Foundational Studies

The Foundational Studies consist of the Course series The Essence of Buddhism by Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi and the course Adventure Mahayana by Acharya Lama Sonam Rabgye and Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi.

The first course series The Essence of Buddhism, is divided into five modules:

• Modul 1: The life of the historical Buddha
• Modul 2: The Essential teachings of the Buddha I: Prajna – Weisheit Teil A
• Modul 3: The Essential teachings of the Buddha II: Prajna – Weisheit Teil B
• Modul 4: Four Foundations of Mindfulness Practice (course takes place in 2026)
• Modul 5: The seven groups of thirty-seven factors: Four fruits of the noble path (course takes place in 2026)

The meditation methods of Buddhism can be fully and clearly understood in the context of the essence of Buddhism. In this way, the richness, depth and beauty of Buddhist teachings can also be experienced. Buddhism and the fundamental background of its meditation methods are introduced in the context of the essence of Buddhism. In this way, the richness, depth and beauty of Buddhist teachings can also be experienced.

In the second series of courses, Adventure Mahayana, the resident lamas of the Kamalashila Institute provide a comprehensive introduction to the teachings and practice of Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana is a Buddhist philosophy that refers to the path of the bodhisattvas. It is therefore also known as the ‘bodhisattva vehicle’ (Bodhisattvayana). Mahayana includes unique teachings such as the Madhyamaka teachings on emptiness (shunyata) and teachings on Buddha nature. Each of the eight modules deals with specific aspects of Mahayana. Each module consists of teachings, question and answer sessions, and group meditations.

• Modul 1: Exploring the basis and motivation
• Modul 2: The mind and its various functions
• Modul 3: Love, compassion and bodhicitta
• Modul 4: Generosity, discipline, patience, joyful effort and meditation
• Modul 5: Developing wisdom and the view of emptiness
• Modul 6: The Five Paths, Ten Bhumis, and Thirty-Seven Factors of Enlightenment
• Modul 7: The Three Kayas and the Buddha Activities
• Modul 8: Mahayana Practice Retreat – Putting Everything into Practice

Afterwards, we recommend the postgraduate course in Buddhism taught by our two resident lamas, Acharya Lama Sönam Rabgye and Acharya Lama Kelzang Wangdi, in which these teachings are continued in great depth.