MEDITATION AND PRACTICE IN THE MASTERS PROGRAM 2008

"Here we spend more time in studying the meaning of the words and then
trying to put them into meditation and practice. In this way we can develop
concentration and wisdom and subdue our minds. By combining work and study
the mind is subdued and we make the mind better. In this way, we try to eliminate the afflicted emotions so that the mind becomes more quiet, relaxed and happy."

Geshe Jampa Gyatso

The Masters Program provides an extensive education in the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism combined with an opportunity to put the teachings into meditative practice. In line with this idea, in addition to the study of the core curriculum, the Masters Program 2008 offers the following opportunities for integrating the teachings into one's practice:

• Three one-month lam-rim retreats at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa after respectively Ornament, Middle Way, and Treasury

• A weekly session of guided lam-rim meditation

• A final nine to twelve-month retreat at a location of the student's choice


It should be noted that for residential students a total of twelve months of retreat is a requirement for the final Masters Program Certificate. For this reason, those students who have participated in the three one-month retreats are required to do only nine months of retreat at the end of the program, whereas those students who have not participated in the three one-month retreats are required to do twelve months of retreat.

On-line students are required to do a one-month lam-rim retreat in order to qualify for the final Masters Program Certificate in Home Studies.