Intensive 6 week Buddhist Study Course

Details of Content
The Fourth Year of the Basic Program at Kopan
Requirements
Registration
Download application form

Details of Content

Designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Basic Program provides a comprehensive, practice oriented transmission of the Buddha’s teaching as exemplified by the tradition of the great Tibetan master, Je Tsong Khapa.

The Basic Program is not a purely intellectual program, on the contrary: the goal is to integrate intellectual knowlege and study with in depth meditation on the subjects.
To study these trexts at Kopan Monastery provides a rare opportunity to study and practice traditional Buddhist texts in a traditional Buddhist environment, which greatly supports the generation of insights and understanding.
The daily teachings will be complemented by daily meditation classes to deepen ones understanding of the topics.

The Basic Program subjects may be studied in any order; however, the Stages of the Path (lam-rim) provides the overall context for the other subjects and for meditation practice throughout. Understanding Tenets and Mind and Cognition will help with the ninth chapter of Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds, and Seventy Topics and Ornament will be difficult without studying the other subjects first.

Download an Application form (MS Word Format)

The basic program consists of nine core subjects and three supplementary topics. These 12 subjects have been spaced over five years and are complemented by a three month Lam-rim retreat in the sixth year. Only those who have passed the exams relating to the nine core subjects and the three month Lam-rim retreat will be eligible to participate in the final exam and obtain a FPMT Basic program teacher's certificate.

Year One
Lam Rim
Awareness and Cognition
Year Two
Heart Sutra
Introduction to the Bodhisattva Deeds
Tenets
Year Three
Mahayana Mind training (Wheel of Sharp Weapon)
Seventy Topics
Year Four
Sublime Continuum
Ornament of Clear Realisation
The Three Basic Bodies
Year Five
The Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra
Highest Yoga Tantra
Year Six
Three month Lam-rim retreat

For more detailed description of the basic program in general please click here

The first three years of the Kopan Basic Program
The first year of the Basic Program at Kopan covered the subjects Stages of the Path and Awareness and Cognition. Lama Tsong Khapa's Middle Lam-rim outlined the stages on the path to enlightenment with the emphasis on how to generate bodhicitta. The subject 'Stages of the Path' (Lam-rim) provides the basis for all following studies because it gives a framework of reference for all the other topics, e.g. one can easily understand their intent and place in the path. The subjects of the second year , heart sutra, Tenets, and Bodhisattva charyavatara, give more in-depth information on the philosophical systems and its practical application.

Year Four of the Basic Program

The topics for this year are:
* Sublime Continuum, 1st Chapter: The Tatagata Essence
* Ornament of Clear Realization, 4th Chapter: Training in the complete aspects of the Path

Sublime Continuum, 1st Chapter: The Tatagata Essence

'Everybody can attain enlightenment'

This is the message of the first chapter of Maitreya's Sublime Continuum. Replete with rich poetic imagery and metaphor it relates a profound and refined vision of the Tathagata Essence. It clarifies the meaning of our buddha potential, in particular the emptiness of the mind, which allows evolution to a state of complete enlightenment.

Ornament of Clear Realization, 4th Chapter: Training in the complete aspects of the Path

'What is meditation, what is the object of meditation, at which stage do I meditate on which object.'

These are question that are answered in the 4th Chapter of the Ornament of Clear Realization. The Ornament of Clear Realizations is the main source for explaining the path structure as outlined in the Perfection of Wisdom sutras. Especially the 4th Chapter explains how to meditate on the whole path from beginning to end.

It starts out with an extensive explanation of the four noble truths and then goes on to explain the thirty-seven features of enlightenment common to a hearer. These contain, among others, the meditation on the four close placements by mindfulness and the eightfold path. Then comes an explanation of the thirty-nine feartures of enlightenment common to a bodhisattva. These contain, among others, an explanation of the six perfections, three doors to liberation and form and formless concentrations. Then comes an explanation of the thirty-six features of enlightenment common to a buddha. These contain the ten powers, four fearlessnesses, four perfect knowledges and the eighteen uncommon dharmas of a Buddha.

One can say that all the meditations needed to attain enlightenment are included in these explanations.

The Teaching schedule

The days are divided into teachings, meditation sessions and discussion/debate sessions. The study week will be six days similar to the monastery schedule. Daily morning and evening meditations session will provide an uninterrupted continuum of practice.

Daily Schedule:

6.45 Morning meditation
7.30 am Breakfast
9.00 - 11 00
11.30 Lunch
Free study time after lunch
3.30 - 5.00 Teaching
6.00 - 6.45 Meditation
6.45 Dinner
7.30 Study group

Exams are held every week, to help prepare the student for the final exam at the end of the module. To pass the exam, the knowledge of the students will be taken into consideration as well as other factors such as attendance, discipline and behavior. Having completed exams on the nine core subjects is the prerequisite to attend the final exam of the Basic Program. To receive this certificate, all modules have to be attended, and the required exams have to be passed.

Requirements

Designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the Basic Program is especially suitable for students wishing to progress beyond introductory level courses, who are ready to commit themselves to more in-depth study and practice. Consisting of nine subjects plus three optional supplements, the curriculum uses standard root texts and commentaries. A support program of meditation, discussions, retreats and study tools such as exams, homework and reading assignments ensures that participants develop an accurate understanding of the Dharma as a basis for daily practice, contemplative retreat and further study.

An FPMT Basic Program Certificate will be awarded by the FPMT to students who successfully complete the final, comprehensive exam. Candidates for this exam must have completed all the subjects of the core curriculum and a three month Lam rim retreat as part of the program. They also have to satisfy the Basic Program criteria for behavior and conduct: to sincerely engage in the practice of refraining 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 bodhichitta motivation over the course of their Basic Program studies.

Registration for the Program

Please ask for an application form if you are interested in this exciting opportunity to learn more deeply about the philosophy and practice of Tibetan Buddhism, and how to apply this knowledge to your daily life.

Cost:

780 US$ (subject to changes in exchange rate) The course fee includes food, accommodation in dormitory and extensive course material.

Required course text book for year 4 of the BP program

The Fundamental Potential for Enlightenment - by Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden
You can order this book through Thshita publication Tibetan Buddhist Society Tushita Publications