In-Depth Program at
Chenrezig Institute

The In-Depth Teachings offered at Chenrezig Institute are advanced comprehensive, practice-oriented courses of Buddhist study for both ordained and lay students wishing to extend their understanding of Buddhist thought and/or to receive a qualification that can enable them to become teachers within FPMT centres.

We are currently following the FPMT Basic Program, an intensive course of study designed by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, which comprises 12 subjects which include the major texts studied within the Gelug Monasteries,

Teachings are given by our resident teacher, Geshe Phuntsok Tsultrim, assisted by well-educated teaching assistants and interpreters.

Through our recent use of Zoom and YouTube and online data storage, we are now able to offer all our in-depth Programs online.

Recommended attendance is full-time – attending all sessions and completing tests - but casual or part-time attendance is permitted. It is also recommended that students attend the subjects in the order they are offered for the best results, but students may attend individual modules without committing to many years of study.

In line with Lama Zopa Rinpoche's advice, all students are also recommended to make merit through taking part in regular service to the program and the centre in general, and to make their study time joyful and beneficial by applying the teachings to their meditations and behaviour. Students are often able to stay on-site and involve themselves in all the other spiritual practices of a busy dharma centre.

Although this program is intended to be advanced study for students with some basic understanding of Buddhist principles, who wish to apply themselves seriously to the sometimes complex material, the teaching assistant and senior students will support newer students as much as possible and materials from previous courses are made available before and during the modules.

In 2023/2024 a major part of Lama Tsongkhapa’s major text, Lamrim Chenmo, was covered up to the end of the first four of the perfections, which are part of the path of the being of the highest capacity, the bodhisattva’s path. The modules in 2025 will be a continuation of the extensive Lamrim teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa, but this time we shall focus on the chapters on Calm Abiding and Insight from the Middle Length Lamrim. Students joining with these teachings will be provided with the materials from the earlier 12 modules for reference and revision. It is expected that the first four-week module in 2025 will start in March, actual dates will be set soon.