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Geshe Jampa Gyatso, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1979. Photo courtesy of the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.
The Masters Program (MP) is the FPMT’s most advanced study program. Based on Lama Yeshe’s unique vision for a comprehensive education, inspired by the traditional geshe studies at the great Gelugpa monastic universities, it was developed with the help of Geshe Jampa Gyatso. Integrating behavior, training and service components, the program offers in-depth study of five great texts and extensive retreat experience, providing a thorough grounding in sutra and tantra.
Due to the kindness of a generous benefactor, the Education and Preservation Fund recently offered US$54,625 to Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa for their latest Masters Program in Buddhist Studies of Sutra and Tantra which commenced in March.
The full-time residential program consists of just over six years of study (nine months per year) and a total of one year of retreat after the conclusion of the studies. The study portion of the program will conclude in mid-2021.
In addition to teachings with the geshes, students will be supported by review classes with tutors, in which they will deepen their understanding through debate and discussion of the material. Students’ progress is measured by a combination of written and oral exams, research projects, and presentations, and they will also receive instruction in meditation and develop the skills to guide meditations and lead retreats.
Students will also have opportunities to study the classical Tibetan language as well as to participate in seminars by visiting Western Buddhist scholars and academics. Talks by practitioners with extensive retreat experience will also be arranged in order to provide guidance and support for contemplative practice.
To provide opportunities for integrating the teachings into practice and for students to acquire retreat experience in preparation for the final one-year retreat, students will have regular opportunities to engage in lam rim retreats during the program at the end of each of the principal subjects. They will also be required to participate in regular meditation sessions during the week, and will receive instruction in leading meditations for others.
This grant from the Education and Preservation Fund will enable the current program to be offered successfully. You are welcome to offer any amount to this fund so that grants such as this can continue in the future.
https://fpmt.org/support/educationandpreservation/
The Masters Program Online (MPOL) offers the opportunity to study the MP to those who are unable to join the residential program, making use of the latest online educational tools available, in an online learning environment.
http://www.iltk.org/en/online-course