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UPCOMING EVENTS LIST
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30(in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm. September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Discovering Buddhism
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.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Discovering Buddhism - Meditation Day
MEDITATION DAY
DATE: 2025: 13th December
TIME: 10 am to 3 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
Meditation day on Saturday 13th December - 10 am to 3 pm.
Classes will be held weekly Online through Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds on Thursday evenings.
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 – £25 for the meditation day. 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 £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.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Discover your best self every Sunday Morning!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30 (in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Session (in person), centered around the transformative 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
On Wednesday’s we will continue the momentum with online sessions between 7:00-8:00pm!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30(in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm. September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Discover your best self every Sunday Morning!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30 (in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Session (in person), centered around the transformative 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
On Wednesday’s we will continue the momentum with online sessions between 7:00-8:00pm!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
Christmas Cuppa
CHRISTMAS CUPPA
DATE: Wednesday December 24th
TIME: 10am-11am
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
We would like to invite you to the first of our two special Christmas events. Starting and ending with a ‘cuppa & chat’ before and after a Kshitigarbha puja.
Christmas Meditation and Chanting
CHRISTMAS MEDITATION AND CHANTING
DATE: Friday December 26th
TIME: 2pm-5pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
You are welcome to join us at our second Christmas event for 2026 -
Christmas Meditation & Chanting.
TIMETABLE:
2pm-3pm: Sande will lead a meditation and chanting on Buddha Shakyamuni, followed by a 21 Tara puja.
3pm-4pm: Di will lead a Tonglen meditation, followed by a five minute break, followed by a breathing meditation.
4pm-5pm: Sande will lead ‘Chanting the Names of the Noble Manjushri’, followed by Vajrasattva puja.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Tuesday - Friday (first week of January)
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly , except December
TIME: 5pm-6pm (November will be 5:45pm to 6:30pm)
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly with a break in August. The May session will be held on the 19th and December the 29th.
TIME: 5pm-6pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Prayers to stop war
Overview of Session
DATE: First Monday of the month
TIME: 7:30am-8:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
In 2022, after the war in Ukraine started, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered advice on prayers and practices to do in order to pacify the threats of war. All are welcome to download the booklet, Prayers to Stop War.
At the time, Lama Zopa Rinpoche also gave advice for how to motivate and think when doing these prayers and practices:
At the beginning generate strong bodhicitta, then do these prayers and practices to stop the war. The main purpose is to stop the war immediately. Then also to prevent famine, disease, and all the dangers of earth, water, fire, and wind, for all these dangers to be pacified immediately. To fill the whole world with perfect peace and happiness, including enlightenment, and to generate loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta in the heart of all sentient beings.
Think that from Guru Padmasambhava’s heart, beams radiate and totally purify all the six realms’ sentient beings, totally purify all the delusions and negative karmas collected from beginningless rebirths, especially anger, attachment, and ignorance; think that these are totally purified. Then recite Sampa Lhundrupma, followed by the Padmasambhava mantra (one or two malas).
With strong faith in Guru Padmasambhava and total reliance, Guru Padmasambhava will definitely help because his compassion embraces all sentient beings.
Then another way to think is, with strong faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the aspect of Guru Padmasambhava, nectar beams are emitted to all leaders of war, entering the body and totally purifying all negative karma and obscurations; all the dissatisfied mind, desire, ignorance, anger, and selfish mind are totally purified; they generate bodhicitta especially, and then the whole path to enlightenment. Do that very strongly, making strong prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Then nectar beams are also emitted to all involved, and these purify all the anger and self-cherishing thought. They generate bodhicitta, and stop giving harm to even one sentient being and only benefit sentient beings, up to enlightenment.
Then recite the Heart Sutra and the prayer to stop wars.
For those who can do the Most Secret Hayagriva sadhana, do this at the beginning of the practice. When reciting the mantra, you can do the same visualizations as above.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this advice in 2022 to IMI Sangha on prayers and practices they could do in response to the developing war in Ukraine. The above motivation was edited slightly to be more general in order to be relevant for current threats at any time. The original advice can be read here. Please download Prayers to Stop War .
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly , except December
TIME: 5pm-6pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Prayers to stop war
Overview of Session
DATE: First Monday of the month
TIME: 7:30am-8:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
In 2022, after the war in Ukraine started, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered advice on prayers and practices to do in order to pacify the threats of war. All are welcome to download the booklet, Prayers to Stop War.
At the time, Lama Zopa Rinpoche also gave advice for how to motivate and think when doing these prayers and practices:
At the beginning generate strong bodhicitta, then do these prayers and practices to stop the war. The main purpose is to stop the war immediately. Then also to prevent famine, disease, and all the dangers of earth, water, fire, and wind, for all these dangers to be pacified immediately. To fill the whole world with perfect peace and happiness, including enlightenment, and to generate loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta in the heart of all sentient beings.
Think that from Guru Padmasambhava’s heart, beams radiate and totally purify all the six realms’ sentient beings, totally purify all the delusions and negative karmas collected from beginningless rebirths, especially anger, attachment, and ignorance; think that these are totally purified. Then recite Sampa Lhundrupma, followed by the Padmasambhava mantra (one or two malas).
With strong faith in Guru Padmasambhava and total reliance, Guru Padmasambhava will definitely help because his compassion embraces all sentient beings.
Then another way to think is, with strong faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the aspect of Guru Padmasambhava, nectar beams are emitted to all leaders of war, entering the body and totally purifying all negative karma and obscurations; all the dissatisfied mind, desire, ignorance, anger, and selfish mind are totally purified; they generate bodhicitta especially, and then the whole path to enlightenment. Do that very strongly, making strong prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Then nectar beams are also emitted to all involved, and these purify all the anger and self-cherishing thought. They generate bodhicitta, and stop giving harm to even one sentient being and only benefit sentient beings, up to enlightenment.
Then recite the Heart Sutra and the prayer to stop wars.
For those who can do the Most Secret Hayagriva sadhana, do this at the beginning of the practice. When reciting the mantra, you can do the same visualizations as above.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this advice in 2022 to IMI Sangha on prayers and practices they could do in response to the developing war in Ukraine. The above motivation was edited slightly to be more general in order to be relevant for current threats at any time. The original advice can be read here. Please download Prayers to Stop War .
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice
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
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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
Discovering Buddhism
Thursday 5 March 2026
18:30 20:00
Jamyang Buddhist Centre LeedsIngram RoadLeeds, England, LS11 9RQUnited Kingdom (map)
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice
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
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Posted In: Meditation, Buddhist Studies
Tagged: buddhist studies, Geshe Rinchen, discovering buddhism 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.
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 ferasons. 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 “General Fund”
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.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly , except December
TIME: 5pm-6pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Sunday Community Meditation - A Mindful Heart
overview of sunday Community Meditation
DATE & TIME: Sunday 10:30-11:30
LOCATION: In-person at the centre
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generously as is manageable
Discover your best self every Sunday morning
Are you keen to work on your well-being and connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Sessions.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a way of being such as interconnection, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embrace that way of being fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
From January to the end of March we will be focusing on ‘A Mindful Heart’. Inspired by the Creating Compassionate Cultures program (“CCC”) by Pam Cayton, and developed by the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom. Grounded in three core pathways of learning: Knowledge, Strength, and Compassion. These pathways guide you towards a happier, more meaningful life by fostering inner growth and a warmer connection with others.
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
Designed to help you develop a deeper understanding of how the mind works. The aim is to gradually let go of destructive patterns of thought and behaviour while cultivating a healthy sense of self-confidence and a deep, compassionate connection with others.
You are invited to reflect on your attitudes, perceptions, and emotional patterns. By exploring the workings of our own minds and the nature of our interdependence with others and the world around us, we begin to see how deeply connected our inner and outer realities truly are. We examine both logical and scientific perspectives on the nature of the self and our relationships with others.
To deepen the learning, you are encouraged to reflect between sessions, pausing to notice your inner experiences and reconnect with your deepest values. This supports the integration of insights and ways to act with greater mindfulness and wisdom.
Ultimately, the transformation we foster in ourselves contributes to building more compassionate cultures. How can one person influence a whole culture? The answer lies in understanding interdependence. Every action we take, every choice, interaction, and intention, affects others and the broader environment, this principle of cause and effect lies at the heart of all life, reminding us that our individual transformation ripples outward in meaningful ways.
The Creating Compassionate Cultures programme has 7 steps:
Mindful Intention
Interconnection
Change
Perception
Transforming harmful emotions
Empathy
Compassion
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
January:
11th: The Pursuit of Happiness
18th: Understanding how things exist
25th Developing Healthy Self Confidence
February
1st: Compassion - Opening the heart 8th: Mindfulness, reflection and critical thinking
15th: Mindful intention - what do I really want
22nd: Interconnection
March:
1st Embracing Change
8th Perception
15th Transforming harmful emotions
22nd Empathy
29th Cultivating Compassion
On Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8pm you can continue your journey online with 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2025: 5th March, 12th March, 19th March, 26th March, 2nd April, 9th April and Meditation day 11th April.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Discovering Buddhism - MEDITATION DAY
MEDITATION DAY
DATE: 2026: 11th April.
