SERMEY THOESAM SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

AT SERA MONASTIC UNIVERSITY

P.O.Bylakuppe-571 104

Mysore District (K.S.) , India

Phone: 08223-258697

Email: sermeyschool@indiatimes.com ---sermeylobda@yahoo.com

The Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 in Tibet by Jham Je Cho Jhe Shakya Yeshe was an eminent scholar and one of the main disciples of the great Je Tsongkhapa.

The Sermey Monastic University was founded in 1421 by the great scholar Saint Kunkhen Jangchup Bhumpa of Sera Monastery and it was the first among the three monastic colleges established within the Sera Monastery.

At SeraMey Monastic University, the Dharma studies and practices are based on Mahayana Buddhist tradition of Sutras and Tantras, and their commentaries expanded by Je Tsongkhapa and his disciples. Emphasis is put on the commentary on the five great texts of Tibetan Buddhism by the eminent scholar Khedup Gedun Tenpa Dhargay.

The wheel of Dharma studies consists of learning, concentration and meditation, teaching, analyzing and debating and composing Dharma subjects.

The SeraMey Monastic University produced many saint scholars who were holders of high ranking officials including regency of Tibetan government, nineteen of them were the great Je Tsongkhapa’s throne holder. Their benevolence in composes the whole of Tibet and enriched the social, culture and religious ethos of Tibet.

In 1950s, Tibet was occupied and taken over by Communist China and the monastic universities were closed by force. Nearly one million people were killed, but a small and determined group of university leaders escaped over the Himalayas to the neighboring country, India. Here they hoped to resettle and continue their old-age system of study.

Desperately, the Indian government decided to place refugees from the universities in the remote place of Buxa. Here at least they could all be together, and carry on their education as best they could.

For twelve years the survivors of the great Tibetan universities lived and studied together at the Buxa. It was the worst remote place with severe climatic conditions that could hardly live longer, and the food, shelter and health were that we could not help living in. Request appealed to the Indian Government by H.H. The Dalai Lama for the resettlement of those living in Buxa. South of India was approved by Government of India and resettled and were continuing their studies and living being since 1971.

To continue and preserve the importance of Buddhism, education, culture and monastic tradition, Sermey Thoesam School was established in 1974 under the guidance of Sera Mey Monastery. It gives young novices education on Tibetan language, philosophical and logistic, and modern subjects.

Due the great demand of many westerns we have decided to start classes to study mainly Tibetan language which includes reading, writing and conversation. We had many western students study with us in the past and now we have decided to formalize our program this year beginning on October 1-31 which is our test program. And we will be organizing the next one in July 2007.

At Seramey University you will find quietude, among the harmonious chanting of the monks in the dawn. Experience the simplicity of life, while you collect pearls of wisdom from some of the best teachers at the university who has also lived and studied in the West.

The Program Logistics

• This program starts from October 1 -31 but other arrangements can be made for others who would like to continue their Tibetan studies.
• You will need to apply for a permit (PAP) at least four months before you visit.

PAP is a Protected Area Permit, which is issued by Home Affairs – Government of India in New Delhi. Without this PAP you will not be able to enter the restricted area (Tibetan Settlements). Requirements for the PAP are 2 passport size photos, a copy of your passport with a completed PAP form. It is also helpful if you send a copy of your visa. The form is attached. You can have a copy of your approved letter or appealed form mailed directly to the school.

• You will be able to purchase your meals for one of the restaurants here on campus. 
• There are rooms available here for rent on campus for first come first serve basis. And there is additional housing off campus near by.
• There is a very good Hospital on site with two western doctors who lived and worked in New York City.

Teaching Schedule:

October 1^st to 31^st, 2006

10:00am – 11:00am Reading and Writing (Books Reader I-II-III)

11:00am – 12 noon Tibetan Language & Conversation Class

By Sonam Dhargay

October 12^th to 31^st, 2006

04:00 pm - 05:30pm Introduction to Buddhism Class

By Geshe Tashi Tsering

Method of Payment and policy

The suggested cost of this one-month course is $50.00 USD and if you can afford to give more we are gladly appreciate your donation. We request that you western union your payment via email or any Cheque or DD in favor of Sermey Thoesam School, Sera Monastic University, P.O Bylakuppe, Mysore Distt, KS India and secure your place in the class. Your payment will be non-refundable.

APPLICATION FOR

SERAMEY THOESAM SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

AT SERA MONASTIC UNIVERSITY

P.O.Bylakuppe-571 104

Mysore District (K.S.) , India

Phone: 08223-258697

Email: sermeyschool@indiatimes.com --- sermeylobda@yahoo.com

Name:

Adrress:

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