Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT Buddhist Study Programme on the fundamental aspects of the Buddhist path.
How to join?
- The next cycle of the “Discovering Buddhism” programme is just around the corner, scheduled for September 2024.
- To join, or have more info, please email our Spiritual Programme Coordinator at [email protected].
Why Discovering Buddhism?
Buddhist teachings are vast. They encompass various lineages and transmissions, enormous scriptural cannons, ancient commentarial traditions and an array of subject matter that includes philosophy, psychology and practice.
Making sense of this ocean of knowledge can be intimidating. Fortunately, the master, Atisha systematised the essential elements into a navigable map, outlined in the order they are to be practiced by a student of Buddhism.
Discovering Buddhism, a course developed by FPMT, uses this sophisticated approach (known as Lam Rim) as its basis, giving students a complete picture of the Buddhist path and how its components fit together.
About the Teacher
Our courses and classes on Buddhist philosophy and practice rely on a skilled teacher to bring them to life. We’re extremely fortunate to have a supremely qualified Resident Teacher to do just that.
After completing his university studies in Hydrology, Geshe Tenzin Namdak worked as an environmental researcher in the Netherlands. He began studying Buddhism at Maitreya Institute and was eventually ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama before completing the 20-year Geshe degree at Sera Jey monastic university in India, as well as the traditional one-year Vajrayana study program at Gyume Tantric College.
Few people can combine this extensive Buddhist education with rigorous scientific training. The result is Geshe Tenzin Namdak’s unique teaching style, which is at once incisive, clear, warm and humorous.
The Syllabus
| 1. Mind and Its Potential | 6. All About Karma | 11. Transforming Problems |
| 2. How to Meditate | 7. Refuge in the Three Jewels | 12. Wisdom of Emptiness |
| 3. Presenting the Path | 8. Establishing a Daily Practice | 13. Introduction to Tantra |
| 4. The Spiritual Teacher | 9. Samsara and Nirvana | 14. Special Integration Experiences |
| 5. Death and Rebirth | 10. How to Develop Bodhichitta |
Schedule
Teachings will take place on Thursday evenings from 18:30 – 20:00, interspersed with review classes led by Teaching Assistants, except during break months.
Course Elements
| 6 months of teaching per year |  | In-person and online study possible | |
| Regular discussion and review sessions with teaching assistants | | Access to course page with recordings and written material | |
| Optional assessment with feedback | | Student forum | |
The Inclusivity Ambassador Scheme
Jamyang London Buddhist Centre is committed to creating study and practice spaces that are welcoming and inclusive. As part of that commitment, we have developed the Inclusivity Ambassador Scheme for prospective students from underrepresented communities. Through this scheme, as well as sponsoring students’ donations for the duration of the course, we provide training and support to students of our in-depth course, so they can step into educational roles in the future, whether as class facilitators, teachings assistants or meditation leaders.
Donation Model
Our Buddhist courses operate on a generosity model. This means that we provide recommended donation tiers, but we provide financial assistance to all students who request it.
Testimonials
Just doing a little bit of study, one-off courses and classes here and there, just touches on the surface. In-depth study actually allows me to have a pathway, and I can see how each step widens your understanding.
Pempa
Discovering Buddhism is a wonderful, powerful and prudent way to enter the Buddhist path. The course lays a solid foundation for many lifetimes to come and I really enjoyed every step along the way. I can highly recommend Discovering Buddhism to everyone who wants to start or deepen the knowledge of the path to enlightenment. It’s definitely worth every moment of effort.
Nick
Discovering Buddhism is the beginning of a magnificent journey of learning and discovering. You will meet great Buddhist Masters like Atisha and Lama Tsongkhapa through extracts of some of the texts they themselves composed, and the commentary of these. Prepare for an amazing journey guided by Geshe-la Tenzin Namdak, a Teacher who is not only fully qualified, accomplished and unbelievably kind, but also dead funny and down to earth. This is superior stuff. Enjoy!
Laura
Discovering Buddhism with Geshe Namdak has been truly life changing. What started out as a bit of curiosity, has become a way of life. Geshe-la is a brilliant teacher with huge amounts of knowledge, humility and humour – he makes our sessions a joy to be part of. I got so much from Discovering Buddhism that I decided to go on to do the five-year Basic Programme! This is not something I expected to do when I signed up to discover a little bit about Buddhism but I’m so glad I have.
Liz
