FPMT Basic Program:
Mahayana Mind Training - Wheel of Sharp Weapons
with Emily Hsu

2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays
September 19, 2021 - April 17, 2022
10:00am - 12:00pm (Pacific Time)
No class March 27
Make-up classes: March 6
April 3, 10, and 17
Online via Zoom
Registration required
2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays
September 19, 2021 - April 17, 2022
10:00am - 12:00pm (Pacific Time)
No class March 27
Make-up classes: March 6
April 3, 10, and 17
Online via Zoom
Registration required
And thus bodhisattvas are likened to peacocks: they live on delusions – those poisonous plants. Transforming them into the essence of practice, they thrive in the jungle of everyday life. Whatever is presented they always accept, while destroying the poison of clinging desire. ~ Dharmarakshita
The Mahayana path is characterized by the bodhisattva’s heartfelt aspiration to become a buddha for the sake of all beings. The ways to develop and enhance this extraordinary attitude are revealed in a genre of teachings, at once practical and radical, known as ‘mind training’, or ‘thought transformation’ (lojong).
Dharmarakshita’s Wheel of Sharp Weapons is one of the most esteemed mind training teachings, and a powerful weapon to cut through our true enemies - the self-grasping and self-centered attitude which oppose bodhicitta and prevent us from achieving our highest potential, lasting happiness and peace.
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons is also known for its detailed teachings on karma, providing specific karmic causes of the various difficulties in our lives.
This is an FPMT Basic Program course (see below).
Prerequisites:
Having completed at least some of the Discovering Buddhism modules or the equivalent. This is not a beginner level course. Homework and exams will be included for those who are interested in Basic Program certification.
Emily is allowing students to register on a per class basis. This will be a great option for those who want to study the lojong teachings, but are not participating for Basic Program certification
Dharmarakshita’s Wheel of Sharp Weapons is one of the most esteemed mind training teachings, and a powerful weapon to cut through our true enemies - the self-grasping and self-centered attitude which oppose bodhicitta and prevent us from achieving our highest potential, lasting happiness and peace.
The Wheel of Sharp Weapons is also known for its detailed teachings on karma, providing specific karmic causes of the various difficulties in our lives.
This is an FPMT Basic Program course (see below).
Prerequisites:
Having completed at least some of the Discovering Buddhism modules or the equivalent. This is not a beginner level course. Homework and exams will be included for those who are interested in Basic Program certification.
Emily is allowing students to register on a per class basis. This will be a great option for those who want to study the lojong teachings, but are not participating for Basic Program certification
About the Teacher:
Emily Hsu completed FPMT's 7-year Master’s Program at Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa in Italy in 2004, a condensed version of the geshe studies curriculum. As a graduate of the Master’s Program, she is authorized to teach courses which are normally taught by geshes. After completing this intensive study program Emily subsequently completed a ten-month solitary retreat in Spain to integrate the material. Emily tries to do at least a few months of retreat every year in order to deepen her practice, transforming intellectual knowledge into felt experience. Emily Hsu has taught in the Bay Area since 2006 and served as the resident teacher at our sister center Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center (OCBC) near San Jose, CA where she taught a variety of classes including FPMT’s Basic Program. Emily is also one of the few teachers selected by Lama Zopa Rinpoche as being qualified to lead retreats on shiné (calm abiding).
Emily Hsu completed FPMT's 7-year Master’s Program at Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa in Italy in 2004, a condensed version of the geshe studies curriculum. As a graduate of the Master’s Program, she is authorized to teach courses which are normally taught by geshes. After completing this intensive study program Emily subsequently completed a ten-month solitary retreat in Spain to integrate the material. Emily tries to do at least a few months of retreat every year in order to deepen her practice, transforming intellectual knowledge into felt experience. Emily Hsu has taught in the Bay Area since 2006 and served as the resident teacher at our sister center Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center (OCBC) near San Jose, CA where she taught a variety of classes including FPMT’s Basic Program. Emily is also one of the few teachers selected by Lama Zopa Rinpoche as being qualified to lead retreats on shiné (calm abiding).
Emily’s teaching goes beyond the simple explanation of complex texts and ideas; she explains things in a way that shows us how to apply the Buddha’s teachings in our lives and leads us by excellent example. She is easy to confide in and gives appropriate advice, even on topics that are uncomfortable to talk about. ~ Recent student
Registration:
Advanced registration for this program is required. Emily is allowing students to register on a per class basis. This will be a great option for those who want to study the lojong teachings, but are not participating for Basic Program certification. Once you register, we’ll send a welcome letter with additional details.
Course fee (eighteen classes and unlimited online access to video archive of teachings): $300
Course fee with sponsorship (practice generosity and help us spread the Dharma): $450
Per class (For students who wish to join on a per class basis and are not participating for Basic Program certification): $20
Ordained sangha: Free of charge. Please email [email protected] to register.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Students may contact us to pay in two installments. Please email [email protected] to inquire.
Advanced registration for this program is required. Emily is allowing students to register on a per class basis. This will be a great option for those who want to study the lojong teachings, but are not participating for Basic Program certification. Once you register, we’ll send a welcome letter with additional details.
Course fee (eighteen classes and unlimited online access to video archive of teachings): $300
Course fee with sponsorship (practice generosity and help us spread the Dharma): $450
Per class (For students who wish to join on a per class basis and are not participating for Basic Program certification): $20
Ordained sangha: Free of charge. Please email [email protected] to register.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Students may contact us to pay in two installments. Please email [email protected] to inquire.
About the FPMT Basic Program:
The FPMT Basic Program is a twelve-subject course of studies designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It provides a practice-oriented transmission of the Buddhadharma to committed students ready to progress to in-depth study and practice.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum greatly enhances students’ understanding of Buddhadharma (Buddhism), establishing a sound basis for ongoing study, practice, retreat, and service. Students registered for this class will have the ability to ask questions of the teacher in real-time and will also have access to the archived Zoom videos for ongoing study and reference.
For more information on Tse Chen Ling's Basic Program courses, please visit: https://www.tsechenling.org/fpmt-basic-program.html
For more information on the FPMT Basic Program, please visit:
https://fpmt.org/education/programs/basic-program/
The FPMT Basic Program is a twelve-subject course of studies designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It provides a practice-oriented transmission of the Buddhadharma to committed students ready to progress to in-depth study and practice.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum greatly enhances students’ understanding of Buddhadharma (Buddhism), establishing a sound basis for ongoing study, practice, retreat, and service. Students registered for this class will have the ability to ask questions of the teacher in real-time and will also have access to the archived Zoom videos for ongoing study and reference.
For more information on Tse Chen Ling's Basic Program courses, please visit: https://www.tsechenling.org/fpmt-basic-program.html
For more information on the FPMT Basic Program, please visit:
https://fpmt.org/education/programs/basic-program/