Practical Solutions – Buddhism's Scientific Methods

Buddha’s teachings are scientific methods for improving our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.

Gain practical experience of Buddhism and meditation

Deepen your experience of Tharpa books by receiving support and inspiration from qualified teachers and practitioners. Tharpa Publications is part of the wider spiritual community of the New Kadampa Tradition. This tradition has a growing number of centres in over 40 countries around the world. Each centre offers special study programmes in modern Buddhism and meditation, taught by qualified Teachers. These programmes are based on the study of books by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and are designed to fit comfortably with a modern way of life.

Everyone is welcome. There are different levels of study according to different people’s interests, wishes and lifestyle.

Something for everyone

General Programme (GP)

Including practical advice and guided meditations, this accessible weekly programme of drop-in classes gives real insight into how Buddhist solutions can be applied in daily life.

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The cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge of material things…

In recent years our knowledge of modern technology has increased considerably, and as a result we have witnessed remarkable material progress, but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. Indeed, it might be said that there are now more problems and greater dangers than ever before. This shows that the cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge of material things. Happiness and suffering are states of mind and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind. If we want to be truly happy and free from suffering, we must learn how to control our mind.

Modern Buddhism

One of the books studied on the General Programme

Foundation Programme (FP)

Building on experience gained in General Programme, the Foundation Programme provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding and experience of Buddhism through the systematic study of six texts.

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…it is more important to learn inner science…

To know subtle elements precisely - their natures and their functions - we need to study the inner science of Buddhadharma. If we master the subjects of inner science we shall attain special realizations which are the inner fruits of our study. When we have a complete understanding of inner science we shall attain enlightenment. All the realizations we gain as a result of Dharma practice are inner powers. Inner science brings only peace and never any danger. By comparison, external science, for all its great benefits, brings many dangers and conflicts. In fact at present its dangers greatly outweigh its benefits because our technological advancement has brought us nuclear weapons, and these have a destructive power many times greater than the creative power of all our other inventions. Now external science is endangering the welfare of the whole world. Therefore, of the two, it is more important to learn inner science.

Joyful Path of Good Fortune

One of the books studied on the Foundation Programme

Teacher Training Programme (TTP)

Through detailed study of Buddha’s teachings, teaching skills classes and various retreat commitments, the Teacher Training Programme provides the opportunity to become a qualified Kadampa Teacher, and help others to realize their own potential. Some TTPs are also offered as correspondence courses.

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Deluded mental factors are the cause of all negative actions…

Some of the fifty-one mental factors are quite similar, and so we need to study them carefully and discuss them with others until we have a clear understanding of each one. Although we develop these mental factors within our own mind, we still need to try to identify them precisely so that we know which ones to abandon and which ones to cultivate[...] Abandoning non-virtuous mental factors and cultivating virtuous ones is the essence of Dharma practice. Deluded mental factors are the cause of all negative actions and the source of all suffering and danger. By identifying them and eradicating them we solve all our problems.

How to Understand the Mind

One of the books studied on the Teacher Training Programme

Festivals and Courses

The New Kadampa Tradition also organizes local, national and international Buddhist Festivals and Dharma Celebrations throughout the year, where thousands of people gather to receive teachings from senior Teachers of the tradition and to enjoy the inspiration of spiritual friendship.

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