Āryadeva’s Four Hundred Verses
About this course
Over the course of seven months, we will undertake a close and contemplative study of one of the most profound yet practically oriented texts of the Madhyamaka tradition: Four Hundred Verses on the Middle Way (Catuḥśataka) by the great master Āryadeva.
Composed as a complete path of training, the Four Hundred Verses occupies a unique place within Mahayana Buddhism. While deeply rooted in Nāgārjuna’s vision of emptiness, it is especially valued for its step-by-step guidance on how to transform the mind in preparation for realizing the ultimate truth. For this reason, the text has long been cherished as both a philosophical treatise and a manual for yogic training.
The text is structured into sixteen chapters of twenty-five verses each. The first eight chapters focus on the collection of merit, systematically dismantling unwholesome patterns of thought and behaviour that obstruct the path. Without this ethical and psychological groundwork, Āryadeva makes clear, realization of emptiness is impossible. The second eight chapters then turn to the collection of wisdom, offering incisive reasoning that leads the practitioner toward a correct understanding of reality according to the Madhyamaka view.
Āryadeva famously summarises this progression as follows:
At first, turn away from non-virtue;
In the middle, dispel misconceptions of self;
Finally, go beyond all philosophical views –
One who understands this is wise indeed.
(Four Hundred Verses, VIII.15)
Throughout the course, Geshe Namdak will illuminate how the Four Hundred Verses functions as a bridge between ethical self-transformation and profound philosophical insight, and how it complements and prepares the ground for later Madhyamaka classics such as Entering the Middle Way and Commentary on Bodhicitta.
This course offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with a text that trains the mind not only to understand emptiness, but to become fit to realize it.
About the Author
Āryadeva (2nd century CE) is one of the most influential figures in the history of Mahayana Buddhism. Born in Sri Lanka, he became a principal disciple of Ārya Nagarjuna, and is revered as one of the founders of the Madhyamaka school. His works are studied extensively across the Indo-Tibetan, Chinese, and Zen traditions, and he is traditionally listed among the seventeen great paṇḍitas of Nalanda.
About the Teacher
Geshe Tenzin Namdak completed his university studies in Hydrology before working as an environmental researcher in the Netherlands. He later began formal Buddhist studies at Maitreya Institute, was ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and went on to complete the rigorous twenty-year Geshe degree at Sera Jey Monastic University in India. He also completed the traditional one-year Vajrayana study programme at Gyumé Tantric College.
Geshe Namdak is currently the Resident Teacher at Jamyang London Buddhist Centre.
Schedule
- May – November 2026
- Tuesdays | 18:30 – 20:00
- Starting Tuesday 5th May
Is this course for me?
This is an intermediate level course, suitable for students who have a foundational understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and an interest in deepening their study and practice. Familiarity with Lam Rim teachings will be essential.
How to Join
Enrolment for this course is now open! Click the link below to view sign-up options
Donation
Jamyang is a non-profit charitable organisation that relies on the kindness of our donors, including students and community members. The donations, or Dana, given when registering for events and teachings support the Centre’s operations, allowing us to deliver our activities. If you’re able to give a little more, that’s wonderful; if a little less, that’s fine too. These donations help with essentials like feeding residential volunteers, housing our monastics, and keeping our doors open. However, we wish to emphasise that the Dharma is always offered freely and no-one is ever excluded because of their financial status, please do not hesitate to request a reduced rate.
