The Center is currently offering the FPMT's Basic Program, taught by our resident teacher, Geshe Gelek. This program is oriented towards those students who are interested in furthering their Dharma knowledge within a more in-depth framework.
Devised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Basic Program is an intermediate-level exposition of nine main texts in the Tibetan tradition, meant to be taught over a period of approximately five years. The Program includes classics such as Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyavatara (Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds), as well as stages of the path (lam-rim) and mind training (lojong) texts. Additionally, it includes philosophical subjects such as tenets (drub tha) and mind and cognition (lo rig), and an introductory presentation of tantra. It is designed for students who have a prior background in Buddhist study, such as Discovering Buddhism or the equivalent, and who wish to progress beyond the introductory level. Lama Zopa Rinpoche designed the Basic Program with the help of the FPMT geshes. It is designed for students regularly attending centers, in particular those who are ready to commit themselves to long-term study and meditation. The program can be followed part-time as well as full-time.
The essential purpose of the Basic Program is to encourage and develop the practice of altruistic transformation of one's own mind. Because moral discipline is an indispensible part of authentic dharma practice, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the other teachers involved in the program have stressed the need for a minimum standard of conduct to be observed by all students.
The Basic Program integrates several elements, including moderated discussion, guided meditation, and periodic meditation/study retreats. FPMT offers a Basic Program Certificate for those who fully participate in and successfully complete the certificate requirements, which include regular attendance, undertaking the Program's conduct requirements, completing all quizzes and tests as well as the final exam, and participating in a three-month lam rim retreat offered at an FPMT center. For more information, contact Ven. Tendron.
Basic Program Intensives
February Weekend Intensive: Sutra Grounds and Paths
Friday, Feb 10: 7-9 pm
Saturday, Feb 11: 10-4:30 pm
Sunday, Feb 12: 2-5 pm
Geshe Gelek teaches on the paths of the Hinayana and Mahayana practitioners, outlining each progressive step along the path to enlightenment. The grounds are the basis of qualities needed while one travels on the specific paths to enlightenment. Learn about the Three Principal Aspects of the Path (renunciation, bodhichitta and wisdom) and how they relate to the stages of the path to enlightenment.
This is an intermediate course so recommended for people who have at a minimum finished Discovering Buddhism classes. Pre-register and a digital copy of the text will be sent to you. Students should read the text in advance to be prepared for class, so please register now.
Kadampa Center, Raleigh, NC, USA
Affiliated with the Foundation for
the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition in the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama