Exploring Buddhism, Section 1: Exploring the Mind and Philosophy
Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
Twelve Monday Teaching Sessions
September 15 – December 8, 2025
6:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
in-person at OCBC and online
Two Sunday afternoon Practice Days
November 30 and December 14, 2025
2:00pm – 5:00pm PST
in-person at OCBC and online
Three 90-minute Study Group Sessions
4th week of each month
Wednesday Group:
September 24, October 22, November 19
7:00pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
September 28, October 26, November 23
4:00pm – 5:30pm Pacific Time
Registration closes on September 22.
Program Category: Dharma Education — Foundational
This is a hybrid event, and we are using the
Zoom video conferencing system
for online participants.
Please register below to receive your online access information.
By registering for this event, you understand that the
sessions may be recorded and published in the public
domain (such as YouTube), and consent to this process.
Exploring Buddhism
Exploring Buddhism is the newest
foundational-level course co-developed by FPMT Education
Services and senior FPMT teachers, including Geshe Tenzin
Namdak, Geshe Tenzin Legtsok, and Venerable Joan
Nicell.
It was conceived as a bridge between the FPMT
Discovering Buddhism
and the FPMT
Basic Program.
The Exploring Buddhism program presents selected
topics that provide a strong basis for more advanced
study. The program is intended for students with a good
understanding of basic Buddhism.
Read an
overview of the Exploring Buddhism program
that will be offered at Ocean of Compassion and Vajrapani Institute.
Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
This module presents the tools for gaining realizations
of the right views through methods of debate, reasoning,
and logical analysis found in traditional Buddhist
texts.
In this course, you will learn:
- Understanding the three-fold structure of a classic text (refuting others’ systems, presenting the author’s own system and eliminating disputes)
- How to debate
- Introduction to basic Buddhist concepts drawn from Collected Topics
- Introduction to Signs and Reasoning (Tarig)
- How one progresses from a wrong view, through the three types of doubt, to correct assumption, and finally valid inference
FAQ
Please read our
Exploring Buddhism FAQ
for answers to frequently asked questions.
If you have more questions about the program, please
enter them here,
and we will update the
FAQ page.
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: $300
Registration is required to receive your online access information.
Registration closes on September 22.
All our Dharma teachings and events are offered on a
dana (generosity) basis
— in the spirit of giving freely, just
as the Buddha taught. This is a beautiful opportunity to support
the teachings and open your heart through generosity.
There is no charge to attend, and no one is turned away. While
teachings are free, your support helps keep the Center running
and makes these precious teachings available to others. We have
included suggested donation amounts to help guide your offering.
Ordained sangha are warmly welcome to attend free of charge.
Thank you for joining in this shared act of support. We rejoice for you.