Discovering Buddhism (DB) is a thoughtfully structured programme of listening, reflecting and meditating which offers students an experiential taste of the Buddhist teachings.
The DB series includes 14 topics that systematically cover the core Mahayana Buddhist teachings from the Lam Rim, or Graduated Path (listed below).

Each topic is presented during a weekend course (usually on the second weekend of the
month). The following month there is a “practice day” to help students deepen their understanding through meditation and review.

This gentle but consistent pace gives you time to integrate what you learn into your everyday life while still meeting other commitments such as work and family.

Although its idea to attend the entire series of DB topics, it is possible to join DB at any time or to simply attend occasional weekends when you can. The two year cycle of modules commenced again from July 2007. 
Reading lists are provided with each topic, taken from a range of Buddhist books and handouts. A complete reading list of all DB topics is available from Reception.

A completion certificate is available upon request for those who have fulfilled the suggested requirements.

A facility fee of $88 covers your attendance at the full weekend course and includes materials for that topic.  Each “practice day” has a facility fee of $49 and a 10% discount is offered to FPMT members and concession card holders. Accommodation and meal costs are separate to the facility fees; which cover the cost of running such a large centre and contribute to the continuity of Chenrezig Institute and the precious teachings offered here. You can pay for each topic as you attend and you do not need to financially committ the the whole two year course upfront. 

Please click here to complete a registration form.

Discovering Buddhism Subject Areas

1. Mind and Its Potential — Examine what is "mind," its nature and function, and how it affects our experience of happiness and suffering. Come explore the differentiation between mind and brain, mind as the creator of our experiences, and the implications of possessing a mind that has no beginning and no end. In addition, learn methods to transform destructive thoughts and attitudes and create a positive and joyous mind.

2. How to Meditate — Basic meditation techniques. Learn the definition and purpose of meditation, how to sit properly, how to set up a meditation session, the different types of meditation techniques one may employ, and how to recognize and deal with obstacles to meditation.
3. Presenting the Path — Get an overview of the entire Tibetan Buddhist path to awakening. Hear about the life story of the Buddha and study the basic teachings of Buddhism. Discover the unique system for putting Buddhist philosophy into practice contained in the lam-rim, or "graduated path to enlightenment."

4. The Spiritual Teacher — Take the time to investigate the role of the teacher on the spiritual path: the need for a teacher, the qualities of a teacher, the qualities of a student, and how to relate to a teacher for greatest benefit in one's spiritual life. Consider the challenges we face when thinking of entering into a "guru-disciple" relationship and learn how to overcome these skillfully.

5. Death and Rebirth — Explore the process of death and rebirth and its impact on how we live our lives. Be guided in skillful reflection on the meaning of death and what to expect at the death-time. In this way, fulfill your purpose in life, resolve conflicts, and develop the skills to help both yourself and others at the time of death. Eventually, through Buddhist practice, one can overcome death altogether.

6. All About Karma — Learn the essential facts about the law of cause and effect and generate a clear understanding about how karma works. Discover effective tools to accumulate merit – the cause of happiness and success – and purify mistaken actions done in the past. In addition, explore ways to become adept at dealing with life most effectively and thereby take control of your future.

7. Refuge in the Three Jewels — Get informed about what it means to take refuge in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), and the essential practices of refuge. Find out more about the advantage of taking lay vows and their role in enhancing our spiritual growth.
 
8. Establishing a Daily Practice — Assemble the tools you need to develop a successful daily practice. Using Lama Zopa Rinpoche's A DAILY MEDITATION PRACTICE as a guide, become familiar with the elements necessary to generate realizations in the mind. Also, receive some tips for making every action of the day meaningful.

9. Samsara and Nirvana — Investigate what "samsara" is and how we are stuck in it. Find out what "nirvana" is and how to achieve it. Develop the determination to be free from suffering and empower yourself with practical tools to deal with and eliminate disturbing emotions forever.

10. How to Develop Bodhichitta — Come discover the clear meditation instruction available in Tibetan Buddhism that enables us to develop our innate qualities of loving kindness and compassion. Become skilled at applying these techniques to generate the mind of bodhichitta, the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of others, known to be the heart of Buddha's teachings.

11. Transforming Problems — Consider well the disadvantages of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others more than ourselves. Get inspired to "exchange yourself with others," and then be guided in how to employ the special techniques of mind training or "lo-jong" as a means to transform problems into happiness and learn to like problems as much as ice cream!

12. Wisdom of Emptiness — The realization of emptiness is crucial for the attainment of liberation and enlightenment. Take this opportunity to enhance your ability to bring about this realization. Learn how to develop calm abiding and different methods to use in meditation on emptiness. Practice accumulation of merit and purification of obstacles - indispensable for generating realizations within the mind.

13. Introduction to Tantra — Learn the definition of tantra, how tantra works and why it is a powerful form of practice. Get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn how to practice simple Kriya tantric methods. In addition, find out how to integrate the practices of tantra with lam-rim meditation for optimal results.

14. Special Integration Experiences — By undertaking intensive practices of purification and a minimum two-week lam-rim residential retreat, prepare your mind in the best possible way to gain realizations on the path to enlightenment. Purification practices include: 100,000 prostrations, 3-month Vajrasattva retreat, and Nyung Ne. This is a great way to seal the blessings of this program.

For those who wish to do the DB program through correspondence more details of the programme can be found on the FPMT site.

If you have further questions about the Discovering Buddhism course at Chenrezig Institute, you can leave a message for the western teacher leading the course on 61 7 5453 2108.