Discovering Buddhism, Module 1
Mind and Its Potential
Six Tuesday sessions
June 30 – August 4, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm PDT (Pacific Daylight Time)
in-person and online
Practice Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026
2:00pm – 5:00pm PDT
in-person and online
Program Category: Dharma Education — Foundational
We are using the Zoom video conferencing system for this event. 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.
Discovering Buddhism
Join a new cycle of Discovering Buddhism —
a fresh opportunity for students of all backgrounds
to explore the foundations of the Buddhist path together.
The two-year FPMT foundational-level program is offered in a hybrid format,
taught by our resident teacher Geshe Tenzin Legtsok,
and our beloved teacher Venerable Angie Muir.
Explore an
overview of the 2-year Discovering Buddhism curriculum
offered from June 2026 to June 2028,
hosted collaboratively by Ocean of Compassion and
Land of Medicine Buddha.
Become part of a new cohort of students to learn,
grow your spiritual practice, and study with our wonderful teachers.
Module 1: Mind and Its Potential
Examine what is "mind," its nature and function, and how it affects our experience of happiness and suffering. Come explore the differentiation between mind and brain, mind as the creator of our experiences, and the implications of possessing a mind that has no beginning and no end. In addition, learn methods to transform destructive thoughts and attitudes and create a positive and joyous mind.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for attending this program.
Discovering Buddhism is an entry-level program
in Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Geshe Legtsok has shared his intention to begin teaching the
FPMT Basic Program
in June 2028.
Discovering Buddhism is highly recommended as a
preparation for the Basic Program.
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 amount: $150 for the entire course
Registration is required to receive your online access information.
A volunteer/study-trade option is available for local students
who would like to support the hybrid programming of this class.
If you are interested, please email
spc@oceanofcompassion.org.
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.
If you are not able to donate at this time, please email
office@oceanofcompassion.org.
Thank you for joining in this shared act of support. We rejoice for you.