Exploring Buddhism

FPMT foundational-level program taught by Geshe Tenzin Legtsok

Introduction

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. Geshe Tenzin Namdak and Geshe Tenzin Legtsok serve as the main contributors. The program has been revised from the original pilot offered at various FPMT centers.

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.

What will I learn?

The complete Exploring Buddhism program is divided into two sections: Exploring the Mind and Philosophy and Exploring Meditation and Practice. The entire program is offered over 18 months within the three-year curriculum by Ocean of Compassion Buddhist Center (OCBC) and Vajrapani Institute (VPI).

Section 1: Exploring the Mind and Philosophy

This section consists of four modules:

Exploring the Mind
Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way
Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths

Section 2: Exploring Meditation and Practice

This section consists of four modules:

Exploring Meditation
Exploring the Path
Exploring Mind Training
Exploring the Conditions for Realizations

Teacher

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.

Three-Year Curriculum

Year 1: June 2025 – December 2025

Exploring the Mind
This module presents the mind or consciousness, our principal means for knowing reality, with its nature, functions and divisions along with mental factors that positively or negatively impact its operation.
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.
Exploring the Path
This module offers a roadmap of contemplation topics for the entire spiritual journey on the stages of the path to enlightenment.

Year 2: June 2026 – December 2026

Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way
This module teaches the right views needed to transform our mind by uprooting subtle levels of ignorance, the roots of suffering. It examines the tenet systems of the main schools of Buddhist philosophy, culminating in the Middle Way view, which clarifies the deepest meaning of emptiness.
Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths
This module presents the path for mental development on the way to liberation and enlightenment, concluding the philosophical aspect of the program.
Exploring Meditation
This module teaches how to generate focused levels of awareness immersed in the Dharma, integrating intellectual understanding into the fabric of our being.

Year 3: June 2027 – December 2027

Exploring Mind Training
This module presents teachings that convert all experiences, especially hardships, into fuel for the path, helping us develop our full potential.
Exploring the Conditions for Realizations
This module presents essential prayers and practices that support developing realizations, purifying negative karma and accumulating vast stores of merit. Emphasis is placed on traditional preliminary practices such as relying on a teacher, going for refuge, generating altruistic motivation, prostrations, mandala offerings, and purifying with the Vajrasattva mantra. Clear and powerful instructions for performing these practices correctly are provided.

Find out more about the entire FPMT Exploring Buddhism program here.

Year 2 Schedule

Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way

Offered by Ocean of Compassion
Register for the Exploring the View, Tenets and the Middle Way Module

Teaching Sessions:
Twelve Monday evenings
June 15 – August 31, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
in-person at OCBC or online
Practice Days:
Two Sunday afternoons
July 26 and August 30, 2026
2:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific Time
in-person at OCBC or online
Study Group Sessions:
Three 90-minute review sessions
Thursday group:

July 9, July 30, August 20
7:00pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
Sunday group:
July 12, August 2, August 23
4:00pm – 5:30pm Pacific Time
online only

Exploring the Sutra Grounds and Paths

Offered by Ocean of Compassion

Teaching Sessions:
Twelve Monday evenings
September 14 – December 7, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
in-person at OCBC or online
Practice Days:
Two Sunday afternoons
October 25 and December 6, 2026
2:00pm – 5:00pm Pacific Time
in-person at OCBC or online
Study Group Sessions:
Three 90-minute review sessions
Thursday group:

October 8, October 29, November 25 (Wednesday)
7:00pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time
Sunday group:
October 11, November 1, November 29
4:00pm – 5:30pm Pacific Time
online only

Exploring Meditation

Offered by Vajrapani Institute

Exploring Meditation Retreat:
November 12 – November 20, 2026
in-person at VPI
Register for the Exploring Meditation Retreat

How do I learn?

The program is offered for both in-person and online. Local students are encouraged to attend in person on Monday evenings at OCBC and participate in a 8-day retreat at VPI for an immersive study experience. Recordings of classes and materials will be made available to registered students. The learning method includes a combination of attending teaching sessions, practice days, individual study and contemplation, end-of-module assessments, and study group review sessions. You will be part of a supportive community of fellow student-practitioners.

Official course certification from FPMT is available; certification requirements can be found in the FAQ page.

Prerequisites

The Exploring Buddhism program is ideal for individuals who

Have a good understanding of foundational Buddhist principles, such as the Stages of the Path (Lamrim) teachings, as presented in the Discovering Buddhism program.
Have attended a one-month Kopan November Course or completed the following Discovering Buddhism modules — or equivalent study:
- Mind and Its Potential
- Presenting the Path
- Death and Rebirth
- All About Karma
- Samsara and Nirvana
- Wisdom of Emptiness
Have a strong interest in exploring Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and practices on a deeper level.

Cost and Registration

The Exploring Buddhism program is donation-based, founded on the Generosity Model, which ensures accessibility for everyone, regardless of financial situation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

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.

Short Introduction to FPMT Exploring Buddhism 2025–2027

View a short introduction by Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to the first year of Exploring Buddhism:

Geshe Tenzin Legtsok Introducing Exploring Buddhism
About Exploring Buddhism Year 1

Long Introduction to FPMT Exploring Buddhism 2025–2027

View a longer introduction by Geshe Tenzin Legtsok to the first year of Exploring Buddhism:

Background of Exploring Buddhism
What is the motivation behind developing this course?
Who is this course designed for?
What will you learn in the first year?
Exploring the Mind
What will you learn in the first year?
Exploring the Fundamentals of Reasoning and Debate
What will you learn in the first year?
Exploring the Path

Testimonials

I found that the first year of Exploring Buddhism with Geshe Tenzin Legtsok was instrumental in advancing my understanding of Buddhism beyond a beginner level. Not just because the class provided a wealth of knowledge, but more so because Geshe taught tools and methods to better understand the Dharma. I was extremely lucky and blessed to have found this instruction.

— Rick, Year 1 student

The Exploring Buddhism program in 2025 was extremely valuable to me. It not only helped me learn the material being taught and provided a variety of practices to try, but it also helped me reflect on what my continued practice might look like over the next few years. Geshe Legtsok was a wonderful teacher—kind to everyone and deeply knowledgeable about the topics.

— Kate, Year 1 student

I chose to enroll in OCBC's Exploring Buddhism (EB) program because I wanted to level up my Dharma practice and take advantage of Geshe Legtsok teaching on the West Coast. I have taken modules of Discovering Buddhism and other intro-level Buddhism classes at various FPMT centers over the years and want to sink my teeth into the Dharma deeper by committing to a long-term course. Geshe-la's teaching style is unique in that he is an American educated in Western philosophy, and also educated and ordained in the Tibetan monastic tradition in India. This means he's able to meet Western students where they're at and help them more easily understand the details and nuances of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Additionally, his deep respect for the Buddha's teachings and admiration for his teachers is palpable. This means students not only have a teacher in Geshe-la but an example of a true practitioner.

I also appreciate the EB cohort model that allows students to connect with one another. OCBC uses technology to their advantage and provides access to recordings of each class so students can reconnect with the material during breaks from class. I would recommend the EB program to advanced Dharma students, and Geshe Legtsok’s upcoming Discovering Buddhism course to students newer to Buddhism.

— Sam, Year 1 student