BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAMME - AN FPMT BASIC PROGRAMME

Advanced full-time Buddhist study for serious students

BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAMME 2008 – updated 25th March 2008

MAIN TEACHER: GESHE TASHI TSERING

ASSISTANT TEACHER: GESHE LOBSANG JAMYANG

“One must know the Buddha’s view. Of course! But one must not only know it, but one must experience it, and in order to do that, one must become acquainted with it again and again…

… We are engaging in dharma study, and the reason we do so is to know things clearly. The reason we need to study and know things clearly like this is because we must be able to become familiar with them through meditation, and through this be able to experience them.

The reason we study is to know, and the reason we need to know is to be able to directly experience. And what is the result we seek? Our final goal is full enlightenment, with the intention to benefit all sentient beings. Our root motivation is not just our own benefit, but the benefit of all.

Following the visit of His Holiness Dalai Lama to Sydney (June 11th-15th) we resume our programme with:

Seventy Topics and The Fourth Chapter of the Ornament of Clear Realisation – 9th September (8 weeks) to 31st October

These two complimentary subjects present a complete study of the entire sutra path to enlightenment as presented in the Ornament of Clear Realisation, one of five texts by Lord Maitreya brought into this world by Asanga. They cover all the fundamental features of the basis, path and result according to the Mahayana tradition.

The Ornament of Clear Realisation is the root text for the study of the levels and types of realisations on the path to enlightenment and is traditionally the basis for extensive study in the monastic curriculum. The 4th Chapter, upon which we focus is called "Complete Preparation" and deals especially with the 37 aspects of enlightenment, the practices engaged in by a bodhisattva on the path to enlightenment.

COST: $480 for the eight week course (members 10% disc – sangha free of charge)

BSP Costs do not include accommodation and food but reduced rates are available for full-time students – contact Chenrezig Reception for details and to make bookings.

Registration is essential for all BSP modules (for both sangha and lay students) whether in house or through the homestudy programme, and registration forms will be available for each module on the centre’s web site, through the coordinator and through reception.  CLICK HERE FOR A REGISTRATION FORM FOR THIS COURSE.

DON’T FORGET that we now have 12 full subjects available as homestudy packages – these contain audio teachings from Geshe Tashi Tsering, fully edited transcripts of those teachings, review questions, tests (with answers) and additional study materials… you can study at home in your own time.

Have a browse on our website or contact the BSP coordinator for full information about our in-house courses and homestudy packages on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

LAM RIM CHEN MO in 2009

Chenrezig Institute Buddhist Studies Programme will offer extensive teachings on the entire Lam Rim Chen Mo, The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment over four, six to eight week modules from February to December 2009 at Chenrezig Institute.

They will be taught by Geshe Tashi Tsering, a highly qualified and well respected Lharumpa Geshe with over 18 years experience teaching western students in Australia and New Zealand, joined by Lharumpa Geshe Lobsang Jamyang as assistant teacher in this, the most extensive of our Buddhist Study Programme  Subjects.

This text by Je Tsong Khapa is the basis of all our study, the foundation upon which the Gelug path followed by the students of FPMT rests. To study it in its entirety in this way is an opportunity that is rare and precious. Even amongst Tibetans, the entire text is rarely taught, and even more rarely understood.

Study programme modules consist of daily teachings from Geshe Tashi Tsering and tutorials with Geshe Lobsang Jamyang, on four days per week (Tues – Fri).  graduates of the FPMT Basic Programme are also available to assist with discussions and meditations. Regular testing encourages disciplined study and graded  certificates are presented at the end of each complete subject.

Lam Rim Chen Mo is part of the ongoing Buddhist Studies Programme at Chenrezig Institute, based on the FPMT Basic Programme. The third round of this  programme started in 2006, but it is also quite permissible for new students to enter the programme with this subject.

It is highly recommended that all newer students prepare themselves beforehand with study and meditation. Reading lists and recommendations for preparation are available from the course coordinator, and those who have not attended previous BSP subjects are seriously advised to consider working through some of the previous BSP modules by correspondence. We offer homestudy materials based on previous modules of all the Buddhist Study Programme subjects including the Lam Rim Chen Mo teachings given in 2004 and a complete 10 day Lam Rim Retreat course taught by Geshe Tashi Tsering in 2007.

All those with interest to attend these very auspicious teachings should register their interest now.  An email contact list will be set up and further announcements sent to those people. Please send all inquiries about these teachings, or the recommended homestudy materials for previous courses, to
the BSP Coordinator, Kathy Vichta.

Very special rates for accommodation and food packages are being offered for full-time students (click here for details).  Please contact the centre manager for more details about these ( ).  (This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ).

Schedule for Lam Rim Chen Mo 2009

Module 1 – 8 weeks – 3rd Feb – 28th Mar (8 weeks)

Module 2 - 8 weeks – 30th June – 21st August (8 weeks)

Module 3 – 6 weeks – 1st Sept – 9th Oct (6 weeks)

Module 4 – 7 weeks – 20th Oct – 27th November (6 weeks)

There will be thus a total of 28 weeks of study on this precious text.

The longer break between Easter (10th – 13th April) and the start of July (during which time both of our Geshes will be away) will be a time of practice and retreat at the centre for those who choose to stay through this period, with the annual Mani Retreat, Nyung Nays for Saka Dawa and time for private retreat. Work exchange options will also be available for students during this break time.

COSTS

Course fees will be offered at cheaper rates for those attending more of the course:

· Weekly rate for those attending the entire year of study = $50.

· Weekly rate for those attending an entire module (6 – 8 weeks) = $60

· Weekly rate for those attending part of a module = $75

Therefore the course fee for 28 weeks of study will be $1400 (and for a two week subject will be $150). Members will receive a 10% discount on any of these rates.

Of course we also encourage people to apply for financial assistance where necessary and will assist all serious students to attend the course by arranging a) time payments, b) a percentage (up to 50%) paid with work for courses credits and c) reduced rates in cases of hardship and need.

IMPORTANT NEWS:

· A big difference in the structure of this course (cf previous BSP modules) is that we shall offer shorter subject packages for those unable to stay for the entire year, or even for an entire module of 6-8 weeks.

· Each of the first three modules will be divided into shorter subject units. An example of how these subject breakdowns will work is below.

· Students will thus be able to choose a specific subject and come for the period of time this will be taught.

· Students will also be permitted to attend on a casual basis (casual rate applies) or for individual weeks as they are able.

Here’s how we plan that it will work: division of subjects in Modules 1-3 of Lam Rim Chen Mo. Although our teachers will attempt to keep the subjects to this plan, if they do go over the weeks allotted, students will be provided with audio files and written materials for any teachings they miss.