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Basic Buddhist Studies Program
The places on this earth where you can receive education in Lama Tsong Khapa's pure teaching are very few. Therefore, this is considered extremely precious. – Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Our Basic Buddhist Studies Program offers students an opportunity to study classical Buddhist texts and commentaries in great depth and detail which is very rare in the west.
In spite of its name, the Basic Buddhist Studies Program is the intermediate to advanced level program at Tse Chen Ling, being more rigorous and intensive than the Discovering Buddhism program. It assumes that the students have some previous background in Buddhism.
Our teaching staff includes Emily Hsu, graduate of the FPMT Masters Program, and renowned scholar and resident teacher, Geshe Ngawang Dakpa. A support program of meditation, discussions, and study tools such as homework, reading assignments and exams ensures that participants develop an accurate understanding of the Dharma as a basis for daily practice, further study and contemplative retreat. Classes last the length of the text (anywhere from 6 months to 2 years), with terms lasting approximately 2 months. Students can enter with instructor permission.
Our current Basic Program offering is Buddhism from A to Z on Friday nights studying the Middle Length Lam Rim by Je Tsong Khapa.
For information about this program or to join current class, contact office@tsechenling.org.
Course Listing
Buddhism From A-Z
Bodhicitta: Developing the Big Heart |
Starts Tuesday, March 2, 6:30 pm
Weekly through April 6
Teacher:
Emily Hsu
Location:
Tse Chen Ling Center
Please note that Buddhism from A-Z has moved to Tuesdays! This module will explore how to develop bodhicitta, the big heart dedicated to helping others by attaining complete enlightenment. We will explain why cultivating this attitude brings us the greatest happiness, how to expand our love, compassion, and bodhicitta, and how to keep our bodhicitta from degenerating once we have generated it. We will also cover the ritual for taking the bodhisattva vows. We all have the potential to develop bodhicitta within ourselves, and the bulk of the class will be spent on understanding and meditating on the two methods for doing it: the sevenfold cause and effect method and equalizing and exchanging oneself and others. Who can attend: Anyone who has taken some Discovering Buddhism classes or has some background in the Lam-rim is welcome to join the class. New, qualified students are welcome as your schedule permits – please join us! This is part of FPMT’s Basic Program, designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and is an in depth study of the entire Buddhist path to enlightenment (lam-rim). Teachings are based on Lama Tsongkhapa's middle-length commentary on the subject and are geared towards those interested in deeper understandings of the teachings.
Suggested donation: $135/3 month term (reduced price!); $50/month or $15/class. Member discounts apply. No one turned away for lack of funds.
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Information on Certificate
The Basic Buddhist Studies Program is a five year program with
12 subject areas. An FPMT Basic Program Certificate will be awarded
by FPMT to students who successfully complete the final comprehensive
exam. Candidates for this exam must have completed all of the
subjects of the core curriculum and a monlth-long Lam.rim retreat
at the conclusion of the program. They also have to satisfy the
Basic Program criteria for behavior and conduct—practicing
to refrain from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct (adultery)
and intoxicants, while developing their concern for others and
awareness of positive and negative states of mind; and developing
the practice of patience and the bodhicitta motivation over the
course of their Basic Program studies.
Fees
Course fees help cover facilities, materials, administration and
other expenses. Offerings to the teachers are made separately.
To assist those who cannot afford our fees, a flexible work exchange
program is available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Audit
Students are welcome to audit our classes. While students are
welcome to attend individual sessions, a $15/session audit fee
is requested after the first session.
Registration
To assist our staff in the planning and preparation of materials,
we ask that students register in advance of each course. Simply
call the Center at (415) 621-4215 or email office@tsechenling.org
and provide your name, contact information and class information.
Texts
Outside reading materials, including texts, commentaries and study
aids, are included with course materials. For some courses, additional
texts may be suggested for the study of the material.
Contact
For further information about the Basic Buddhist Studies Program,
please email office@tsechenling.org
or call (415) 621-4215.
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