes to us in life, be it happiness or suffering, this extraordinary teaching shows us how to transform and draw the very best out of it, and use it for our ultimate benefit and the benefit of others. More information about these continuing studies in 2023 will be available soon.
