Exploring Buddhism is the newest foundational-level course co-developed by FPMT Education Services and senior FPMT teachers, including Geshe Tenzin Namdak, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, and Venerable Joan Nicell. Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok serve as the main contributors. The program has been revised from the original pilot offered at various FPMT centers.

It was conceived as a bridge between the FPMT Discovering Buddhism and the FPMT Basic Program. The Exploring Buddhism program presents selected topics that provide a strong basis for more advanced study. The program is intended for students with a good understanding of basic Buddhism.

The complete Exploring Buddhism program is divided into two sections: Exploring the Mind and Philosophy and Exploring Meditation and Practice. The entire program is offered over 18 months within the three-year curriculum by Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center (OCBC) and Vajrapani Institute (VPI).

This section consists of four modules:

1. Exploring the Mind
2. Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way
3. Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
4. Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths

This section consists of four modules:

1. Exploring Meditation
2. Exploring the Path
3. Exploring Mind Training
4. Exploring the Conditions for Realizations

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok has been ordained as a Buddhist monk since 2001 and is the first American to complete the twenty-year Geshe Studies Program in classic Indian Buddhist treatises and their Tibetan commentaries at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, following the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. In 2025, he completed the traditional study of tantra at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insights into the application of Buddhist teachings. Born in Virginia, USA in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. His quest to answer the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life,” led him to major in philosophy, eventually guiding him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal since 1999.

Dedicated to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.

• Exploring the Mind
  This module presents the mind or consciousness, our principal means for knowing reality, with its nature, functions and divisions along with mental factors that positively or negatively impact its operation.
• Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
  This module presents the tools for gaining realizations of the right views through methods of debate, reasoning, and logical analysis found in traditional Buddhist texts.
• Exploring the Path
  This module offers a roadmap of contemplation topics for the entire spiritual journey on the stages of the path to enlightenment.

• Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way
  This module teaches the right views needed to transform our mind by uprooting subtle levels of ignorance, the roots of suffering. It examines the tenet systems of the main schools of Buddhist philosophy, culminating in the Middle Way view, which clarifies the deepest meaning of emptiness.
• Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths
  This module presents the path for mental development on the way to liberation and enlightenment, concluding the philosophical aspect of the program.
• Exploring Meditation
  This module teaches how to generate focused levels of awareness immersed in the Dharma, integrating intellectual understanding into the fabric of our being.

• Exploring Mind Training
  This module presents teachings that convert all experiences, especially hardships, into fuel for the path, helping us develop our full potential.
• Exploring the Conditions for Realizations
  This module presents essential prayers and practices that support developing realizations, purifying negative karma and accumulating vast stores of merit. Emphasis is placed on traditional preliminary practices such as relying on a teacher, going for refuge, generating altruistic motivation, prostrations, mandala offerings, and purifying with the Vajrasattva mantra. Clear and powerful instructions for performing these practices correctly are provided.

Find out more about the entire FPMT Exploring Buddhism program here.

Offered by Ocean of Compassion
Open House
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• Teaching Sessions:
  Twelve Monday evenings
  June 16 – September 8, 2025
  6:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
  in-person at OCBC or online
• Practice Days:
  Two Sunday afternoons
  August 31 and September 14, 2025
  2:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific Time
  in-person at OCBC or online
• Study Group Sessions:
  Three 90-minute review sessions in the 4^th week of June, July, and August. Meeting time varies based on study groups.

Offered by Ocean of Compassion

• Teaching Sessions:
  Twelve Monday evenings
  September 15 – December 8, 2025
  6:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
  in-person at OCBC or online
• Practice Days:
  Two Sunday afternoons
  November 30 and December 14, 2025
  2:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific Time
  in-person at OCBC or online
• Study Group Sessions:
  Three 90-minute review sessions in the 4^th week of September, October, and November. Meeting time varies based on study groups.

Offered by Vajrapani Institute

• Retreat Format:
  November 8 – November 15, 2025
  in-person at VPI or online

The program is offered for both in-person and online. Local students are encouraged to attend in person on Monday evenings at OCBC and participate in a 8-day retreat at VPI for an immersive study experience. Recordings of classes and materials will be made available to registered students. The learning method includes a combination of attending teaching sessions, practice days, individual study and contemplation, end-of-module assessments, and study group review sessions. You will be part of a supportive community of fellow student-practitioners.

Official course certification from FPMT is available, with more details to follow for certification requirements.

The Exploring Buddhism program is ideal for individuals who

• Have a good understanding of basic Buddhism
• Are familiar with the Stages of the Path (Lamrim) teachings, as presented in the Discovering Buddhism program
• Have a strong interest to explore deeper into Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and practices

The Exploring Buddhism program is donation-based, founded on a Generosity Model, which ensures accessibility for everyone, regardless of financial situation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Registration of the first module will open in Spring 2025.

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