Buddhist Mind Science, Module 3

Getting to Know Your Mind

with Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Four Sundays
July 27 and August 10, 24, 31
10:30am – 12:30pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
in-person only

Program Category: Dharma Education — Introductory



No prior experience necessary. Everybody is welcome.
Join us and embark on a journey to transform the mind.

Read more about the FPMT introductory course Buddhist Mind Science: Activating Your Potential.

Buddhist Mind Science, Module 3

Getting to Know Your Mind

What is our mind? What are the afflictions that obscure our inner potential? Can they be removed? Why do we often struggle with the same mental patterns? How deep and vast is the potential of our mind?

We will explore such questions from an experiential point of view, using both scientific and Buddhist knowledge of the mind and meditation, in a journey that may translate into increasing lasting happiness and a positive impact on oneself, others, and the world.

The course “Getting to know your mind” focuses on an exploration of the mind to understand what it is, its characteristics, and how can we become more aware of our mental processes and of our mind itself. It also deepens into techniques to diminish mental afflictions, and reflects on the possibility of the continuity of the mind and on karma. It is complemented by references to some current scientific understanding on the mind.

The Journey

“Getting to know your mind” gradually unfolds as a journey along different topics:


  1. Refining attention deepens into stabilizing meditation by presenting obstacles and qualities to cultivate when meditating in calming our minds.
  2. Introducing the nature of the mind challenges our understanding of what the mind is by presenting the mind and its nature from a Buddhist perspective, with practices to put it under examination by meditating on the nature of mind.
  3. How the mind is stained explores how, despite the nature of the mind is pure, afflictions arise and obscure us from seeing its deep nature.
  4. Removing the stains from the mind presents strategies to diminish the power of afflictions so that we find better well-being and conducive conditions to further explore the mind and its possibilities.
  5. Exploring the depth, vastness, and continuity of the mind explores the depth and vastness of the mind and continues to challenge us by suggesting an investigation about the possibility of the continuation of mind after this life.
  6. The continuity of actions presents the notion of karma, how our actions leave an imprint that conditions us, and the role of intention in this process. It concludes with an exploration of the value of this life under these perspectives.
Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok has been ordained as a Buddhist monk since 2001 and is the first American to complete the twenty-year Geshe Studies Program in classic Indian Buddhist treatises and their Tibetan commentaries at Sera Jey Monastic University in South India, following the tradition of ancient Nalanda University. In 2025, he completed the traditional study of tantra at Gyudmed Tantric Monastery.

With over two decades of study and practice under the guidance of great masters, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Geshe Legtsok brings profound insights into the application of Buddhist teachings. Born in Virginia, USA in 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College in 1995. His quest to answer the question, “What makes for the most happy and meaningful life,” led him to major in philosophy, eventually guiding him to study meditation and philosophy with teachers among the exiled Tibetan communities in India and Nepal since 1999.

Dedicated to studying and teaching Buddhist philosophy, Geshe Legtsok seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern-day relevance. His teachings emphasize understanding and transforming the mind through practice, and he is committed to helping others navigate the spiritual path with clarity and patience.

Registration

Suggested Donation: $75 for the entire course or $25 for a single session.

The events at the center are offered on a donation basis. Our philosophy for donations is founded on the Generosity Model, ensuring that our programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.