TIME: Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Join us for this uplifting module and discover how life’s challenges can become powerful tools for spiritual growth. Together we’ll explore the ancient lojong (mind-training) teachings that show us how to transform difficulties into compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Through shared reflection, meditation, and discussion, we learn to see every obstacle as an opportunity to open our hearts and deepen our practice—both on and off the cushion.
This module explores the profound methods of transforming life’s difficulties into the path of awakening, as taught by the Buddha — the key to breaking the cycle of suffering and moving toward genuine inner freedom through:
Guided Meditation: Cultivate clarity, compassion, and resilience.
Analytical Inquiry: Deepen understanding & insight through reflection and discussion.
Accessible Commentary: Receive & gain practical explanations into ancient mind-training teachings.
Supportive Environment: Learn and share with like-minded practitioners, supported by the wisdom and guidance of Geshe Rinchen.
Practical Tips: Discover skillful & effective ways to overcome obstacles & challenges to bring consistency & meaning to your practice.
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.
The Transforming Problems Module offers students the opportunity to learn the disadvantages of selfishness and the advantages of cherishing others. Learn to employ the special techniques of mind training (lojong) to transform problems into happiness
The module concludes with a dedicated day of meditation on Saturday 11th April, offering students the opportunity to deepen their understanding through personal reflection and guided practice.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesdays weekly 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Online Zoom
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
January:
7th: Kindness
14th: Patience
21st: Delight
28th: Contentment
February:
4th: Humility
11th: Honesty
18th: Generosity
25th: Right Speech
March:
4th: Respect
11th: Forgiveness
18th: Gratitude
25th: Loyalty
April:
1st: Courage
8th: Principles
15th: Service
22nd Aspiration
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice.
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT Basic Programme
Overview of SESSION
DATES: September 6th and 7th, October 25th and 26th, November 15th and 16th and in 2026: February 7th and 8th, March 21st and 22nd, April 25th and 26th.
TIMES: Saturdays 9 am to 12:30pm. Sundays 9 am to 3:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Studies – Intermediate to Advanced
Next Module: The teachings are on The Stages of The Path (Lam Rim)
The celebrated system of teachings known as the Stages of the Path (lamrim) represents a synthesis of the entire path to enlightenment. Presented in a clear and concise form, these teachings are easy to understand and apply in meditation. Instruction begins with the preliminary practices, and then progresses through the essential practices of the ‘beings of the three scopes’, including correct guru devotion, renunciation, the altruistic wish for enlightenment and the view of the middle way. As a foundation and context for Buddhist practice, this subject is a key element of the FPMT Basic Program. Text: Je Tsongkhapa, Middling Exposition of the Stages of the Path
While applications from brand new students have closed, if you have previously studied the FPMT Basic Programme it may still be possible to join. Also it may also be possible to come along as a listener. If you would like to do so please contact our Basic Programme Coordinator Chrissie on bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Donation: Recommended donation £50 per teaching weekend or membership of Jamyang Leeds Membership Programme £30 per calendar month
Lam Rim retreat - May to July 2026
There will be a three month Lam Rim retreat in May to July led by Venerable Gendun at Institut Vajra Yogini in France.
For regular Basic Programme students there is a requirement as part of the programme to attend 3 months Lam Rim retreat, preferably in one go, but also a combination such as 3 x 1 month or 2 x 6 weeks are acceptable.
For Home Study Basic Programme students there is a requirement to attend a 1 month Lam Rim retreat as part of the programme.
For Listeners there is no requirement to attend the Lam Rim retreat but you are very welcome to do so. The minimum time on retreat would be two weeks.
Registration for the Lam Rim Retreat is expected to start in September 2025 at Institut Vajra Yogini, France. Early booking is highly recommended.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly , except December
TIME: 5pm-6pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice.
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Discovering Buddhism
Overview of Programme
DATE: 2026: 16th April, 23rd April, 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May and Meditation day 23rd May.
TIME: Thursday’s weekly 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
Discovering Buddhism - MEDITATION dAY
MEDITATION DAY
DATE: 2026: 23rd May.
