Foundation for Buddhist Thought

OM AH HUNG

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Study Experience

Eligibility

Study Experience
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This course is suitable for people who are interested in Buddhism in general, and particularly in Tibetan Buddhism, and who have already attended some teachings, read some books, and are interested in learning more about Tibetan Buddhism on a systematic and structured way.
It is very advisable that you have at least an elementary understanding of Tibetan Buddhism prior to starting the course. Whilst considering everyday concerns, Geshe Tashi soon takes us much deeper, drawing on his vast knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism, and his understanding of the Western mind, to develop a really profound view of Buddhist philosophical traditions.
As regards content, please note that the course takes a middle way between intellectual analysis and experiential understanding. It’s geared for people who have some previous experience of Buddhism, but, though it offers structured and organized formal study, it is not an academic course.

Therefore, when you apply, we ask you to write a little about yourself and your previous study of Buddhism. For people with no prior knowledge of Buddhism, the FPMT's Discovering Buddhism is a good introduction.
“After having spent a few years reading various Buddhist books and gradually becoming more and more interested in dharma I decided to ‘take the plunge’  and actually get involved to some degree.  So I started the FBT course.  It is a well worn phrase but I did feel that participating as a student on the course really did change my life.  It felt like what I had been seeking for a very long time. I absolutely loved the course.  Why?  Well first there was the solid and comprehensive information on which it was based - a great foundation if you will pardon the pun.  Then the warmth and enthusiasm of Geshe Tashi which brought all the ideas to life.  Then on top of that the unique opportunity to discuss the material in depth with fellow students, making many valuable friendships along the way.  This then inspired me to try to practice the dharma in a more solid way.”  Colin, FBT graduate
 

Location

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The correspondence course is available to students living all over the world, as long as you have access to the Internet, and a postal address to receive the material.
You can select the option that works best for you according to factors such as the speed of your internet connection. You can read more about this in the Dates and Fees section.
 

Language

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Currently the correspondence course is taught in English. Students should have a reasonable level of spoken and written English. Course books are also available in French and Spanish.
 

Distance learning

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Distance learning can be described as a formalized teaching and learning system which is specifically designed to be carried out remotely by using various media other than face to face.

For some students this might be the first time that you undertake a distance learning course, and the idea of discussing Dharma in an online forum can seem daunting, particularly if it is the first time you use this media for discussion.

Distance learning does present different challenges from face to face interaction (such as the fact that you probably won’t hear other students’ voices, or meet them in person to have a chat after class, etc), but most of our students get used to the forums very quickly and find that there are also perks from doing a course online. For example, you will interact with a variety of students from all around the world, you can choose your time and place to study, you can participate in time with your own rhythm, and some people find it easier to express their ideas in writing.

The course requires elementary computer skills. You will be using a web interface that requires you to log into a students area to participate in the discussions. There will be a forum, a chat room and the various materials for the course such as the audio, the prayer book documents and videos.

You will have to be familiar with downloading material from the web, such as ordinary documents, .pdfs, and audio and video files.  This is particularly relevant if you choose to do the course by the “download audio” option.

As much as we can we will provide support to resolve any issues you might have with the technical aspects of the course. If you are not sure about the technology, please get in touch with the course administrator who will be happy to answer your questions.
 

Elements of a Module

Study Experience
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In Summary: Elements of a Four-month Module

Reading (course book and supplementary reading (both of which you purchase separately).
Listening (approximately 12 hours).
Meditation (20 minutes a day).
Review questions at the end of each chapter (as a quiz).
Discussion questions every two weeks for three months of the module.
Written essaylettes - two very short essays.
The long essay - 1,500 words in the fourth (non-contact) month.
The exam - two hours in the fourth (non-contact) month.
It is not necessary to do all of these elements to have completed a module, but it is by participating in the more active elements such as the discussion questions, that the course really comes alive.

In Detail: Elements of a module

 

Timetable

For each module you follow a timetable divided into blocks of two weeks, with one or two topics covered within that period. For example, in weeks nine and ten of the first module on the Four Noble Truths, your timetable is:

 

Weeks Chapter Topics Page CD tracks
9 & 10 CH. 5
The Truth
of Cessation		 What is cessation?
Symbolic, residual & non-residual
Liberation and enlightenment
Cessation in Theravada/Mahayana		 59
60
64
65 		 11:2~3
11:4~7
11:8/12:1
12:2~3
Two obscurations
Two kayas
Liberation and emptiness
4 characteristics		 67
68
70
71 		 12:4
12:5
12:6
12:7 

 

Review Questions

You have studied the first two Noble Truths, the Truth of Suffering and the Truth of the Origin of Suffering. Your tutor sends you a quiz with questions about the previous chapter. These are 'close-ended' questions with right/wrong answers and are purely a way for you to see if you have understood the content or meaning of the chapter.

Listening and Reading

For weeks nine and ten you read pages 59 to 74 of the course books (as well as some supplementary reading) and listen to 14 tracks of Geshe Tashi's teachings (about 150 minutes).

Discussion

Your moderator sends one or two discussion questions early on in this period to your email moderator group. Here you can discuss the questions in the Study Centre with other members of your moderator group. These questions are for you to explore as you study the topic. For instance, the questions might be:
1.Using reason to back up your answer, do you think the cessation of suffering as described in the third Noble Truth is possible?
2."... neither obscuration is completely one with our mind... the nature of our mind is never integrated with the delusions. The nature of the mind is pure." What is mind according to your understanding? What connotations does the word "mind" have for you, and generally in the West?
Perhaps you don't have a clear understanding on first reading, but one or two of your moderator group have already replied. You get some ideas from them but have some of your own, so you reply, and they respond to your message. And so, together, you build up an understanding of the topic.

Written work

At the end of months one and two of the module there is a very short "essaylette" which is a chance for you to précis your ideas. This goes directly to your moderator and is not seen by your fellow students.

Revision and Essay

The active part of the module lasts twelve weeks, followed by a month where there is no group contact. This is for revision and for your long essay (1,500 words) and the two-hour written exam.
“I think the content of the course was quite comprehensive and well thought out. The modules were presented in a sensible order and they built on each other. The Tantra module was way over my head, but I am glad that I had some exposure to this subject.  I think that the essaylettes and the long essays, as well as the discussion threads were, pedagologically speaking, the best part of the course. I really learned a lot writing them” Joseph, FBT graduate

Commitment

The six modules form a whole, the first three being like the base and the second three being like the practice. We therefore ask that you commit to doing the entire two years. Of course, life can “intervene” and sometimes you might have to postpone the course or do a module at a later time. We will do everything we can to ensure you get the most out of the course.
Successful Completion
You will be counted as having completed a module when you send your long essay and exam into your tutor. You will receive the certificate of completion when you have completed all six modules.
The course is a commitment and how much time is needed for it varies greatly. Many students have said they spend an evening a week, or maybe a couple of nights for a couple of hours, but it really depends on how committed you are and how much time you have. It is possible to get a lot out of the course without doing everything but, as you know, the more you put into it the more you get out of it.
See also Frequently Asked Questions