affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Those who would work for the sake of beings, should benefit the world by knowing the paths.
~ Maitreya. Ornament of Clear Realizations as quoted by Pabongka Rinpoche

What is the FPMT Basic Program?

The Basic Program (BP) is a comprehensive, practice-oriented program of Buddhist studies devised by Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. This five-year course allows committed students to progress beyond introductory-level study and practice through a contemporary transmission of the ancient Buddhadharma. FPMT also offers the Basic Program as a Home Study Program. Students may choose either a certificate or non-certificate approach and use BP’s excellent prepared materials to supplement both teacher classes and home review.

The Basic Program is not to be confused with the FPMT Discovering Buddhism (DB) class. DB is an introductory class taught in many FPMT centers as an estimated 2-year course. It is strongly recommended that students have completed some of the DB modules or equivalent study prior to enrolling in the BP.

For more information about the two programs, go to: http://www.fpmt.org/education/programs.asp.

Why Enroll?

Deepen your understanding of the Dharma by:
• reading unpublished FPMT course materials that are only available to Basic Program students; these materials include diagrams, translations, and commentaries some of which were developed by past BP teachers, and even some FPMT Masters Program materials.
• meeting fellow Dharma students and exchanging ideas about the material
• becoming accustomed to discussing the Dharma and not just reading about it
• meditating on the material so it’s not just an intellectual exercise

Where Are We Now?

The Shantideva text is part of the Basic Program, so we have already started offering the Basic Program, all we need now is to add the course work.

Course descriptions follow:

LAM RIM: STAGES OF THE PATH
“With study comes understanding; but this must be put to use. It is
therefore vital to put as much as one can of what one has studied into practice…”

Khensur Rinpoche completed teaching this course.

ENGAGING IN THE BODHISATTVA DEEDS
“For as long as space endures, and for as long as living beings remain,
until then may I too abide, to dispel the misery of the world.”
~ Shantideva

The teaching on the bodhisattva’s deeds is based on Shantideva’s inspirational verses on Mahayana aspiration and practice, composed more than a thousand years ago and still widely regarded as the most authentic and complete guide for the practitioner dedicated to the enlightenment of all beings. This highest of motivations lies at the heart of the Guide, which ranges in scope from simple, practical techniques for developing generosity and dealing with destructive emotions, up to the most refined discussion of ultimate truth. Due to its authenticity and relevance for everyday life, this classic is probably cited more often in teachings by Tibetan Buddhist masters than any other Buddhist scripture.

MIND AND COGNITION
“All human accomplishment is preceded by valid cognition.”
~ Dharmakirti

Mind and Cognition (Lorig) studies the Mind in both its accurate and distorted perceptions. Topics include the relationship between subject and object, supramundane (yogic) knowing and the connection between thought and reality. This introduction to Buddhist psychology also explores how we can identify our own positive and negative emotions, and recognize the cognitive states of awareness that help to liberate us from suffering.

What Does the Program Include?

The BP is intended to be fun, creative, as well as challenging. It includes:

• Weekly discussion questions posted via a Yahoo group. Students post their responses to the group and can comment on each other’s work. A tutor moderates the discussion.

• Module Review Questions – once or twice per module, students will have the option of answering questions to review the course material. This will take approximately 30 minutes. All of the course work will be pass/fail. But it’s not difficult to pass. The intention is simply to encourage the students to study.

• Course Review Questions – at the end of each subject, students will have the option of answering questions about the entire text. This will take approximately 90 minutes. The questions will be taken from the weekly discussion questions and quizzes.

• Meditation – once per month, the BP teacher will lead a meditation session to deepen our understanding of the material.

• Special meetings with the BP teacher – when time permits, we will arrange for student-teacher interviews so students can ask questions about the course work and their personal practices.

Enrollment Options:
1. no certificate – submittal of individual written assignments is optional; enroll at the beginning of a module; don’t have to complete all the modules.
2. certificate – must complete all the coursework for all of the BP modules. Must have attended most of the classes offered to date in both Washington, DC and Virginia. Take the exams that will be given during the winter break. Attend the meditation sessions that will be offered.

Spring ‘08 -- Basic Program Teacher: Ven Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa. Teaching Assistant: Dina Li

Subject: Shantideva

Course Fees & Suggested Readings

Shantideva

• Geshe Thubten Chonyi's Oral Commentary -- 280 pages

Click here to register.

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Last updated: January 8, 2008

The Guhyasamaja Center is a religious non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered in the State of Virginia.
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