Jamyang Buddhist Centre, a center for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism in southeast London, has announced the launch of a new online study program, Discovering Buddhism Self Study, aiming to offer a flexible, self-paced foundational pathway for current and prospective practitioners.
“Jamyang Buddhist Centre is delighted to announce the launch of Discovering Buddhism Self Study—for the first time offering this hallmark FPMT program as a self-paced, fully supported online experience,” the center announced. (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
The program presents the core teachings of the Buddha as transmitted through the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, organized according to the lamrim—the graduated path to enlightenment associated with the 11th-century Indian master Atisha and later elaborated by Lama Tsongkhapa. Discovering Buddhism was originally developed within the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) education system founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, who began teaching Western students in the 1970s.
The centre noted that the program is rooted in experiential learning. “Rather than approaching Buddhism as an abstract philosophy,” Jamyang Buddhist Centre said, “students engage directly with meditation techniques, contemplative exercises, and practices that address the fundamental questions of existence: the nature of mind, the causes of suffering, the cultivation of compassion, and the realization of wisdom.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
The self-study format consists of 13 subjects intended to be completed over 3–12 months. Study topics include the nature of mind, meditation technique, karma, refuge, bodhicitta, the nature of samsara and nirvana, Madhyamaka philosophy, and an introductory overview of Vajrayana practice.
The centre noted that while students may progress at their own pace, the subjects follow a fixed sequence: “The order of subjects ensures that foundational understandings support more advanced teachings.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
Video teachings have been recorded by Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Jamyang Buddhist Centre’s resident Dharma teacher, who has trained extensively in the Gelug monastic system and has substantial experience teaching in the West. His recordings are delivered in English and “offer clear explanations rooted in genuine realization and traditional scholarship.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
“For the first time, Geshe Tenzin Namdak’s teachings on the full FPMT Discovering Buddhism program are available as a self-study, supported online experience,” Jamyang Buddhist Centre said in an announcement shared with BDG. “Explore the foundational topics of Buddhist philosophy and meditation at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. An ideal foundation for anyone considering the Basic Program in 2027.”
The program is open to beginners who are new to Buddhism as well as practitioners with existing meditation experience. “The teachings meet you wherever you are on the path,” the center emphasized, adding that for many participants the program offers “exactly the depth and structure they seek—a comprehensive grounding in Buddhist philosophy and practice that enriches their meditation and daily life for years to come.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
Students will access materials through a dedicated online learning platform hosting video teachings, course readings, reflection questions, and practice guidance. Community support is offered via WhatsApp and regular Zoom sessions that are designed “to foster a sense of community and support one’s learning by providing opportunities for group discussion, Q&A, and practice.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
“Whether you are completely new to Buddhism or have been practicing for years, Discovering Buddhism Self Study offers a structured, authentic pathway into these profound teachings,” Jamyang Buddhist Centre remarked. “The Buddha’s teachings have guided countless practitioners toward greater wisdom, compassion, and inner freedom across 2,500 years. This program makes that same possibility available to you, supported by genuine lineage teachers and a warm community of fellow students.” (Jamyang Buddhist Centre)
Click here for full details of Discovering Buddhism Self Study
Discovering Buddhism Self Study will also serve as the prerequisite for Jamyang’s Basic Program, a course of in-depth textual study in Buddhist philosophy scheduled to begin in Spring 2027. The Basic Program, expected to span five to seven years, will engage students with classical texts by Nagarjuna, Chandrakirti, Shantideva, Dharmakirti, and other figures central to the Gelug scholastic tradition. Completion of the self-study program will be required for admission to the 2027 cohort.
The center described the Basic Program as suitable for “practitioners ready to dedicate themselves to long-term study,” and said that completing Discovering Buddhism Self Study would prepare students in several concrete ways: building the core knowledge base underpinning subsequent Buddhist study, developing contemplative and analytical skills for textual analysis, providing clarity about whether long-term commitment to Buddhist education aligns with their aspirations, and connecting students with a cohort of fellow practitioners, some of whom may continue into the Basic Program together.
For students not intending to pursue the Basic Program, the center observed that Discovering Buddhism Self Study also stands as a complete course of study in its own right.
Jamyang London Buddhist Centre was established in 1978 to facilitate the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism following the lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The center is also affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and offers a structured curriculum of courses and classes on Buddhist philosophy and practice.
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Jamyang London Buddhist Centre
Discovering Buddhism Self Study (Jamyang London Buddhist Centre)
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