Furthing your studies

Furthering your studies

If you've completed the Introductory Course, and you'd like to go further, you're welcome to join one of the meditation or study classes. The nice thing about the classes is that you meditate and study together, and inspire each other by sharing your experiences. Meditation really starts to become apart of your everyday life.

The class system of Phuntsok Chö Ling is based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Every individual can determine his or her own tempo and level of intensity. We offer three consequtive classes: The Meditation Class, the Study Class (with The Four Thoughts as its basis), and the Ngöndro Class. 

Meditation Class

Duration: The class meets throughout the year.
Dates: Monday or Wednesday evening
Time: 19:30 – 21:30 (until 22:00 when Lama Jigmé is in town.)

In this class meditation and personal development are the focus. Lama Jigmé guides you further on your meditation path. Instruction is tailored to meet the student's needs at any given moment in their lives. Attention is given to questions such as: 'How can I maintain my meditation in the midst of hectic daily life?' and 'How can I deal with the negativity around me?' Approximately every month, Lama Jigmé gives a joint reading to the Monday and Wednesday classes. 

Study Class: The Four Thoughts

Duration: The class meets throughout the year.
Dates: Thursday evenings
Time: 19:30 – 21:30 (until 22:00 when Lama Jigmé is in town)

After following the Meditation Class, it's possible to deepen your knowledge of Buddhism in the Study Class. The current focus of the Study Class is the thoughts that form the basis of Buddhist study known as The Four Thoughts, which are as follows:

-Precious Human Life
-Impermanence
-The Principle of Cause and Effect (Karma)
-The Defects of Samsara

The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche is used as the study guide for this class. Once you decide to join this class, you'll be asked to commit to it for a minimum of six months. 

Ngöndro Class

Duration: The class meets throughout the year.
Dates: Tuesday evenings
Time: 19:30 – 21:30 (until 22:00 when Lama Jigmé is in town)

The focal points of this class are variously, taking refuge, developing bodhicitta, and mind training. Each of these has its own study materials and meditation practices. The Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche is used as the main guide for the class. This class forms a basis for an intensive training  program that requires a great deal independence and motivation from the student. Once you decide to join this class, you'll be asked to make at least a year-long commitment.