Centro Khamplungpa
BASIC PROGRAM
ViñetasAdvanced Study Level

ViñetasImpart: Gueshe Lobsang Dawa

ViñetasCoordination: Ven. Thubten Norbu


The FPMT Basic Program of Buddhist Studies

It was designed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the tradition of Lama Je Tsong Khapa, to be delivered over five years.

It is intended for Dharma students who want to go beyond introductory courses and are interested in committing to deeper study and practice. It offers them the opportunity to develop a good understanding of the complete path to enlightenment and to experience the benefits of practice-oriented study.

The curriculum consists of nine topics, plus three optional supplements. Root texts and commentaries are studied, which are complemented by the support of a study group, meditations, retreats, exams, personal study, readings and advice for the practice of each student.

The FPMT will award the FPMT Foundation Program Certificate to students who successfully complete the global exam and meet all requirements. Candidates for this exam must complete the entire syllabus and three months of Lam Rim retreat at the end of the program. Likewise, satisfy the criteria of ethical and practical conduct that characterize the values ​​of an authentic Dharma student.


ViñetasWhat does the Basic Program offer?

  • Teachings of the nine subjects of the Basic Program.

  • Study of the root texts and recommended standard commentaries.

  • The opportunity for exams for each topic.

  • The option to prepare for the FPMT final exam and certificate.

  • Lam Rim courses and retreats during the Program.

  • Planning meditations, study and continued discussion as integral elements of the courses through the study group.

  • Study and practice material for meditation, bibliography, transcription of the teachings, diagrams and audios.

  • Tutoring for study and meditation for enrolled students.


  • ViñetasHow to take part:

  • Attending specific modules of your interest.

  • Attending the entire program and complying with the requirements indicated by the organization.


  • ViñetasEnrollment in the Basic Program

  • To get the most out of this Program, it is highly recommended to engage in the study and meditation of the root texts. Only registered students will be able to receive the didactic study material and they will be candidates to receive the Diploma of the Basic Program if they meet all the requirements that the organization indicates. Study material is distributed for personal use and is subject to copyright and may not be copied or reproduced for any purpose. It is possible to register for the entire course or partially for any of its modules at any time. People who want to occasionally attend the Program can also register. The contributions requested for the courses are to defray the expenses involved in the organization of the Program and the maintenance of the Center. People with difficulty contributing with the monthly contribution, please contact the Center's management, to see the facilities that could be granted, as well as other forms of collaboration. Your registration is essential to attend the classes and to send you the study material.


  • ViñetasBasic Program Modules

  • Mind and Cognition (May to November 2019).

  • The Heart Sutra (May to June 2019).

  • The Wheel of Sharp Weapons (January 7 to March 25, 2020).

  • Postulates (May 12 to August 25, 2020).

  • Bodhisattvacaryavatara (Shantideva) (September 1 to December 15, 2020).

  • Lam Rim.

  • The Ornament of Clear Realizations.

  • The Sublime Continuum of the Mahayana.

  • Foundation of the Secret Mantra.


  • ViñetasMind and Cognition

  • Introduction to the Buddhist understanding of the mind and its functions. It includes both a presentation of cognition in its various forms, valid and distorted, as well as Buddhist psychology on positive and negative states of mind relevant to the practice of the path to liberation.


  • ViñetasThe Heart Sutra

  • He reveals the truth of emptiness through a short dialogue between two of the most illustrious disciples of the Buddha: Avalokiteshvara and Sariputra. Traditional commentaries expand on the cryptic style of the sutra in order to elucidate the nature of the wisdom that comprehends emptiness, as well as the "method" practices that are its essential complement.


  • ViñetasThe Wheel of Edged Weapons

  • Explanation of the means to develop and increase the Mahayana attitude the aspiration to become a Buddha to benefit all beings and, especially, how to transform adverse circumstances to that end.


  • ViñetasLam Rim (The Stages of the Path)

  • The Gradual Path or "Lam Rim" is a famous synthesis of the essential teachings of the Buddha. This module studies Lama Tsong Khapa's medium Lam Rim, which is a commentary on Lama Atisha's "A Light on the Path". The Lam Rim teachings lay out the gradual path to Enlightenment from correct devotion to the spiritual master to the wisdom of emptiness to the attainment of Enlightenment.


  • ViñetasPostulates

  • Based on the idea that the Buddha taught different things according to the abilities of different people, Tibetan disciples systematized the many streams of Indian Buddhist thought into four schools of Postulates, as a means of approaching deeper philosophical teachings through more accessible levels.


  • ViñetasBodisatvacharyavatara (Shantideva)

  • "Commitment to Bodhisattva Actions" based on Shantideva's inspiring verses on Mahayana aspiration and practice. Composed over a thousand years ago, they are still widely regarded today as the most complete and authentic guide for the practitioner. A classic, which offers from simple practices to treat destructive emotions to the most refined analysis of the ultimate truth.


  • ViñetasThe Ornament of Clear Realizations

  • The root text for the study of the levels and types of realization on the path to Enlightenment. Traditionally, it forms the basis for extensive study of the study programs in monastic universities.


  • ViñetasThe Sublime Mahayana Continuum

  • One of the most important teachings in all the traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, which clarifies the meaning of our buddhic potential, and especially the emptiness of the mind that allows us to evolve towards the state of full enlightenment.


  • ViñetasFundamentals of the Secret Mantra

  • "Fundamentals and paths of the secret mantra" gives us a concise overview of the structure of the tantric path. A special distinction of Tantra is its unique combination of method and wisdom, achieved through meditating on the perfect form of a Buddha completely devoid of real existence.


  • Lama Zopa Rinpoche

    ""Use problems as ornaments, viewing them as extremely precious, because they make you quickly attain enlightenment, making you attain bodhicitta. Experience these problems on behalf of all sentient beings, bringing happiness to all sentient beings. This is the ornament."

    "Lama Zopa Rinpoche"