Exploring Buddhism is a new study programme by FPMT Educational Services, and is currently in the pilot stage of development.
How to join?
- You can attend the single weekend module, because the current cycle of this FPMT Buddhist Study Programme was launched in May 2022.
- You can also enrol to the course and find recordings of previous teachings and other learning materials which you can use to catch up at your own pace.
- To join please email our Spiritual Programme Coordinator at [email protected].
Why Exploring Buddhism?
The course syllabus prepares students to engage in more advanced Buddhist studies by introducing key Buddhist philosophical concepts and connecting them to the context of practice and realisation. Exploring Buddhism also familiarises students with text-based explanations and weaves scientific perspectives into the course content.
The course also provides a holistic presentation of the Buddhist worldview, including the interrelated perspectives of Buddhist psychology, philosophy and practice. Read more.
About the Teacher
The 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. Exploring the Mind | 6. Exploring Prayers and Practices | 11. Exploring Grounds and Paths |
| 2. Exploring Meditation | 7. Exploring Preliminary Practices | 12. Exploring the Middle Way |
| 3. Exploring the Truths | 8. Exploring Reasoning and Debate | 13. Exploring Tantra |
| 4. Exploring the Path | 9. Exploring Buddhist Tenets | |
| 5. Exploring Mind Training | 10. Exploring the Traditions |
Schedule
Teachings will generally take place on the third weekend of each month, from 10:00 – 15:30, interspersed with review classes led by Teaching Assistants.
Course Elements
| 7 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 | |
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.
| Sponsor | £55 per month |
| Standard | £38 per month |
| Reduced | £23 per month |
| Ordained Sangha | £0 per month |
