DATE: 2025: 7th January to 24th June followed by opportunity to go on Retreat 11th to 14th September at Land of Joy, Northumberland
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:

We are delighted to say that Geshe Rinchen (Geshe La) has kindly agreed to be our resident teacher from January 2025. Many of you will already have met him as he volunteered with us teaching at the centre through the  Summer of 2024. He has also led Vipassana meditation since Autumn 2023 on Monday mornings online. As well as kindly teaching online during the time he was studying at Winchester.

Geshe La has many skills. He is a teacher, translator, researcher and Editor. He studied at Drepung Losel Ling Monstaery in India, then Institute of Buddhist Dialectics gaining his Geshe Lamarpa Degree in 2015. Since 2021 he has studied at the University of Winchester, UK, gaining a BA (Hons) Degree in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. He has had articles published in “The Scientific American” in 2020 including ‘Hygiene of Hand and Mind During the Pandemic’ and translations and original articles published in Tibet Times and Tibet Express. He has also won Awards and Honors include awards for essay competitions at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and Certificate honoring translation work at Emory-Tibet Science Summer Workshop 2019-2020. Geshe La was born in Tibet so Tibetan is his mother tongue. He teaches fluently in English.

January 2025
1. Heart Sutra – Weeks 1, 2, 3
o The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in Mahayana Buddhism. This teaching will explore the concept of “emptiness”(Śūnyatā), which lies at the core of the Buddhist understanding of reality.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

2. Selflessness and Personal Identity – Week 4
o An exploration of the Buddhist concept of selflessness and its implications for understanding personal identity and reducing suffering.
o 15-Minute Practice: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

February 2025

In Praise of Dependent Origination by Je Tsongkhapa – Weeks 1, 2, 3

o In this text, Tsongkhapa praises the Buddha for revealing the principle of dependent origination as the key to understanding the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. He expresses his deepest respect and gratitude toward the Buddha for teaching dependent origination.

2. Death – Week 4
o Reflecting on death and impermanence as key aspects of Buddhist practice, helping participants cultivate a deeper understanding of life and the urgency to practice.
o 15-Minute Practice: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

March 2025

1. The Seven Points of Mind Training 1, 2, 3
o The Seven Points of Mind Training – Weeks 1, 2, 3
The Seven Points of Mind Training by Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje is a classic
Tibetan Buddhist text on Lojong (mind training), offering transformative practices for developing wisdom and compassion. This session will explore key instructions on overcoming self-cherishing, cultivating bodhicitta, and using adversity as a path to enlightenment. Participants will learn practical methods to integrate these teachings into daily life, fostering resilience, mindfulness, and a deeper sense of altruism.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

2. Buddhism and Free Will – Week 4
o An exploration of the Buddhist perspective on free will, fate, and how understanding these concepts can influence ethical and mindful living.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

April 2025
1. The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva – Weeks 1, 2, 3
o This text outlines the practices essential for those aspiring to the Bodhisattva path. It offers practical guidance on how to cultivate the mind of enlightenment,
develop compassion, and navigate the challenges of daily life with wisdom and compassion.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

2. Buddhism and Mental Health – Week 4
o Discussing the intersections between Buddhist practices and mental health, and how Buddhist teachings can support psychological well-being.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

May 2025
1. A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life – Weeks 1, 2, 3
o This classic text by Shantideva is a step-by-step guide to the Bodhisattva path. It covers topics such as the cultivation of bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment), the
practice of the six perfections, and how to deal with anger and other afflictive emotions. This topic taught over two months will offer a deep dive into Shantideva’s
profound teachings, providing a roadmap for those committed to the path of compassion and service to others.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

2. The Concept of Universal and Particular – Week 4
o Exploring philosophical concepts of universal and particular in Buddhist thought and their implications for understanding reality.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

June 2025
1. A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life – Weeks 1, 2, 3
o This month will continue the study of Shantideva’s text, focusing on the later chapters.
o 15-Minute Practice for Each Section: Analytical Meditation – Vipassana.

2. Buddhist Philosophy and Language – Week 4
o An examination of how language shapes our understanding of Buddhist philosophy and the implications for interpreting core teachings.

11th – 14th September 2025 –  Lamrim Retreat at the Land of Joy
The Lamrim, or “The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment”; is a structured presentation of the Buddha’s teachings designed to lead practitioners
progressively from the initial stages of spiritual development to full enlightenment.

This retreat will offer participants an immersive experience, focusing on meditation, contemplation, and discussion based on the Lamrim teachings.

It’s an opportunity to integrate the knowledge gained throughout the year into a cohesive practice.

Retreat Components:
o Meditation: Guided sessions on Lamrim topics, including developing renunciation, bodhicitta, and insight into emptiness.
o Discussion: Group discussions and Q&A to deepen understanding.
o Practice: Engaging in practices like prostrations, offering mandalas, and purification practices.

Geshe La is also teaching Buddhism for Beginners on Monday evenings 7pm to 8:30pm and will teach Discovering Buddhism from January to April on Thursday evenings online