TIME: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Online
LEVEL: Intermediate students of Buddhism and those interested in Buddhist philosophy
What to Expect in This Module
Learn what tantra is, how it works, and why it is a powerful form of practice. Under the guidance, wisdom & compassion of Geshe Rinchen, get a broad overview of the four classes of tantra and learn to practice Kriya Tantric Methods. Learn how to integrate tantra with lamrim (stages of the path) meditation to obtain the best results.
Through:
Introductory Meditations - Experience kriya tantric methods, offering a taste of tantric practice.
Explanatory Teachings - Understand the Foundations and Special features of Tantra.
Reflection and Discussion - Consider how tantra 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 tantric methods with your lamrim meditation and daily spiritual growth.
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
This module concludes with a Day of Meditation on Saturday, 23 May, offering time for deeper reflection and integration of the teachings.
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.
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 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. 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
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 Monastery 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.
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 “General Fund”
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.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
From Lamp to Light: A Lamrim Journey - A one month Lamrim retreat at IVY, Summer 2026
Location: Institut Vajra Yogini, Marzens, France
Eligibility: Open to anyone familiar with the Lamrim, especially students of the FPMT Basic Program
Dates: 1 – 28 June 2026
Guide: Ven. Losang Gendun
Participation: You are welcome to join for a minimum of two consecutive weeks at an point during the retreat. Arrival and departure should be scheduled for weekends.
The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment by Je Tsongkhapa stands as one of the most celebrated and comprehensive presentations of the Buddha’s teachings. Synthesizing the 84,000 methods taught by the Buddha into a clear and practical step-by-step path, this masterpiece continues the profound lineage of the Indian master Atisha and represents the pinnacle of the Lamrim tradition.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, a true heir of this profound Tibetan heritage, repeatedly emphasized that for the Dharma to truly take root in the West, it must be embodied — not just studied. Practitioners must cultivate deep, experiential realizations of the Lamrim.
In service of that vision, we warmly invite dedicated practitioners — particularly those with a strong grounding in the Lamrim and FPMT Basic Program students — to join our month-long guided Lamrim retreat. This is a rare opportunity to integrate the stages of the path, supported by experienced guidance, structured daily practice, and a community of sincere fellow practitioners.
Throughout the retreat, Venerable Losang Gendun will offer in-depth Sunday commentaries on the Calm Abiding and Special Insight chapters of Je Tsongkhapa’s Middle-Length Lamrim, providing essential context and clarity to support deeper contemplation.:
Registration for those attending the whole retreat is open from November 2025. For those who would like to attend either for two or three weeks registration opens on the 17th January 2026. Registration is via the Institut Vajra Yogini website
If you are an FPMT Basic Programme student either at Jamyang Leeds or elsewhere and would like to do the retreat as part of your FPMT Basic Programme retreat commitment please also contact Chrissie our FPMT Basic Program Coordinator at: bp@jamyangleeds.co.uk
To learn more about the Vajra Yogini Institute, visit their website here.
Daily Schedule:
TOPICS COVERED:
RESOURCES:
• Geshe Rabten’s Essential Nectar is a classic and provides an excellent overview of the various Lamrim meditations and their arguments. A must have for this retreat. You can buy your copy here.
• Yangsi Rinpoche’s Practicing the Path provides a concise and contemporary commentary on the Lamrim Chenmo. A copy you can find here.
• Kathleen Mcdonald’s How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path is a great introduction to meditating on the Lamrim for those who are less familiar with this type of practice. For a copy, go here.
• Je Tsongkhapa’s Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment is the very basis of this retreat. Digital and paper copies of the three volumes you can find here.
• Geshe Lhundub Sopa’s Steps on the Path to Enlightenment is the most extensive modern commentary on the Lamrim and is highly recommended. A copy you can obtain from this page.
• Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Lamrim Teachings from Kopan are guides by a true bodhisattva and have been published in seven volumes that you can find hereand for free here. Moreover, Rinpoche wrote extensively on the Six Perfections, copies of which books you can obtain here.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Discover your best self every Sunday Morning!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30 (in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Session (in person), centered around the transformative 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
On Wednesday’s we will continue the momentum with online sessions between 7:00-8:00pm!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Discovering Buddhism
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.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30(in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm. September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
cancelled : Prayers to stop war
Overview of Session
DATE: First Monday of the month
TIME: 7:30am-8:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
In 2022, after the war in Ukraine started, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered advice on prayers and practices to do in order to pacify the threats of war. All are welcome to download the booklet, Prayers to Stop War.
