FPMT Basic Programme

We are delighted to offer our first ever FPMT Basic Programme at Jamyang Leeds! This is a rare opportunity to study classic texts from the Tibetan Buddhist canon such as “A Guide to The Bodhisattva Way of Life” by Shantideva and “Middle Length Lamrim” by Lama Tsongkhapa. See below for the list of subjects studied. This study programme is one of the most in-depth and comprehensive education programmes created by FPMT. It is suitable for those with a good foundation of Buddhist knowledge. The programme is largely online with some occasions when Venerable Gendun is at the centre too. While applications for new students has now closed, it is possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our FPMT Basic programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk

The Basic Programme is taught by Venerable Gendun, former resident teacher at the Maitreya Institute in Amsterdam

September 2021 to November 2026

Venerable Losang Gendun is a highly experienced and very approachable Western teacher of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ven. Gendun is a Dutch monk. He previously worked in IT, refugee organisations and commercial management, but after practicing mainly Theravada Buddhism for twenty years, in 2005, he became a monk in the Tibetan tradition. At Nalanda monastery in France, he studied Buddhist philosophy for nine years, and practised under the guidance of several teachers, including H.H. the Dalai Lama, Geshe Losang Jamphel, Jangste Chöje Rinpoche and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. In total, Ven. Gendun has spent over three years in retreat, and he specialises in Lam Rim and Vipassana-shamatha meditation as taught in the Theravada Forest Tradition. Ven. Losang Gendun has taught for many years in the Netherlands, France, Monaco and the US. He is active in the area of interreligious dialogue, and maintains close relationships with a number of contemplative communities, for example Benedictine and Sufi. In his rare free time, he is exploring the relatively new area of ‘fusion philosophy’, which attempts to create a dialogue between Buddhist and Western philosophy. Since 2017, he has been the resident teacher of the Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam.

Programme Overview

Text-based: Study and practice of sutra & tantra jewels from the Tibetan Buddhist canon

Presented by a qualified Western teacher

Including study, conduct, practice and retreat, and service and training components

Regular tests, reading materials, online support, subject completion cards and BP full completion certificate

9 weekends a year, plus retreats

Designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Suggested donation: £450 per year (£150 per term, 3 weekends per term).

Alternatively you may wish to join the Friends of Jamyang Leeds Programme for £30 per month and this course is included. No one will be turned away for financial reasons, please contact us to discuss.

Course Timetable

5 year plan

Subject Descriptions

Read the full course descriptions

FPMT Course Outline

Full outline of the Basic Programme

Upcoming Classes