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Discovering Buddhism 2025-2026
May 5 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join our new course with Geshe Tenzin Namdak
Discovering Buddhism
Course Details
- Start Date: May 5th, 2025
- Schedule: Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM (UK)
- Format: In-person & Online
- Location: Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, Kennington
- Teachers: Geshe Namdak & Ven. Gendun
About the Course
Have you ever wondered where modern practices like mindfulness and meditation come from? They have their roots in the timeless teachings of the Buddha, developed over centuries to help people cultivate peace, resilience, and wisdom in their lives. Discovering Buddhism is your opportunity to explore these ancient insights and discover how they remain profoundly relevant today.
Buddhist teachings may seem vast and complex at first glance, encompassing philosophy, psychology, and practical tools for living a meaningful life. Fortunately, great masters distilled these teachings into clear, structured paths to guide students step by step. This course introduces you to these practical frameworks, helping you make sense of the Buddhist path and its transformative potential.
Through Discovering Buddhism, you’ll explore essential topics like the mind, karma, meditation, and the art of living a compassionate life. Whether you’re looking to deepen your meditation practice, understand the workings of the mind, or simply find a greater sense of purpose, this course will give you the tools and understanding to start—or deepen—your journey.
The course is accessible to everyone, whether you’re completely new to Buddhism or already familiar with mindfulness and mental wellbeing. Taught by the highly respected Geshe Tenzin Namdak, and offered both in-person and online, it provides a supportive and welcoming environment to learn and grow.
Starting May 2025
Starting in May 2025, Discovering Buddhism will run every Monday evening at 6:30 pm, with options for both in-person and online study. This hybrid format ensures you can join wherever you are, whether you prefer the atmosphere of a classroom or the convenience of learning from home. Recording of each class will be made available for students in time-zones further afield so everyone can access these teachings.
The course will be led by two inspiring teachers: Geshe Tenzin Namdak, a renowned scholar and teacher of Buddhist philosophy, and Ven. Gendun, a dedicated monk from Nalanda Monastery with a wealth of experience in Buddhist study and practice. Together, they’ll provide clear guidance, relatable insights, and the opportunity to engage with centuries-old teachings in a way that feels relevant and accessible today.
About the Teachers
Get to know Geshe Namdak and Ven. Gendun, your expert guides to Discovering Buddhism:
Geshe Tenzin Namdak
Resident Teacher at Jamyang
Geshe Tenzin Namdak brings a unique blend of academic rigor, scientific expertise, and deep spiritual practice to his teachings. After completing his university studies in Hydrology, he worked as an environmental researcher in the Netherlands. He began studying Buddhism at Maitreya Institute, eventually ordaining as a monk under His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
He went on to complete the prestigious 20-year Geshe degree—the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist philosophy—at Sera Jey Monastic University in India, followed by the traditional one-year Vajrayana study program at Gyume Tantric College.
Venerable Gendun
Monk at Nalanda Monastery
Born in Sri Lanka and growing up in England, Ven. Tenzin Gendun studied at art school and finished a degree in illustration. After completing his tertiary studies, he traveled to India and met Tibetan Buddhism in 1991 through the kindness of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He was ordained in 1992, and then worked in FPMT centers in New Zealand.
Ven. Gendun moved to Nalanda Monastery in France in 2000 to deepen his studies. Since then, he has completed the FPMT Basic Program and Masters Program.
The Course Outline
This course follows a clear and practical learning plan designed to guide you step by step through key Buddhist teachings.
Mind and its PotentialExplore the limitless potential of your mind and discover how to cultivate positive states of awareness. How to MeditateLearn the essential techniques to calm the mind, enhance focus, and develop inner peace. Presenting the PathGain a clear understanding of the step-by-step journey to awakening, known in the Tibetan tradition as the Lam Rim Chenmo. The Spiritual TeacherUnderstand the important role of a mentor, teacher, guru and spiritual friend on the path. Death and RebirthExamine the Buddhist perspective on life’s impermanence, death, and the continuity of consciousness. | All about KarmaDiscover how actions shape your experiences and how to create positive change through mindful choices. Refuge in the Three JewelsLearn what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as sources of guidance. Establishing a Daily PracticeBuild a sustainable daily practice that supports your growth and connects you with the teachings. Samsara and NirvanaExplore the cycles of dissatisfaction and suffering and how to break free into liberating peace. | How to develop BodhicittaCultivate the mind of compassion and altruism, aiming to benefit all beings. Transforming ProblemsLearn practical methods to transform life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and wisdom. The wisdom of EmptinessDelve into the profound teachings on emptiness and gain insights into the true nature of reality. Introduction to TantraDiscover the transformative practices of Tantra and their potential for rapid spiritual development. |
Classes and the teaching schedule
Classes begin on Monday, May 5th, and run weekly from 6:30–8:30 pm (UK time). You’re warmly invited to join us in person at the Old Courthouse in Kennington or connect online via Zoom for live teachings. Links and updates will be shared each week by our education team.
