This programme of advanced teachings is based on the Basic Programme designed by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, spiritual head of the FPMT, the international organisation of which Chenrezig Institute is part. It was created as an opportunity for students with some previous experience of Buddhist philosophy to deepen their understanding through in-depth study of various subjects within both the sutra and tantra paths to enlightenment.

The courses comprise teachings from our very learned resident teacher, Lharampa Geshe Lobsang Jamyang, tutorials with Venerable Tsewang, a BSP Graduate, discussions and debating amongst all students and analytical meditation on the material being studied. Students are required to attend full-time, are expected to commit to extra hours of study and to sit for regular tests and complete assignments. Graded certificates are conferred at the end of each subject.

In addition to providing high quality education for lay students, this programme offers a wonderful opportunity to western sangha who receive the teachings completely free of charge. We are happy to be supporting the education of our precious sangha in this way, and creating teachers of the future for our growing number of centres throughout the world.

The FPMT Basic Programme has 9 required subjects plus 3 supplementary ones. The Chenrezig Institute Buddhist Studies Programme covers all of these 12 subjects plus 2 more, highly recommended by Kuzhab Tashi Tsering. These subjects are:
Basic Programme Required Subjects

• The Bodhisattva's Way of Life
• Mind and Cognition
• Buddhist Tenets
• Mahayana Mind Training
• The Ornament of Clear Realisation
• The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim)
• The Sublime Continuum
• The Heart Sutra
• The Tantric Grounds and Paths

Basic Programme Supplementary Subjects

• Seventy Topics
• Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth
• A Highest Yoga Tantra Commentary

Extra Chenrezig Buddhist Studies Programme Subjects

• Sutra Grounds and Paths
• Signs and Reasoning - Buddhist Logic

Subject Summaries (click here for explantion of subjects)

If you have any inquiries or special needs regarding your study, accommodation costs and payment, please

Buddhist Studies Programme for 2010

MAIN TEACHER: GESHE LOBSANG JAMYANG

TUTOR: VENERABLE TSEWANG

BSP News – continuing in 2010 and 2011

You will remember that we did not set in place the exact order in which the rest of the subjects will be taught during round three of the Buddhist Studies Programme. We still have to complete:

• Death Intermediate State and Rebirth
• Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana
• The Stages of the Tantric Path Part 2 – Highest Yoga Tantra
• Highest Yoga Tantra Commentary

These subjects will again be taught by our resident teacher, Geshe Lobsang Jamyang assisted by his translator, Yaki Platt and tutor Ven Lozang Tsewang.

Earlier this year we outlined two possible ways that we would complete these subjects depending on the travel arrangements and wishes of Kuzho Lama, Geshe Tashi Tsering, who has been requested to confer the Highest Yoga Tantra Initiation necessary for those who wish to attend both The Stages of the Tantric Path - Part 2 and the Highest Yoga Tantra Commentary.

Recently we heard that Geshe Tashi Tsering will return to Australia for a short time in July/August of this year and immediately contacted him to request that he offer the highest yoga tantra initiation during that visit. Here is his reply:
'I think better to have the initiation next year. It will be too rushed this time. Therefore, probably better to go ahead with Uttara-tantra (The Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana) this year and Higher Tantra subjects next year…. Also it's very important that Geshe Lozang Jamyang will be at Chenrezig for the initiation.'
This last bit refers to the fact that Kuzho Lama’s visit is now scheduled for the latter half of July and Geshe Jamyang is not due to be back until the end of July.

On the basis of this advice the BSP programme will therefore be as follows for the second half of 2010 and the first half of 2011.

Second half of 2010:

• Death Intermediate State and Rebirth (The Three Kayas) – 3rd – 27th August (four weeks)
• Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana – 5th October – 12th November (six weeks) OR 5th October – 26th November (eight weeks) depending on further discussion with Geshe Jamyang when he returns.

Start of 2011

• Probably some time in early February Geshe Tashi Tsering will confer the Highest Yoga Tantra of Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava)
• The Stages of the Tantric Path Part 2 – Highest Yoga Tantra – eight weeks very soon after the initiation – to be completed by Easter 2011 which starts on 2nd April

Followed later by:

• Highest Yoga Tantra Commentary (on the practice sadhana of Vajrabhairava) – 6 to 8 weeks

Other than the module on Death Intermediate State and Rebirth dates for these courses cannot be made completely definite until can discuss these with Geshe Lobsang Jamyang and are clearer about the dates of the visit by Geshe Tashi Tsering in 2011. As soon as there is any further news we shall try to get it out as widely as possible so that students will be able to prepare for these important events.

Geshela will teach on this fascinating subject, so important to our understanding of cyclic existence and Buddhist thought in general, as well as our practice of tantra, for four weeks in August. Although this is being taught as part of the third round of the BSP subjects, students who have not been attending the BSP are most welcome to attend. There is no initiation required for these teachings.

The text referred to during the course will be The Lamp Thoroughly Illuminating the Presentation of the Three Basic Bodies - Death, Intermediate State and Rebirth by Yangchen Gaway Lodro which is available in translation as Death Intermediate State and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism by Lati Rinpoche and Jeffrey Hopkins. This book is available from Chenrezig Institute bookshop (and some copies may be borrowed from the CI library). Students wishing to follow the course fully will need to have a copy of this text.

Options for Attendance
A) AS A FULL-TIME BSP STUDENT - for those wishing to study the subject on a BSP level, to be examined on it and to receive accreditation: Students will be asked to register formally, to attend fully and to sit for regular tests or hand in set assignment(s). They will receive graded certificates at the completion of the course. Course fee = $240 (members $216 - sangha exempt) A deposit of $50 should be paid (with your completed registration form) in advance to CI reception and the remainder paid at the time of the first teaching.
• Full-time students receive reduced rates on accommodation and food (20% discount off the normal CI rates) – inquire at reception.
• Book on this registration form or get a copy from CI reception or from the BSP coordinator.

B) AS A CASUAL STUDENT - students who are not able to make a full-time commitment are able to attend the teachings regularly or casually as they are able. The daily course fee for these students is $20 per day (or part day) attended.

A full homestudy package of previous study programme teachings on this subject by Geshe Tashi Tsering is available through the BSP coordinator. Contact the BSP coordinator for further information.

Book now on this registration form to attend in person.

Please book early!