Overview of Programme
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
Buddhism for Intermediate students:
This series of teachings aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of key Buddhist texts and practices, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance for those interested in
deepening their spiritual practice. Each monthly session is carefully designed to build a holistic understanding of Buddhist philosophy and meditative practices.Drop in class – no need to register.
Registration will be required for the retreat in September at Land of Joy.
SUGGESTED DONATION FOR DROP IN CLASS:
Non-members – £10 per drop in class. This will contribute to the centre’s running costs and include a donation to the teacher.
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.
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 £4 per class) We will make the donation to the teacher on your behalf.
We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial ferasons. If you cannot donate the suggested amount, please donate where possible within your means. It’s good to practice generosity where we can.
ABOUT YOUR Teacher: Geshe Rinchen Wangyal
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 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.
SESSION RESOURCES:
SESSION schedule:
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