To make the course even more accessible, weekly recordings will be available for all enrolled students—perfect if you miss a class, want to revisit a topic, or are studying from a different time zone.
Your community of peers, friends and study buddies…
Joining the Discovering Buddhism WhatsApp group is an excellent way to stay connected and make the most of your learning journey. Whether you’re attending in person or online, the group creates a vibrant space for connection, collaboration, and support.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register / Sign Up?
Registration for Discovering Buddhism opens in April. Sign up to our newsletter, join the ‘Discovering Buddhism’ Whatsapp group, or follow our social channels for more info soon.
Is this course right for me?
Discovering Buddhism is perfect for anyone curious about exploring Buddhist teachings and practices in a structured and accessible way. Whether you’re completely new to Buddhism, already familiar with mindfulness or meditation, or looking to deepen your understanding, this course meets you where you are.
What is Dhana and the Generosity model?
Dhana is a Sanskrit word meaning generosity or giving. In Buddhism, it’s a foundational practice that cultivates an open heart and a sense of interconnectedness. The teachings of the Buddha are considered priceless, and offering them on the basis of dana reflects this principle.
At Jamyang, we follow a generosity-based model for our courses and events. This means we rely on your contributions to sustain the center and make these teachings accessible to everyone.
How long is the course?
The Discovering Buddhism course runs from May 5th 2025 to July 27th 2026. The course is 15 months in duration and is divided into 13 modules, each focused around a specific topic. To help make the course more manageable we have built in a few gaps in the schedule; these breaks will be during August, December, and April.
Do I have to sign up for every module?
No, you don’t need to sign up for every module! While the Discovering Buddhism course is designed as a complete program, with each module building on the last, you’re welcome to join for the topics that interest you most.
That said, committing to the full course provides a comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist path, and you’ll benefit from the continuity of learning with the same group of students. If you’re unsure, feel free to start with a single module and see how it resonates—there’s no obligation to continue beyond that.
What type of Buddhism do you teach at Jamyang?
At Jamyang, we teach Buddhism in the tradition of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasizes compassion, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This approach is rooted in the teachings of the great Indian masters like Nagarjuna and Atisha, passed down through Tibetan lineage masters such as Lama Tsongkhapa.
While grounded in these ancient traditions, our teachings are presented in a way that’s accessible and relevant to modern life. Whether you’re exploring meditation, Buddhist philosophy, or practical tools for living with more peace and purpose, our programs are designed to meet you wherever you are on your spiritual journey.
Our centre is affiliated with the global organisation ‘The Foundation for the preservation of the Mahayana Tradition’ (FPMT) founded by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Our Spiritual Director is His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Are there learning resources and support available?
We provide a range of resources to help you get the most out of the Discovering Buddhism course:
- Weekly Recordings: All classes are recorded, so you can revisit teachings at your own pace or catch up if you miss a session.
- Course Materials: You’ll receive comprehensive handouts, readings, and worksheets for each module to deepen your understanding.
- Facilitator and Teaching Assistant Support: Regular review sessions and assessments are led by experienced facilitators to help clarify and reinforce key concepts.
- Discovering Buddhism WhatsApp Group: A dedicated space to connect with fellow students, share resources, and ask questions.
- Recommended Readings: Curated book and article lists to expand your study of each topic.
- Online Resources: Access to additional materials and suggested meditations to support independent practice.
These resources are designed to ensure you feel supported throughout the course, whether you’re joining in person or online.
We’re here to help
Contact
If you need any further information or assistance, simply reach out to Freddie, our Assistant Spiritual Program Coordinator, and he’ll be happy to help.
Thank you for your interest in Discovering Buddhism. The course is offered on a subscription basis, and we invite you to offer a monthly donation for the duration of the course. Please select the level of donation that best suits your financial situation – you can amend your donations at any time on your account page.
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.
We wish to emphasise that the Dharma is always offered freely and no-one is ever excluded because of their financial status.
