Retreats
Over four years the full range of traditional Buddhist methods is gradually introduced in ways suitable for a modern Western audience. While grounded in the theory and practice of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, aspects of the living tradition of Theravada practices form an integral part of the training. These traditional expositions are supplemented by modern explorations of topics such as the psychology of spiritual development, the arhat and bodhisattva ideals, the role of ritual, identity formation, metaphor in Yogacara, Buddhist epistemology, theory of narrative and so on.
Practice nowHave questions? Read the F.A.Q.
A balance of two wings: Wisdom and Compassion
Wing
Available
RET
Compassion
- Investigate emptiness through the Madhyamaka teachings of Nāgārjuna
- Practice shamatha, Vipaśyanā and bodhicitta according to Kamalashīla’s
- Experience the Buddha-nature that underlies confusion and conditioning
- Exchanging self and others: transforming problems into joy
Wing
RET
Wisdom
- Deepen shamantha according to Asanga stages
- Cultivate appreciation, love, care, bodhicctta for all life
- Explore the hidden layers of the mind — the Buddhist unconscious
- Transforming ordinary mind into wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the first eleven months the common foundations, renunciation, bodhicitta, and the view of emptiness, are explored based on the Lamrim. For the remaining five months the focus is on the uncommon practices, Vajrasattva purification, mandala offerings, and guru yoga. Weekly sessions each introduce a new topic that examines different ways to meditate and why, in combination with a guided meditation.
The training helps establish a consistent daily meditative practice in supports of its overall aim: to engage in contemplative meditation in a way that genuinely transforms the mind’s outlook on the world and gives one’s life a new direction. Students gain a deep understanding of how to accumulate merit and purify unskillful karma while cultivating a healthy relationship with the Three Jewels and their teacher. The emphasis is on learning to meditate in a personally tailored way, in accordance with one’s psychological makeup and life conditions.
The training helps establish a consistent daily meditative practice in supports of its overall aim: to engage in contemplative meditation in a way that genuinely transforms the mind’s outlook on the world and gives one’s life a new direction. Students gain a deep understanding of how to accumulate merit and purify unskillful karma while cultivating a healthy relationship with the Three Jewels and their teacher. The emphasis is on learning to meditate in a personally tailored way, in accordance with one’s psychological makeup and life conditions.
The teaching sessions are prerecorded. Each week a 90 minute teaching together with a guided meditation are uploaded. On four other days, advanced students contribute additional guided meditations. The teacher, Venerable Gendun, offers regular online Q&A sessions. For those who have already studied the Lamrim or the FPMT Basic Program, the training also offers specialized opportunities to learn how to guide others in meditation
The training will be offered annually. The first training runs from mid September 2026 to end of June 2028. Access is through the IDMT page. Participants register with their local IDMT participating FPMT center.