Discovering Buddhism
Awakening the limitless potential of your
mind, achieving all peace and happiness
Introduction
The Discovering Buddhism program is the result
of the combined efforts of a number of FPMT
teachers and spiritual program coordinators, under the guidance
and advice of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. It is an estimated two-year
course for which students may receive a certificate of completion
upon fulfillment of all requirements.
The aim of the Discovering Buddhism program
is to give participants a solid footing in the practice of
Mahayana Buddhism. By engaging in this program, you will gain
an experiential taste of the Buddha's teachings, meditation
retreat experience, and the skills you need to make your life
more meaningful.
Within Buddhism, the determining factor of
whether a teaching lineage is intact or not is the existence
of a direct oral transmission from teacher to disciple, from
the historical Buddha to today's living teachers. It is the
FPMT's mission to preserve this unbroken lineage and assure
that the blessings of the Buddha's words survive for future
generations.
This program is not designed as an academic
study of Buddhism but is intended to change your life.
Other study programs
Discovering Buddhism is an entry-level program
in Buddhist philosophy and practice. It is one of a number
of FPMT standard education programs available. Upon completion
of this program, students may wish to engage in more demanding
study and practice programs such as the FPMT Basic Program
of Buddhist Studies or the Masters Program in Buddhist Studies:
- Basic
Program. An advanced program of study and practice
focusing on nine classic Buddhist texts. This is a five-year
certificate program taught by FPMT geshes and, in the
future, will be taught by Masters Program graduates.
- Abridged
Masters Program. A six-year FPMT teachers' training
program given in Emst in Dutch. Offers
in-depth teaching on five great Buddhist treatises traditionally
taught in Buddhist monastic universities. This is a rigorous
residential program requiring a one-year retreat commitment
at its conclusion for those wishing to obtain an Abridged
Masters Program certificate.
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