An integrated, structured programme of Buddhist studies suitable for a contemporary setting, the Basic Programme (BP) was devised by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of the FPMT. As a comprehensive, practice-oriented transmission of the Buddha dharma, it will interest committed students who wish to progress beyond introductory-level study and practice and are ready to commit themselves to long-term study.

The curriculum is taught by Geshe Pema Tsering and is supported by a programme of meditation practice, discussion and examination, which is supervised by qualified Western teachers and senior students. This integrated programme will ensure that participants develop an accurate, working understanding of Buddhism as a sound basis for daily practice, meditation retreat and further study.

Nine subjects comprise the core curriculum, with three additional recommended, optional subjects being offered. Students are encouraged to commit to a complete subject for the greatest benefit.
 

1st Topic - Stages of the Path

The first subject of the Basic Programme being presented in 2008 is the celebrated Stages of the Path (Lam-Rim), which represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the Basic Programme and is an ideal place to begin studying with Geshe-la.

The main structure of a Lam Rim text is derived from the division of the three levels of spiritual practitioners, and its subjects are set up in the correct sequence, from guru devotion though to wisdom-realizing-emptiness, in order for one to attain the goal, enlightenment.

The essence of all the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha is presented in the treatise A Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, which was composed in Tibet for Tibetans by the Indian master Atisha in the 11th century. Using this treatise as a basis, Lama Tsong Khapa composed three versions of Lam-Rim texts in the 14th century. The medium-length version is known as the Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path and it is this text that Geshe-la will follow in his teachings.

The style & structure of lam-rim teachings following this systematic arrangement allows “any individual, regardless of their level of realisation, to put into practice the appropriate teachings. All the steps of the meditation practices are arranged in a logical, sequential way, so that the practitioner can traverse the path step by step, knowing what to practise now and what to practise next.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

According to Lama Zopa Rinpoche, to practise Lam-Rim is the most important thing we can do in our life. He compares training the mind step-by-step in the three principals of the Lam-Rim with building an inner stupa, or an inner Buddha statue.
 

Schedule & Details 

Besides listening to the teachings, reflecting and meditating on the different subjects are essential to obtain a good understanding and achieve the realizations in our own mind. Studying these teachings with the guidance of experienced Western teachers as part of the Basic Programme will assist us in integrating them into our life.  

6.00 - 6.45 pm  Discussion, meditation,  homework, quiz
6.45 - 7.15 pm  Light dinner
7.15 - 8.45 pm  Geshe Pema Tsering teaching
8.45 - 9.00 pm  Questions and answers,  tea break
9.00 - 9.30 pm  Revision of teaching

Facility fee for a complete evening:
$17 waged, $15 concession, $14 members
Facility fee for a module of 10 evenings paid in advance: $150 waged, $130 concession, $120 members. Initial cost of $15 for required resource materials

Also see this previous article for some more detail.

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