Our Classes
"Do not believe just because wise men say so. Do not believe just because it has always been that way. Do not believe just because others may believe so. Examine - and experience yourself!"
Our Classes
You don’t have to be a Buddhist – or even want to be one – to benefit from the practical wisdom from this ancient tradition, nor to find easily applicable tools to help bring balance, peace and joy to your daily life. We offer various levels of classes, led by experienced students and FPMT registered teachers :
- Foundational courses in meditation and psychology
- Introductory Buddhist courses
- Meditation, both Buddhist and secular
- Buddhist courses at a deeper level, given by visiting teachers
- Study groups, examining texts taught by the visiting teachers, for e.g. Essence of Eloquence
- Pujas, starting with the Green Tara, medicine Buddha and Lama Choepa Pujas.
Foundational Courses
Included in our programme are foundational courses: short introductory courses in Buddhist ideas, and also classes aimed at people who want to explore ideas of how to live well, but may not wish to commit to a specifically Buddhist path. courses have included an introduction to Mindfulness, classes based on the very popular 16 Guidelines resources, and exploring topics such as compassion in everyday life. More details below.
Introductory Buddhist Courses
Our regular classes include the very popular ‘Discovering Buddhism’ and also the ‘Foundation of Buddhist Thought’, both structured presentations of Tibetan Buddhist ideas, and also classes in meditation, suitable for beginners and also those who wish to deepen their meditation experience in the company of others. More details of each below.
Pujas
We regularly offer Green Tara and Lama Choepa pujas – anyone can join with us. Find out more here.
Visiting Teachers
We regularly invite visiting teachers to give public talks or lead short retreats, drawing on the enormous fount of wisdom experience that exists in the FPMT worldwide. So far we have hosted Geshe Tashi Tsering from Jamyang London, who is teaching on the text ‘Essence of True Eloquence’ over a number of visits, as well as offering inspiring public talks. Geshe Sherab, Geshe Kelsang Wangmo, Ven Sangye Khadro (Kathleen McDonald), Ven Robina Courtin, Ven Amy Miller, Ven Kerry Prest, Jon Landaw, Ondy Willson, Andy Wistreich, Dr. Dechen Rochard, Prof Jan Willis, and Don Handrick have also visited. We look forward to hosting many more teachers, and also deepening our connection with the teachers we already know.
Discovering Buddhism
The aim of the Discovering Buddhism programme is to give participants a solid footing in the study and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. This programme offers students an experiential taste of the Buddha’s teachings, experience of retreat, and the knowledge and skills needed to make their lives most meaningful.
This programme is not designed as an academic study of Buddhism, but can change your life if you let it.
The Foundation of Buddhist Thought
The Foundation of Buddhist Thought Course, created by Geshe Tashi, provides a thorough and practical grounding in Tibetan Buddhism, designed specifically for students in the West. Its special quality is that Geshe Tashi draws upon the depth of Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to show how Buddhism can make a real difference to the way we live our lives today.
Foundational Classes
We offer introductory classes in basic Buddhist ideas and approaches, as well as groups dedicated to exploring how to live with wisdom and compassion, while not necessarily committing to a Buddhist path. These are inspired by the framework of the 16 Guidelines for Life.
Meditation
The value of meditation for creating a calm space in our very busy lives, and the consequent benefits for our health and well-being, has increasingly been recognised. Whether you aspire to take a break from the hectic pace of urban life, want to learn simple meditation techniques, or wish to benefit from the collective energy of practicing with a group, you are welcome to join our meditation classes.
Prayer and Ritual Practices – Pujas
In order to progress on the path to enlightenment, most of us need to accumulate a large amount of merit (positive energetic potential). The more extensively and properly we do ritual practice, the more powerful the positive merit we accumulate. Creating very strong merit helps us meditate properly and achieve realisation.
Essence of Eloquence study group
We have set up a study group to explore the text in more detail between Geshe Tashi’s visits. Please let me know if you are interested in finding out more: courses@jamyangbath.org.uk
Visiting Teachers
We also host many highly qualified and inspiring visiting teachers for public talks and weekend courses.
Keep an eye on our home page for details of forthcoming events, and sign up to our monthly newsletter to be kept informed.
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