Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 6th November, 13th November, 20th November, 27th November, 4th December, 11th December. Meditation Day 13th December 10am to 3pm
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Beginners to Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
We are delighted to announce that Kerry Prest, a Trustee for Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds, will be leading the next module of the Discovering Buddhism programme. This module, titled The Spiritual Teacher, will take place on six Thursday evenings, beginning 6th November 2025. It is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Buddhist path and to integrate meaningful practices into your daily life.
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 13th December, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
What to Expect in This Module
In this module you will investigate the role of the teacher on the spiritual path: the need for a teacher, the qualities of a teacher, the qualities of a student, and how to relate to a teacher for greatest benefit in one’s spiritual life. You will consider the challenges we face when thinking of entering into a guru-disciple relationship and learn how to overcome these skillfully.
This module includes:
Guided meditation
Analytical inquiry
Accessible commentary
Supportive Environment: Engage in discussions and reflections with like-minded individuals, supported by the teachings of Kerry Prest.
Practical Tips: Discover ways to overcome common challenges and make your practice consistent and meaningful.
Join Us
Classes will be held weekly Online through Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds.
Thursday’s at 6:30 pm to 8 pm, 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th November & 4th, 11th December. Along with the meditation day on Saturday 13th December - 10 am to 3 pm.
To register, visit Registration Link
Awakening the limitless potential of your mind, achieving all peace and happiness
The Discovering Buddhism course is a beginner to intermediate level, 2 year study programme that will give you a solid foundation in the teachings and practice of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. Transforming Problems is the 11th module, but you are welcome to join at any time.
This course was designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche for students to study, explore and put into practice the graduated path to enlightenment, the lamrim. Originally based on Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings from 2500 years ago in India. The lamrim was systematically organised by the Indian master Atisha in the 11th Century and by several other great masters from Tibet including Lama Tsongkhapa in the 15th Century.
Kerry Prest will be teaching this module. This is an excellent opportunity to receive these Lamrim teachings directly from Kerry. We are indeed most fortunate to be able to do so.
This course commenced January 2024 and runs for 2 years during term time on Thursday evenings online for 90 minutes and has 14 subjects, 13 of which are usually taught over 6 weeks. It is possible to join at any time during the course and drop in’s are welcome.
We warmly invite you to join us for this enriching journey with Geshe Rinchen & Kerry Prest. Together, let us explore how to bring the timeless wisdom of Buddhism into our everyday lives..
For more information contact our course coordinator, Ruth: db@jamyangleeds.co.uk
ABOUT YOUR Teacher: Kerry Prest
Kerry began working for Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition) at Jamyang London in 2004, where he studied with Geshe Tashi Tsering and completed the two-year Foundation of Buddhist Thought course. He was subsequently ordained as a Buddhist monk and moved to Nalanda Monastery in France, undertaking five years of full-time study on the Basic Program under Abbot Geshe Lobsang Jamphel, followed by two years on the Masters Program as both a student and programme coordinator.
After leaving Nalanda, Kerry served as Spiritual Programme Coordinator at the newly established Land of Joy Buddhist Retreat Community in the UK, before returning to lay life and moving to Leeds, where he became Director of Jamyang Leeds for seven years. He now works part-time as a musician while continuing to volunteer in various roles for the FPMT.
SUGGESTED DONATION:
Non-members – £60 per half term (6 weeks) for the Thursday classes. and £25 for the meditation day (approximately every 6 weeks). This will contribute to the centre’s running costs and include a donation to the teacher.
Free to members of The Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds (your membership fees already contribute to our core costs in running the centre). You are invited to make a donation for the teacher, as is customary when receiving Buddhist teachings, in order to support their activity (for your reference we recommend a donation in the region of £20 per half term and £10 per meditation day).
We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. If you cannot donate the suggested amount, please donate where possible within your means. It’s good to practice generosity where we can.
Or you can do a bank transfer using the details below, please also label the reference as Discovering Buddhism,
Bank Transfer: Account Name: Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds
Bank Name: Cooperative Bank Plc
Account number: 65178087
Sort-Code: 08-92-99
SWIFT: CPBK GB22
IBAN: GB76 CPBK 0892 9965 1780 87
Gift Aid: if you are a UK taxpayer we can claim back 25p for every £1 you donate. More information on Gift Aid can be found here. If you could email spc@jamyangleeds.co.uk and share your house number and postcode we will be able to claim giftaid on your behalf.