DATE: 2026: 1st semester 3rd March to 14th July.
TIME: Tuesday weekly 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: In Person and Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER:

Geshe Rinchen has dedicated his life to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. He completed rigorous training in Buddhist philosophy, debate, and meditation, achieving the esteemed title of Geshe, the doctorate degree in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

His teachings are known for their clarity, warmth, and practical applicability, making profound topics accessible to students of all backgrounds.

Currently resident teacher at Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, Geshe Rinchen combines his deep knowledge with genuine compassion, inspiring students to cultivate inner peace and wisdom in their own lives.

About this series:

This series of sessions will focus upon the key text: Illuminating the Intent: An Exposition of Chandrakirti’s Entering the Middle Way.

The great Tsongkhapa wrote three profound texts on Madhyamika philosophy and practice:

• The Essence of True Eloquence,

• Ocean of Reasoning,

• Illuminating the Intent.

Illuminating the Intent is one of these masterpieces, completed shortly before he passed into parinirvana. It is perhaps the most profound text ever written by a Tibetan scholar on Madhyamika philosophy and practice, guiding readers to both understand emptiness intellectually and apply its insights in daily life.

Nagarjuna composed the Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, on which Chandrakirti later wrote his commentary, Entering the Middle Way. Since Chandrakirti’s work consists only of verses, Je Tsongkhapa composed a detailed commentary, making Illuminating the Intent an essential guide for understanding Nagarjuna’s root text. The primary theme of these texts is emptiness—what it is and how to practise it effectively.

Why This Text Matters:

Je Tsongkhapa’s text is invaluable for anyone seeking to understand reality, the self, the nature of the mind, life, the root causes of suffering, and consciousness. Studying it helps uncover practical methods to overcome suffering, find meaning in life, and apply these teachings in daily living.

About the Great Tsongkhapa:

The great Tsongkhapa (1357–1419) was a true genius in interpreting and practising Mahayana teachings as laid down by the ancient Indian Nalanda masters. He founded the Geluk tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, which emphasises both rigorous intellectual analysis and practical application of the Buddha’s teachings, following the approach of the Nalanda masters.

Who This Course Is For:

This course is suitable for both practitioners and academics, as well as anyone with a keen interest in Madhyamika philosophy and the practice of emptiness. In class, we will engage with the text through reading and giving explanation page by page following the Tibetan monastic educational tradition. At times, we will also participate in monastic-style debate to clarify the meaning and implications of the text. This approach allows participants to explore the material both intellectually and practically.

It will be complimented by a retreat at Land of Joy in September on Emptiness in Everyday Life - Freedom through understanding