Exploring Buddhism - Mod. 3 The Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate

with Geshe Tenzin Losel from Jan 16 – April 10

An FPMT Study Program, offered in collaboration with Jamyang London Buddhist Centre (in English & online only), Nalanda Monastery in France and Nagarjuna Center in Spain. With this collaboration we aim to create wider access in The Netherlands to the teachings of two of the very few Western Geshes: Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Lösel 

Introduction of Exploring Buddhism 

This Buddhist course is divided into 4 modules:

• Exploring the Mind (May – July 2024)
• Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way (Sept – Nov 2024)
• Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate (Jan – March 2025)
• Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths (Apr – July 2025)

Module 3 - Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate 

Here, the methods of debate, reasoning, and logical analysis, which are so fundamental in Buddhism, found in traditional Buddhist texts are explained. This module helps us to understand:

• valid cognition through reasoning which covers logic, epistemology, the study of how we know what we know; 
• ontology, what are the things which exist and how do they exist; 
• learning how to use valid reasoning in analysing the scriptures. 

It also explains the structure of debate— the reasoning and logical statements used in traditional Buddhist texts. This is essential both for understanding traditional commentaries that use this language of epistemology to clarify certain points, and for addressing doubts that arise in one's own mind. It consists of 2 parts: Dialectic Debate Methods called Collected Topics and Signs and Reasoning called Tarig.

Learning about reasoning enables us to have a more clear, powerful, and structured practice of analytical meditation on all topics of the graduated path of the Lam Rim from guru devotion up to emptiness

For whom & benefits

“Although initially I thought it was more of a theoretical course it turned out to be very practical in terms of what you can actually take into your practice and into your daily life and helps you shift your perspective on things. I found that very beneficial so I’m coming back for the next one… I’m very much intending to sign up again just to review and consolidate what I learned.” - Mircea (student of Exploring Buddhism 2021-2024)

• The lessons are suitable for practitioners with some background in Buddhist teachings like Discovering Buddhism and have some ground level understanding of the Lam Rim. You do not need to be a Buddhist.
• To be able to explore profound, ancient Buddhist wisdom & insights into mindscience and philosophy explained in a clear and accessible way.
• To be able to learn from & progress in your path with the support of two amazing teachers. Geshe means “one who knows virtue, one who knows what should be practiced and what should be given up”. Geshe is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks who have successfully finished a decades-long study in Buddhist philosophy and psychology at a renowned monastic university.

Your teacher

Geshe Tenzin Losel (Teacher @ Nalanda Monastery)

Geshe Losel is a graduate of the Institute of Dialectics in Dharamsala, India and studied there under the famous scholar Gen Lobsang Gyatso. A British monk, Graham Woodhouse is one of the very few Westerners trained in the traditional Tibetan way as a Geshe. He received his Geshe degree from Drepung Loseling Monastic College. He has knowledge of the texts, skill in translating, an ability to convey the subtleties of Buddhist thought in lucid English and teaches traditional Buddhist debate.

Practical details

• Day: Every Thursday evening, module 3 from January 16th onwards
• Time: from 19.30 – 21.30 hrs (teaching and Q&A)
• Language:
  • The teachings will be given in English.
  • You will be provided with a textbook both in English and Dutch 
• Online: via Zoom.
• Registration: Please use this link to register for the student learning platform and for offering donations for the course to Jamyang London Buddhist Centre .
• Recordings: will be made available to the students via de student learning platform provided by Jamyang London Buddhist Center.
• More information: https://jamyang.co.uk/exploring-buddhism-2

Donations

The monthly donations will be collected by Jamyang London Buddhist Centre as they are the lead organizing center. Your donations are donated to your teachers Geshe Namdak and Geshe Losel, Jamyang London Buddhist Centre, Nalanda Monastery and a small part to Maitreya Instituut. Keep in mind that the donation amount should never be an obstacle to your access to the Dharma. Please contact us (amsterdam@maitreya.nl) if it might be an obstacle for you.

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