BUDDHIST STUDIES PROGRAMME - AN FPMT BASIC PROGRAMME
Advanced full-time Buddhist study for serious students
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
Thus the entire 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
Buddhist Studies Programme for 2010
MAIN TEACHER: GESHE LOBSANG JAMYANG
TUTOR: VENERABLE TSEWANG
“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…
Book now on this registration form to attend in person for these important teachings or contact the BSP course coordinator if you would like to receive the audio and transcribed teachings at home.
