THE GRADUATED PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT 

ALL OUR MODULES IN 2024 WILL AGAIN FOCUS ON JE TSONGKHAPA’S MAJOR WORK – THE LAMRIM CHENMO

 “The most unbelievably important thing in our life is Lamrim,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

As part of FPMT’s Basic Program, we study the subject ‘Stages of the Path’ and Geshe Tsultrim has chosen to do this through the study of Tsongkhapa’s Lamrim Chenmo. This extensive text covers the entire path to enlightenment according to the Middle Way Consequence School, from guru devotion all the way to calm abiding and special insight (and an introduction to the paths of tantra).

FULL DETAILS OF THE TEACHINGS TO BE OFFERED IN 2024, THE DATES OF THE FIRST TWO MODULES AND OUR NEW SYSTEM OF OFFERINGS FOR THE TEACHINGS IS COMING SOON…

We have fortunately arranged excellent online translation by Ven Dorje from Atisha Centre and Geshela will be joined by our old friend and excellent Basic Program student, Judy Bowey as teaching assistant.

Our weekly schedule continues to be the more relaxed two days per week, Wednesday and Thursday with a full schedule from 9.30 to 4.30 each day. The intention is to provide an opportunity for the students to experience the material as it is presented, to work through it further in discussions and tutorials and to then have an immediate opportunity to discuss any doubts with Geshela.

Review questions and other materials will be provided for students to continue to follow the material in meditation and study over the days between.

So that students are able to see what progress they are making , and in order to enable certification of this important Basic Program subject, simple tests will be set at the end of each 3 or 4 week module giving students time during the breaks to complete and return these for grading.

Those interested in attending the program should be aware that although every effort will be made to accommodate newer students, previous experience of Buddhist thought will be an advantage. Materials from past teachings will be freely provided to all students.

The text referred to will be

• Lamrim Chenmo: The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Volumes 1, 2, 3 by Je Tsongkhapa (copies of which are available from our library and in hard copy and digital form from Amazon.com) Note that in 2024 the study will be mostly on Volume 2.

For those keen to do some extra study at home, the following texts would also be very inspiring. These texts are available from our library and some are in our bookshop.

Liberation in the Palm of Your Hand by Pabongka Rinpoche

Approaching the Buddhist Path; The Foundation of Buddhist Practice; Samsara, Nirvana, and Buddha Nature; Following in the Buddha’s Footsteps by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Ven. Thubten Chodron

Steps on the Path to Enlightenment: A Commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 by Geshe Lhundub Sopa

The Path to Enlightenment in Tibetan Buddhism by Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden

Practicing the Path by Yangsi Rinpoche

As well as an extensive list of wonderful Lamrim commentaries from Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche to be found on Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive (www.lamayeshe.com) and here https://fpmt.org/education/prayers-and-practice-materials/lam-rim/.

More specific information and registration is available through the event page on our calendar here: