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, 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 the centre.

Although this program is intended as 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 Lama Tsongkhapa’s major text, the 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 continued the extensive Lamrim teachings of Lama Tsongkhapa focusing on the chapters on Calm Abiding and Insight from the Middle Length Lamrim. The Basic Program also completed the Wisdom chapter of the Bodhisattvas Way of life.

To complete the FPMT Basic Program nine core subjects are required. In 2026 we aim to complete the core subjects which include the Dedication chapter of the Bodhisattvas Way of Life and the Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra.

The text that will be used for the Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra will be sent out to all students on their registration for the Basic Program modules.

The text referred to is:
Ngawang Palden, Illumination of the Tantric Tradition: The Principles of the Grounds and Paths of the Four Great Secret Classes of Tantra

These are the planned dates & topics for 2026 subject to change:

Bodhisattvas Way of Life

• Module 19 Chapter 10: Dedication
  11 March - 26 March (3 weeks)

Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra

• Module 1 Lower Tantra
  15 April - 14 May (5 weeks)

• Module 2 Lower Tantra
  3 June - 18 June (3 weeks)

• Module 3 Highest Yoga Tantra
  1 July - 23 July (4 weeks)

• Module 4 Highest Yoga Tantra
  5 August - 27 August (4 weeks)
  No classes in September and October

• Module 5 Highest Yoga Tantra
  25 November - 17 December (4 weeks)