FAQ How does Ngedon Online work? Students and instructors log onto private password protected pages for each week's new assignments, audio lectures, and to experience any materials available for that week. After you've had a chance to work through the projects, assignments, readings or other experiential exercises, you log back in to join a threaded discussion with the other students in the class. There you will also read other students' comments about their experiences with that week's class. The class progresses in this fashion from week to week, and with continued interaction, students and instructors are able to create dynamic and powerful vajra-sangha experience.

Who can take these classes?

The Ngedon Online classes are restricted to students who have received Vajrayana transmission within the Shambhala Buddhist mandala--either at a Shambhala Buddhist Seminary, or personally from the Vidyadhara or the Sakyong. In addition, it is highly recommended that you have progressed in your ngondro practice. If you have a personal situation that needs special consideration, please contact us at ngedon@indra.com

What kind of computer do I need?

Technical requirements are found at Naropa University. The online courses will operate on nearly any relatively modern PC or MacIntosh with an internet connection.

What kind of special software do I need to go to class online?

Our online classes require nothing more than a recent Internet browser. You may need to download and install Real Player software to play the weekly lectures. It may be downloaded free of charge by clicking this link: RealPlayer

How much time do I have to complete the course?

Our Ngedon Online courses are not self-paced. They begin and end with the dates listed for each course. At present we conduct two eleven-week semesters per year—Spring and Fall. Dates for the upcoming semester are posted on the Home page. Students progress through the class concluding with an exam in the eleventh week. If you fall behind a bit, it is possible to catch up. However, the learning journey is much more satisfying, and interactive, if you remain with your classmates and instructor during the course.

How much time will I need to do these courses?

Each week, there will be reading assignments, an audio lecture (45-60 minutes), threaded discussions, and at times guided meditation exercises. You will probably need three to five hours consistently per week for this work in order to get the most from the course. However, those hours can be scheduled according to your availability and at your convenience.