In-Depth Study Programs

Expand Your Understanding. Deepen Your Practice.

For those who wish to delve more deeply into the teachings, Odiyana KBC offers:

 

 

 

 

Before officially joining, you will have the option to attend the program for a one-month trial period.   If you would like to explore joining any of these programs, please contact epc@odiyana.org. 

 

Foundation Program

On the FP, we engage in the systematic study of key Buddhist texts in order to gain a deep and lasting understanding and experience of the spiritual path, as well as an authentic confidence as a meditator and practitioner. These study classes also help us to become part of a community of practitioners who are sincerely putting the teachings into practice. With weekly reading assignments from the text, as well as commentary, discussions and meditations on the week’s readings, these study classes create the conditions for us to develop deep inner experience of the teachings.

Through regular teachings and meditation, systematic study, and group discussion, the Foundation Program offers the same training followed by spiritual practitioners in an unbroken lineage dating back to Buddha Shakyamuni. In this way we can gain authentic experience of the Dharma while still maintaining our contemporary lifestyle. By studying on this program we shall gain great confidence in meditation — from basic techniques for overcoming our everyday problems to practices leading to unsurpassed happiness and permanent inner peace. Warm friendships develop as students inspire each other, sharing insights and experiences of the spiritual path.

What are we studying?

Monday Midday:  We are studying The New Eight Steps to Happiness — A detailed and practical explanation of one of Buddhism’s best-loved teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind, by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa.  Clear methods are simply presented for transforming all life’s difficulties into valuable spiritual insights, for improving our relationships, and for bringing greater patience, empathy and compassion into our daily life.

Tuesday Evenings:  We are studying How To Understand The Mind — a remarkable book that offers us deep insight into our mind, and shows how an understanding of its nature and functions can be used practically in everyday experience to improve our lives. 

 

How does it work?

The secret of the Foundation Program’s success lies in the manageable commitment made by the student and in the clear structure of study. Students sign up to study a book or part of a book, agree to attend every class, learn the material, and to take a test at the conclusion of the study. The class meets once a week for two hours.

If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a recording of the class. There is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted prayer session at the Center per month. 

What happens at a class?

Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.

Interested?

If you would like to explore joining either of these programs, please contact epc@odiyana.org. 

 

Teacher Training Program

What are we studying?

We are studying The New Guide to Dakini Land — this is a revised version of Venerable Geshe Kelsang’s original book Guide to Dakini Land.  It is a complete explanation of the Tantric practice of Vajrayogini, the female Buddha of blissful wisdom. 

How does it work?

Joining the Teacher Training Program is a serious commitment. It requires regular attendance at a weekly class and engaging in a comprehensive program of study, practice and meditation. If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class, he or she agrees to catch up by listening to a recording of the class. There is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted prayer session at the Center per week. 

What happens at a class?

Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week. 

Interested?

If you would like to explore joining this programs, please contact epc@odiyana.org.