Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 15th October, 22nd October, 29th October, (no class on the 5th Nov) 12th November, 19th November, 26th November and Meditation day Sunday 29th November
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: In Person and Online
LEVEL: The course is suitable for both beginners and intermediate students, providing a structured approach to Buddhist study.
What to Expect in This Module: How to meditate
Under the guidance of Geshe Rinchen you will learn the definition and purpose of meditation, how to sit, how to set up a meditation session, different meditation techniques, and how to deal with obstacles to meditation.
Through:
Introductory Meditations
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Meditation.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how this practice relates to the rest of the path and your own practice.
Supportive Environment - Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Integration Guidance - Learn ways to connect these Meditation methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
This module concludes with an online Day of Meditation on Sunday, 29th November, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
Suitable for both new and experienced students ready to delve into the inspiring methods that turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth, compassion, and wisdom
Awakening the limitless potential of your mind, achieving all peace and happiness
Discovering Buddhism is a beginner to intermediate level, 3 year study programme that will give you a solid foundation in the teachings and practice of Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. The Mind & its Potential is the 1st Module.
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.
Our resident teacher Geshe Rinchen Wangyal (Geshe La) will be teaching this module. This is an excellent opportunity to receive these Lamrim teachings directly from Geshe La. We are indeed most fortunate to be able to do so.
This course commences August 2026 and runs for just over 3 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.
We warmly invite you to join us for this enriching journey with Geshe Rinchen. Together, let us explore how to bring the timeless wisdom of Buddhism into our everyday lives.
Please register for Discovering Buddhism here. For more information contact our course coordinator, Ruth: db@jamyangleeds.co.uk
ABOUT YOUR Teacher: Geshe Rinchen Wangyal
Geshe Rinchen studied at Drepung Losel Ling Monastery in India, then at the Institute of Buddhiust Dialectics. He gained his Geshe degree in 2015.
He then studied at the University of Winchester in the UK, gaining a BA (hons) Degree in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics in 2024
Geshe La has had articles published in The Scientific American in 2020 including 'Hygiene of the mind during the Pandemic’. He has also received awards for essay competitions at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics.
Geshe La’s teachings are known for their clarity, warmth, and practical applicability, making profound topics accessible to students of all backgrounds. Geshe La combines his deep knowledge with genuine compassion, inspiring students to cultivate inner peace and wisdom in their own lives.
Geshe La teaches in English fluently.
You can read more about Geshe Rinchen here.
SUGGESTED DONATION:
Non-members – £72 per module for the Thursday classes (usually 6 weeks), and £32 for the meditation day at the end of each module. This will contribute to the centre’s running costs and includes a donation to the teacher.
Free to members - Members 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 module and £10 per meditation day).
We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. If you cannot donate the suggested amount, please contact Ruth on: db@jamyangleeds.co.uk to discuss what would be affordable for you.
It’s good to practice generosity where we can.
How to Donate:
You can make a donation by card using our Donation Portal here. Please put Discovering Buddhism as a reference in the comments box
Alternatively you can donate by Bank Transfer using the details below, please reference Discovering Buddhism
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. Please indicate when registering if you would like us to claim gift aid on your donations.