Intermediate Programs

It is to be noted that although the intermediate programs offered by Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa are generally not more difficult than the introductory programs on Buddhism and meditation (such as Buddhism in a Nutshell, Meditation 101, and Advice for Death and Dying), they provide a much more detailed and in-depth presentation of the entire spiritual path as described in Tibetan Buddhism.

The following intermediate programs include regular meditation sessions and retreats, with the aim of providing the tools needed to integrate the knowledge gained into one's mind and into one's experiences in daily life.

  • Discovering Buddhism is an FPMT program that consists of 13 teaching modules taught in 13 weekends over a two-year period, accompanied by a 14th practice module that consists of specific individual spiritual practices that students can engage in wherever and whenever they wish. The 13 teaching modules provide a clear and structured presentation of the key elements of the spiritual path of Tibetan Buddhism with a view to providing participants with a basis for further study and enabling them to establish a personal meditation practice. While it would be ideal to do all 13 teaching modules in the order in which they are presented, it is possible to participate in any number of modules and to do them in any order. Discovering Buddhism is mainly taught in Italian at ILTK, although some weekends are taught in English and translated into Italian over FM radio. Discovering Buddhism is available as an online program in Italian from ILTK, and is available as an on-line program in English from the FPMT.
  • Wisdom & Compassion: The True Source of Genuine Happiness is an annual course developed by Lama Tzong Khapa Institute that covers the key topics of Mahayana Buddhism, beginning with the four noble truths up to the development of the complementary wings of wisdom and compassion. Classes are held Monday to Friday, accompanied by daily sessions of meditation and ample time for discussion and questions. On Saturdays, participants are taken to visit the beautiful countryside and historic cities of Tuscany. The course is offered exclusively by Lama Tzong Khapa Institute and is taught entirely in English.

  • Living in the Path is an FPMT program based on a teachings given over a period of several years by Lama Zopa Rinpoche on Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment. It consists of video, audio, and text materials drawn from these teachings and supplemented by materials from the archive of Lama Yeshe's teachings. When taught at a center, it is led by a facilitator who is familiar with Lama Zopa Rinpoche's and Lama Yeshe's teaching styles. It is offered as an on-line program in English from the FPMT. It will be offered in Italian at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute in 2012/13.