Advanced full-time Buddhist study for serious students
This programme of advanced teachings is based on the FPMT Basic Programme and the Masters 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 Basic Progrmme Graduate, discussions and debating 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 Geshe Tashi Tsering, former resident teacher and founder of the advanced programme at Chenrezig Institute.
The 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
Thus the Chenrezig Institute Buddhist Studies programme comprises 14 subjects taught over a 4-5 year period (depending on the length of individual modules). Subjects are taught during modules that vary from 4 - 8 weeks in length and students attend full-time from 9.00am to 4.00pm four days per week.
This programme is an advanced level of study and it is assumed that students are prepared to learn some of the terminology and concepts taught in previous semesters. There are no firm pre-requisites for the courses (except in the case of tantric teachings) but in order to gain benefit from the teachings and in order not to disturb the progress of the class, a certain level of understanding is very beneficial
Many homestudy packages have been prepared from previous modules and are now made available and students are encouraged to prepare through following some of these packages and through extra recommended reading.
Costs: a moderate course fee (at the current rate of approx. $60 pw for a full module) is charged to help cover the costs of providing the teachings (there is no course fee charged to ordained sangha)
Accommodation is available at the centre at various rates, discounted for full time study programme students.
Meals are also available from the centre's cafe and some accommodation has cooking facilities for students.
If you have any inquiries or special needs regarding your study, accommodation costs and payment, please
Masters Programme
We have completed the third round of teachings in the Buddhist Studies Programme with great rejoicing! What an amazing achievement – 15 years of intensive study of the most important texts, advised by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, encouraged by His Holiness Dalai Lama and taught by our precious teachers, Geshe Tashi Tsering and Geshe Lobsang Jamyang – assisted by various wonderful tutors. Over the 15 years well over 300 people have attended one or more of our study programme modules and in 2008 we congratulated our first group of graduates – students who had successfully completed all the core subjects at the centre, the retreat commitments and the final exam set by FPMT. And in March 2012 the original 9 students will be joined by another five.
Now we take a break from the Basic Programme subjects to devote an extended period to the study of the Middle Way view.
In 2012/13 we are offering teachings on Madhyamaka, at the level of the FPMT Masters Programme, Those who satisfactorily complete this teaching will receive full credit should they wish to continue the Masters Programme here or at another FPMT centre.
Masters Programme Prerequisites
Students should have studied and meditated upon the Graduated Path to Enlightenment (lam-rim) either through Basic-programme study of Lam Rim Chen Mo, through the annual Lam Rim Retreat offered each January, or through attendance at a Kopan one-month course or similar.
Students will also need to have a satisfactory level of understanding of both Lorig (Mind and Awareness/Minds and Mental Factors) and Drupta (Buddhist Tenets) at Basic Programme level.
All such courses should be completed in full and evidence of having completed the tests with a reasonable understanding of the material presented to the course coordinator with application to attend the Madhyamaka teachings.
Madhyamaka FAQ
How do I get more information about all aspects of this course? A Student Handbook with all details about the course is available online and from CI reception and from the
What kind of hours will be required for a full-time student?
The course will be scheduled four days per week from 9.00am to 4.00pm (on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) but in order to keep up with the study in a satisfactory way, participants will need to be prepared for hours of study outside of class times- in the evenings and on weekends.
What do I do if I have not fully completed the prerequisite courses (ie Lorig and Tenets) by the time I make my application? Make your application explaining what you have been able to complete in terms of the set pre-requisites and what other Dharma study you have done. Please be as specific as possible – ie state where and from whom you studied certain topics etc
Is full-time attendance the only possibility?
No, we always give the option of people attending on a casual basis although of course full-time attendance is the preferable way to get the most out of the teachings. This should be stated in your application along with your reasons for casual attendance.
What texts do I need to purchase to use during the course?
The specific texts to be studied during the course will be provided to students on the first day. These are provided free of charge to full-time students paying a course fee. Others, sangha and casual students will be asked to pay the cost of printing and binding these texts. We are currently looking for the most cost effective way to produce these and will inform students what this cost will be as soon as possible.
Other reference materials will be available in our library and previous teachings on this subject will be available to students in electronic form through the centre’s local intranet.
I have read about the five aspects of the course, is it necessary for me to be involved in all five aspects if I …
attend fully but do not wish to receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes, all full-time attendees are expected to attend all sessions, do the regular tests and fulfil the other commitments with regard to meditations, service, behavioural monitoring etc.
attend fully for some modules, but will not be able to attend all the modules of the course?