At the time, Lama Zopa Rinpoche also gave advice for how to motivate and think when doing these prayers and practices:
At the beginning generate strong bodhicitta, then do these prayers and practices to stop the war. The main purpose is to stop the war immediately. Then also to prevent famine, disease, and all the dangers of earth, water, fire, and wind, for all these dangers to be pacified immediately. To fill the whole world with perfect peace and happiness, including enlightenment, and to generate loving kindness, compassion and bodhicitta in the heart of all sentient beings.
Think that from Guru Padmasambhava’s heart, beams radiate and totally purify all the six realms’ sentient beings, totally purify all the delusions and negative karmas collected from beginningless rebirths, especially anger, attachment, and ignorance; think that these are totally purified. Then recite Sampa Lhundrupma, followed by the Padmasambhava mantra (one or two malas).
With strong faith in Guru Padmasambhava and total reliance, Guru Padmasambhava will definitely help because his compassion embraces all sentient beings.
Then another way to think is, with strong faith in His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the aspect of Guru Padmasambhava, nectar beams are emitted to all leaders of war, entering the body and totally purifying all negative karma and obscurations; all the dissatisfied mind, desire, ignorance, anger, and selfish mind are totally purified; they generate bodhicitta especially, and then the whole path to enlightenment. Do that very strongly, making strong prayers to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Then nectar beams are also emitted to all involved, and these purify all the anger and self-cherishing thought. They generate bodhicitta, and stop giving harm to even one sentient being and only benefit sentient beings, up to enlightenment.
Then recite the Heart Sutra and the prayer to stop wars.
For those who can do the Most Secret Hayagriva sadhana, do this at the beginning of the practice. When reciting the mantra, you can do the same visualizations as above.
Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this advice in 2022 to IMI Sangha on prayers and practices they could do in response to the developing war in Ukraine. The above motivation was edited slightly to be more general in order to be relevant for current threats at any time. The original advice can be read here. Please download Prayers to Stop War .
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
FPMT IDMT Discussion Group – Year 3 Term 1
Overview of SESSION
DATE: Last Sunday monthly
TIME: 5:00pm to 6:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: For In Depth Meditation Training students only
This discussion groups kindly led by Ruth, meets on the last Sunday monthly for students of the In Depth Meditation Training (IDMT) course to explore the topics of the course together.
If you are an IDMT student either at Jamyang Leeds or any of the other host centres and would like to join please ask our In Depth Meditation Training Coordinator for the zoom link by emailing idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
If you are not yet an IDMT student and would like to know more about the course, you can find out more on our In Depth Meditation Training page here.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Discover your best self every Sunday Morning!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30 (in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Session (in person), centered around the transformative 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
On Wednesday’s we will continue the momentum with online sessions between 7:00-8:00pm!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3 - Term 1 runs from September 6th to November 29th 2025 (total 13 classes).
Term 2: February 7th to April 11th 2026 (10 classes),
Term 3: April 25th to July 4th 2026 (11 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our In Depth Meditation Coordinator on idmt@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.
Children’s Mindfulness (6-12 years old)
Overview of SESSION
DATE: Saturday’s monthly
TIME: 10:45 – 11:30am (there is also an earlier session for 4 to 5 year olds on the same day)
LOCATION: In-person
LEVEL: Wellbeing – Children 6 to 12 years old
COST: Click below to donate, or donate on the day in centre (suggested donation $5)
Monthly Children’s Mindfulness Sessions at Jamyang Buddhist Center Overview:
We are delighted to offer monthly mindfulness sessions designed for children at the Jamyang Buddhist Center. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for children to learn mindfulness techniques, explore creativity, and practice yoga in a fun and engaging way.
Session Breakdown:
For 6 to 12-year-olds:
The second session, held on a Saturday each month, is for children ages 6 to 12. This session will run from 10:45 am to 11:30 am and will focus on more age-appropriate mindfulness practices, including mindful movement, arts and crafts, and guided meditations.
For 4 to 5-year-olds:
The first session of each month is specifically designed for children ages 4 to 5. This session will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30 am and is tailored to introduce young children to mindfulness through simple practices, gentle yoga, and fun activities.
Upcoming Themes & Dates:
Mindful Movement and Yoga
5 April, 5 July, 4 October
Mindful Arts and Crafts
3 May, 2 August, 1 November
Mindful Parenting Session (with parents)
31 May, 6 September, 29 November
Booking Information:
To reserve your spot for these monthly sessions, please send an email to:
childrensyoga.yogime@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our mindfulness sessions at the Jamyang Buddhist Center!
Children’s Mindfulness (4-5 years)
Overview of SESSION
DATE: Saturday’s monthly
TIME: 10:00 – 10:30am (there is also a later session for 6 to 12 year olds on the same day)
LOCATION: In-person
LEVEL: Wellbeing – Children 4 to 5 years old
COST: Click below to donate, or donate on the day in centre (suggested donation $5)
Monthly Children’s Mindfulness Sessions at Jamyang Buddhist Center Overview:
We are delighted to offer monthly mindfulness sessions designed for children at the Jamyang Buddhist Center. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for children to learn mindfulness techniques, explore creativity, and practice yoga in a fun and engaging way.
Session Breakdown:
For 4 to 5-year-olds:
The first session of each month is specifically designed for children ages 4 to 5. This session will be held from 10:00 am to 10:30 am and is tailored to introduce young children to mindfulness through simple practices, gentle yoga, and fun activities.
For 6 to 12-year-olds:
The second session, held on a Saturday each month, is for children ages 6 to 12. This session will run from 10:45 am to 11:30 am and will focus on more age-appropriate mindfulness practices, including mindful movement, arts and crafts, and guided meditations.
Upcoming Themes & Dates:
Mindful Movement and Yoga
5 April, 5 July, 4 October
Mindful Arts and Crafts
3 May, 2 August, 1 November
Mindful Parenting Session (with parents)
31 May, 6 September, 29 November
Booking Information:
To reserve your spot for these monthly sessions, please send an email to:
childrensyoga.yogime@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you and your child to our mindfulness sessions at the Jamyang Buddhist Center!
Shamatha – Meditation on the Breath
Overview of Session
DATE: Fridays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Led by Ruth
Mindfulness of Breathing is universally acknowledged to be of benefit to all living in the modern world. Many feel overloaded with all that is expected of us living this complex and exhausting existence. Developing our awareness in this way is a general prescription for soothing and healing the overworked body and mind.
Practicing focusing the attention on an object such as the breath is also a core practice in Tibetan Buddhism. Gradually over time we are able to hold the object of our attention over longer periods, which enables us to practice other meditations such as Vipassana more successfully.
Discovering Buddhism
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.
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Chanting the Verses of Noble manjushri
Overview of Session
DATE: Thursdays
TIME: 7:45am to 8:25 am
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – suitable for Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s students
Join us to fulfill His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s wishes and chant the Names of Noble Manjushri for the swift return of Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Please come along even if you havent done the practice before, its quite wonderful and very energising. Please download the text below, you can also listen and practice with the audio clip of Lama Zopa Rinpoche reciting the Chanting the Names of Noble Manjushri.
16 Guidelines Meditations- Tools for happiness on a Wednesday!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30(in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting 16 Guidelines sessions on a Wednesday evening online and on Sunday’s in person for Community Meditation, centered around the transformative tools for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Join online on Wednesday’s between 7:00-8:00pm and meet at Jamyang Leeds on Sunday’s for a 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Join for a catch over a tea or coffee afterwards!
Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm. September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Overview of the eight verses of thoughts transformation
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
DATE: Wednesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices- All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Everflowing Nectar of Bodhichitta – Annihilating the Demon of the Self-Cherishing Mind
Led by Di or Sande
This practice is based on the short text” Eight Verses of Thought Transformation”, which contains the entire technique for transforming the mind into relative bodhichitta (i.e., the wish to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings) and absolute bodhichitta (i.e., the wisdom realizing emptiness).
Vajrasattva Practice
Overview of The Vajrasattva Practice
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 8:30pm-9:00pm
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Purification here means looking at our past unskillful actions which have created seeds of negative karma in our minds, and using visualisation and mantra recitation to remove those seeds in a healthy and productive way. Vajrasattva is the embodiment of all the Buddha’s cleaning and purifying energy. We all make mistakes, and how we deal with them is key to making spiritual progress. We’ll be using a short text composed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche
Kshitigarbha Practice
Overview of Kshitigarbha practice
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays
TIME: 12pm-12:30pm
LOCATION: Zoom only.
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
Lama Zopa Rinpoche (our organisation’s Spiritual Director) suggested Jamyang Leeds perform these practices to help with the financial obstacles we are currently having. From September 2022, we’ll be reciting this practice as much as we can. See the special newsletter explaining all about the practice here.
Tonglen Loving Kindness meditation Practice
Overview of Tonglen Meditation
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion.
DATE: Tuesdays
TIME: 7am-7:30am
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £3
A beautiful practice led by Chrissie and Di.
The Buddhist practice of Giving & Taking (Tonglen in Tibetan) is at its heart a selfless meditation of loving kindness and compassion. You imagine giving all your happiness to others, sometimes using visualisation with the breath, and then taking all the suffering and its causes from others. It’s a powerful practice for the brave-hearted!
Tara Puja for World Peace
Overview of Session
DATE: 2025: Last Monday monthly , except December
TIME: 5pm-6pm (November will be 5:45pm to 6:30pm)
LOCATION: Zoom
LEVEL: Buddhist Practices – All welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: £6
Tara Puja dedicated to world peace is held on a monthly basis.
Led by Venerable Thubten Tenzin January to April and Ondy Willson June to December
Please join us, occasionally or regularly, at 17.00 UK time to show our support for the courageous spiritual communities both in Ukraine & Russia and also in Israel and Gaza. May we all nurture compassion & peace in the face of destruction & violence.
By coming together like this we send a powerful message that comes from the depths of our being. We value peace, harmony and the enlightened qualities we aspire to embody, as generated in the 21 Taras Sadhana.
By the power of our merit may there be a non-violent and bloodless revolution of consciousness so that enlightened democracies based on social wellbeing flourish everywhere.
Please forward this invitation to anyone who you think may be interested in this free and beneficial session.
Tenzin will translate into Russian for Russian and Ukrainian students. The puja will last approximately 45 minutes to include some guidance on harnessing the positive power of the prayers in generating the particular qualities of compassion and fearlessness.
Ondy Willson, a touring FPMT teacher since 2007, has students in Russia & Ukraine, so felt particularly moved to offer these pujas both to connect with & support those who are suffering on the front line. So these pujas have provided, not just an opportunity to deal with fear and pray for peace, but to meet directly together as a global community and interact with our Ukrainian and Russian dharma friends. At the end of one week’s puja, participants in Ukraine & Russia shared their stories & experiences, which was very moving for us all to hear.
Lunchtime Meditation
Overview
Make the most of your lunchtime with a guided meditation session to help calm your mind. These secular meditation sessions are a great way to relax and create some space for reflection in the middle of your day.
DATE: Monday- Friday
TIME: 12:30pm-1pm
LOCATION: In-person and Zoom (Tuesdays & Fridays) & Zoom Only (Monday-Friday)
LEVEL: Wellbeing Programme – All levels
16 Guidelines Meditations- Discover your best self every Sunday Morning!
Overview of 16 GUIDELINES
DATE & TIME: Wednesday 7:00-8:00pm (online) and Sunday 10:30-11:30 (in-person)
LOCATION: Zoom on Wednesdays and in-person on Sundays
LEVEL: Meditation – All Welcome
SUGGESTED DONATION: Generosity model - please donate as you feel affordable and as generous as is manageable
Are you keen to work on your well-being and want to connect with others trying to make their life a little better for themselves and those around them? Join our uplifting Sunday Community Meditation Session (in person), centered around the transformative 16 Guidelines for a Happy Life.
Each hour-long gathering begins with a soothing meditation to calm your mind, followed by an inspiring discussion on a core human value, like patience for example, that enriches your everyday life. We then dive into a focused meditation designed to help you embody that value fully.
Wrap up your morning with a cup of tea and friendly conversation in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Absolutely everyone welcome.
Meet us every Sunday at 10:30 AM and start your week feeling refreshed, connected, and inspired. Your journey to a happier, more mindful life begins here!
On Wednesday’s we will continue the momentum with online sessions between 7:00-8:00pm!
Cost: Generosity Model: Pay as you feel.
The 16 Guidelines are simple steps for a happier life, inspired His Holiness by the Dalai Lama. They teach us to manage our thoughts, actions, and connections positively. They revolve around four key themes: thinking wisely, acting kindly, building strong relationships, and embracing change for deeper meaning. This approach promises not just personal joy but a better world for all.
The 16 Guidelines are underpinned by four philosophical themes:
Session overview:
Welcome, Introduction and Motivation 5 mins
Settling Meditation 10 mins
Meditation topic introduced then participants briefly share their experience 15 mins
Guided meditation 15 mins
Feedback from participants 10 mins
Closing and Dedication 5 mins
In Person on Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 with coffee / chat in the café afterwards until 12:00pm.
September:
7th: Courage
14th: Patience
21st Contentment
28th : Delight
October:
5th: Kindness 12th: Honesty
19th: Generosity
26th: Right Speech
November:
2nd: Respect
9th: Forgiveness
16th: Gratitude
23rd: Loyalty
30th: Aspiration
December:
7th: Principles
14th: Service
21st: Humility
Online Wednesday evenings 7:00pm to 8:00pm
September:
3rd: Courage
10th: Patience
17th: Contentment
24th: Delight
October:
1st: Kindness
8th: Honesty
15th: Generosity
22nd: Right Speech
29th: Respect
November:
5th: Forgiveness
12th: Gratitude
19th: Loyalty
26th: Aspiration
December:
3rd: Principles
10th: Service
17th: Humility
FPMT in-Depth Meditation Training
Overview of SESSION
DATE: 2025: Year 3 - Term 1 runs from Sept. 6 to Nov. 29, 2025 (total 13 classes).
Term 2: Feb. 7 - April 4, 2026 (9 classes),
Term 3: April 18 to July 4, 2026 (12 classes).
If you are starting as a new student in year 3, don’t worry. You will get some preparatory advice on what previous recordings to have a listen to.
TIME: Saturdays weekly 2:30pm – 5pm UK time
LOCATION: Zoom only
LEVEL: Buddhist Meditation – Intermediate to Advanced
IDMT Year Three: The Radiant Ground: Emptiness and Buddha Nature
This year’s journey will weave together the profound view of Madhyamaka, as presented by Nāgārjuna and his successors, with the compassionate vision of Tathāgatagarbha, the Buddha-nature teachings that reveal our deepest potential for awakening. Far from abstract philosophy, these teachings offer a radical reorientation of how we perceive ourselves and the world—pointing us beyond habitual grasping to a space of clarity, openness, and profound compassion.
Having cultivated the foundational practices of shamatha and vipashyana in the first year and explored Yogācāra’s profound psychology of ignorance and awakening in the second, we now turn to the very heart of Tibetan Buddhism: the nature of emptiness and the luminous potential that resides within every living being.
Guiding us in this exploration will be core texts from India and Tibet. Nāgārjuna’s Mūlamadhyamakakārikā will serve as a central pillar, systematically dismantling the illusions of inherent existence. In dialogue with this, we’ll study Kamalashīla’s Stages of Meditation, a practical and accessible map for cultivating deep meditative insight grounded in the view of emptiness.
Balancing the radical freedom of Madhyamaka, we will encounter the warmth and encouragement of Maitreya’s Ratnagotravibhāga, a poetic illumination of the Buddha-nature within all beings. These teachings remind us that beyond confusion and conditioning, there is a basic goodness that has never been lost.
To ground these profound insights in daily life, we will also study the beloved text of Geshe Chekawa Yeshe Dorje, The Seven Points of Mind Training. With its pithy slogans and deeply practical tone, it offers tools for transforming adversity and cultivating bodhicitta on and off the cushion.
Throughout the year, our study and practice will be enriched by meditative teachings from both the Pāli and Sanskrit sūtra traditions, inviting a direct and experiential understanding of emptiness—not as a concept, but as a liberating shift in perception.
This year is an invitation to let the view of emptiness infuse your practice—not as abstract philosophy, but as living experience: clear, liberating, and rooted in compassion. Our aim is not to gather concepts, but to transform how we see and relate to the world. Through study, reflection, and meditation, we learn to meet life with less grasping, more openness—and a heart that naturally responds with wisdom and care, held by the strength of community.
RECOMMENDED DONATION: £45 per calendar month, Reduced income donation £31 per calendar month, Sponsor donation £58 per calendar month. There are also options donate annually or per teaching month (8 times a year) . Please note: We are unable to offer this course as part of our Jamyang Leeds membership programme as it is a collaboration with other FPMT centres. If the recommend donations aren’t affordable right now, please do get in touch and we can agree what would be. We never turn anyone away from the Dharma for financial reasons. Of course it’s good to practice generosity where you can.
This four-year online course provides students with long term, in-depth support in their meditative development. We will continue to take new starters onto the course indefinitely.
The teacher is Venerable Losang Gendun who is also our FPMT Basic Programme teacher. Venerable Gendun has trained extensively in meditation in both Theravada and Mahayana Traditions
We are delighted that from March 2025 the course is within the FPMT’s In Depth Education curriculum. You can find out more about FPMT education courses and programs here.
The In Depth Meditation Training course is also part of The Buddha Project led by Venerable Losang Gendun. You can find out more about the course, who it is suitable for, The Buddha Project and Venerable Gendun on our FPMT In-Depth Meditation Training page.
If you have any questions you would like to ask before registering please email our Spiritual Programme Coordination Team on spc@jamyangleeds.co.uk
Please click here if you would like to register
The zoom link and all materials for the course are provided to registered students.