Yes, for the modules you attend, you are considered as a normal full-time student and all full-time attendees are expected to attend all sessions, do the regular tests and fulfil the other commitments with regard to meditations, service, behavioural monitoring etc.
attend casually i.e. occasionally?
Casual students who attend regularly are also strongly encouraged to fulfil all aspects of the course, since this is the recommendation of Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche and is for the benefit of the students and the running of the course itself.
By what date should I have sent in my application to attend the course?
Applications should reach Chenrezig Institute by 18th May 2012. Late applications should be emailed directly to the
How and when will I know if I have been accepted to attend the course?
Most applications will be accepted automatically – the committee will contact applicants only if there are issues with their application, if more information is needed or if there is advice about what the student should do to prepare further etc. These further contacts will be made before 10th June (in most cases before 1st June)
Who should I contact if I have any further questions about the course or the content?
The
How many hours per week of service are expected of students?
Five hours
How will service jobs be allocated?
Students may request certain areas and as much as possible their requests will be considered. Certain jobs need to be covered and the committee will allocate these first.
What kind of jobs will students be involved in?
All students will be asked to undertake some service to help the smooth running of the course itself but other areas of service to the centre will also be included. There is a list of possible areas of service in the information brochure.
How will our hours be recorded?
Students will record their hours of service themselves ad hand in a completed ‘service sheet’ at the end of each module.
Why do we need to do these hours of service?
Lama Zopa Rinpoche encourages us to do service for the centre because this is the most important way to be of benefit to sentient beings, to offer them the opportunity to learn the holy dharma which is what will bring them to ultimate happiness. From our own point of view, our whole motivation is to benefit sentient beings in the best possible way. This is a valuable opportunity. It also enables us to create the merit we so sorely need to follow our own path to enlightenment and to successfully study these complex teachings.
What if I am sick and unable to attend or to fulfil my service commitments?
This should be explained to the course coordinator at the time and all possible assistance will be given to keep up to date with the teachings (through audio files and transcripts). Service hours will be suspended for a limited time or other less strenuous jobs found.
What plans are there for the centre to offer further Masters Programme subjects after the completion of this Madhyamaka Course?
It has not been decided whether the study programme will continue with Masters Level subjects or return to Basic programme study after Madhyamaka. This will be decided in 2013 and information sent out as widely as possible.
2013 Madhyamaka Schedule
Unit 1 - 4th February - 22nd March (7 weeks)
Facility fee $420 (10% discount for FPMT members and concession card holders) Sangha – no charge.
Unit 2 - 15th April - 30th May (7 weeks)
Facility fee $420 (10% discount for FPMT members and concession card holders) Sangha – no charge.
Unit 3 - 12th August - 20th September (6 weeks)
Facility fee $360 (10% discount for FPMT members and concession card holders) Sangha – no charge.
Unit 4 - 7th October - 15th November (6 weeks)
Facility fee $360 (10% discount for FPMT members and concession card holders) Sangha – no charge.
Facility fees for the Madhyamaka modules are worked out at $60 per week. The usual discounts apply and students may also use Dharma Dollars (work for courses credits) to cover up to 50% of these fees.
The centre offers the teachings free of charge to all sangha and also offers discounted accommodation and food prices to all full-time students. Please contact reception at the centre (
for information about this.
All materials (audio files of teachings and tutorials), transcripts, review questions and tests (with answers) are all collated carefully and offered as homestudy materials for those interested in studying this subject but unable to attend at the centre. Contact the
with queries about these materials and about the course itself and whether it is suitable for you.
A Student Handbook for the program is available to download, or you can pick up a copy from Reception.
Homestudy Options
In-centre study, with a teacher and tutor, and the possibility of asking questions and discussing with other students is of course always preferable, but those students unable to attend courses in person will be able to complete the requirements though study at home. In this case students should study the materials fully and complete all the test papers under test conditions (on a honesty system – we do not require supervision). They should then send the completed papers to us (for sighting not correction).
Homestudy packagesdeveloped by Chenrezig Institute Buddhist Studies Programme or FPMT will be accepted.
To order the Chenrezig Institute materials . For FPMT packages go to the FPMT Shop website.
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Quotation
Live with compassion
Work with compassion
Die with compassion
Meditate with compassion
Enjoy with compassion
When problems come, experience them with compassion
-Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche
