Train Your Mind, Open Your Heart:
A Year of Buddhist Study & Practice for Real Life
A Year of Buddhist Study & Practice for Real Life
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Coming in 2026-27: This course will meet you where you are — whether you’re curious about Buddhism or already have some experience, the aim is to amplify your own potential for wisdom, compassion, and lasting peace. Our year-long journey was designed by Geshe Lobsang Nima and created to help you deeply understand Buddhist philosophy and practice — not just as ideas, but as tools for real transformation.
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Instructor: Designed and taught by Geshe Lobsang Nima Presented by: Tibetan Buddhism Center for World Peace Course Type: One-Year program starting in 2026 Hybrid: Live and online sessions, on-demand recordings Registration: Submit the form below for more information Fee: None required, donations based on ability to contribute · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Our course designer and lead instructor, Geshe Nima, brings decades of study, teaching, and real-world experience, bringing both depth and clarity to the material, guiding students with insight, compassion, and practical wisdom. Through a mix of experiential talks, guided meditation, and reflection, you’ll build the mindset and skills to shift your experience of life to connect more deeply with what truly matters. It's all about transforming from the inside-out. |
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Geshe Lobsang Nima is the Spiritual Director of the Tibetan Buddhism Center for World Peace in San Antonio and continues to teach and serve Drepung Loseling monastery in Mungod, India.
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Geshe Lobsang Nima was born in Kham, Tibet, and began studying Buddhism at just 13 years old at Gaden Dhondup Ling Monastery. In 1992, driven by a deep wish to study and practice authentic Buddhist teachings, he and a small group of monks made a dangerous escape from Chinese-occupied Tibet. They crossed the Himalayas on foot—in the dead of winter—and eventually reached India. Once safe, Geshe-la joined Drepung Loseling Monastery, one of the most respected learning centers in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
After years of deep study, Geshe Nima entered Gelugpa University, completing all exams required to earn the Geshe Lharampa degree—the highest level of scholarly achievement in Tibetan Buddhism. He received this degree in 2015 in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and later completed advanced tantric studies at Gyuto Tantric College in Dharamshala. Over the years, Geshe-la has taken on many roles: he’s taught both new and advanced students, served as principal of Drepung Loseling’s academic school, edited the monastery’s journal, and held leadership positions like monastery disciplinarian. In 2025, he also served as a guest professor at the University of Minnesota, sharing traditional Buddhist philosophy in a modern academic setting. His vision is to bring the transformative wisdom and practices of Buddhism to individuals everywhere. |
Module A:
Your Starting Point for Change
Duration: 3 Months | Classes: 12
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This foundational module sets you up with essential Buddhist teachings and practices—building a strong base for your personal and spiritual growth.
• Class 1: Motivation for Practice: six preparatory practices
• Class 2: Taking Refuge — Finding Your Inner Anchor
• Class 3: The Precious Gift of Human Life & Your Unique Potential
• Class 4: Karma — Understanding and Healing Your Past
• Class 5: The Three Trainings & Everyday Ethics
• Class 6: Dependent Arising — See the World as It Truly Is
• Class 7: The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination — Breaking Free
• Class 8: Cultivating Compassion & Loving-Kindness
• Class 9: Generating Bodhicitta — Awakening Your Heart
• Class 10: The Six Perfections & Four Means of Gathering
• Class 11: The Nature & Practice of Meditation
• Class 12: Strengthen Concentration — Sharpen Your Focus
Module B:
Buddha Nature & Mahamudra — Unlocking Your True Mind
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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This module explores the profound concept of Buddha Nature—the pure, awakened potential within you—and introduces the transformative meditation of Mahamudra.
• Class 1: Understanding Buddha Nature — Your Inner Light
• Class 2: Preparing for Mahamudra Practice — Setting the Stage
• Class 3: Mahamudra According to the Sutra System
• Class 4: Mahamudra According to the Tantric System
Module C:
Buddha's Key — Four Noble Truths & Eight-Fold Path
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Return to the foundation of Buddhism by deeply exploring the Four Noble Truths and the practical Eightfold Path leading to liberation.
• Class 1: The Origin and Purpose of the Four Noble Truths
• Class 2: The First Two Noble Truths — Facing Suffering
• Class 3: Last Two Noble Truths — Finding Freedom & Joy
• Class 4: The Noble Eightfold Path — A Practical Guide
Modue D:
The Two Truths — Seeing Reality Clearly
Duration: 2 Months | Classes: 8
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Explore the Buddhist view of Conventional Truth and Ultimate Truth and how understanding both can deepen your insight into reality.
• Class 1: Introduction to the Two Truths -
• Class 2: The Vaibashika School’s views
• Class 3: The Sautrantika School’s Perspective
• Class 4: The Mind-Only (Cittamatra) School’s View
• Class 5: The Middle Way — Svatantrika School’s View
• Class 6: The Middle Way — Prasangika School’s View
• Class 7: Features of the Two Truths in Prasangika
• Class 8: Unique Characteristics of Prasangika and Positing Conventional Reality
Module E:
The Four Tenets — Foundations of Buddhist Philosophy
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Get to know the four main Buddhist philosophical schools and their unique views on the nature of reality.
• Class 1: The Vaibhashika School
• Class 2: The Sautrantika School
• Class 3: The Cittamatra (Mind-Only) School
• Class 4: The Madhyamaka School
Module F:
Mahayana Grounds & Paths — Your Spiritual Roadmap
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Explore the stages and spiritual progress in Mahayana Buddhism, understanding the journey and transformations along the way.
• Class 1: What is the Spiritual Path?
• Class 2: The Paths of the Pratyekabuddha and Shravaka Vehicles
• Class 3: The Paths of the Mahayana Vehicle
• Class 4: The Results of Practicing According to Each Vehicle
Module G:
Basic Buddhist Psychology — Understanding Your Mind
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Dive into how Buddhist psychology explains the mind, mental factors, and how these relate to daily experience.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
• Class 2: Six Primary Minds & Five Always-Present Mental Factors
• Class 3: Object-Ascertaining & Wholesome Mental Factors
• Class 4: Mental Afflictions & Variable Mental Factors
Module H:
The Study of Knowing — Basic Buddhist Epistemology
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Examine the nature of mind, awareness, and consciousness—the foundation of how we experience the world.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Epistemology
• Class 2: Classification of Sensory and Mental Consciousness
• Class 3: Seven-fold Typology of Cognition
• Class 4: Classifying Minds
Module I:
Basic Buddhist Logic — Sharpen Your Thinking
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
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Get introduced to Buddhist logical analysis (Pramana), reasoning, and evidence.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Logic
• Class 2: Reasoning & Rationality
• Class 3: Three Types of Correct Evidence
• Class 4: Four Principles of Reason: nature, function, dependence, logic
Your Starting Point for Change
Duration: 3 Months | Classes: 12
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
This foundational module sets you up with essential Buddhist teachings and practices—building a strong base for your personal and spiritual growth.
• Class 1: Motivation for Practice: six preparatory practices
• Class 2: Taking Refuge — Finding Your Inner Anchor
• Class 3: The Precious Gift of Human Life & Your Unique Potential
• Class 4: Karma — Understanding and Healing Your Past
• Class 5: The Three Trainings & Everyday Ethics
• Class 6: Dependent Arising — See the World as It Truly Is
• Class 7: The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination — Breaking Free
• Class 8: Cultivating Compassion & Loving-Kindness
• Class 9: Generating Bodhicitta — Awakening Your Heart
• Class 10: The Six Perfections & Four Means of Gathering
• Class 11: The Nature & Practice of Meditation
• Class 12: Strengthen Concentration — Sharpen Your Focus
Module B:
Buddha Nature & Mahamudra — Unlocking Your True Mind
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
This module explores the profound concept of Buddha Nature—the pure, awakened potential within you—and introduces the transformative meditation of Mahamudra.
• Class 1: Understanding Buddha Nature — Your Inner Light
• Class 2: Preparing for Mahamudra Practice — Setting the Stage
• Class 3: Mahamudra According to the Sutra System
• Class 4: Mahamudra According to the Tantric System
Module C:
Buddha's Key — Four Noble Truths & Eight-Fold Path
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Return to the foundation of Buddhism by deeply exploring the Four Noble Truths and the practical Eightfold Path leading to liberation.
• Class 1: The Origin and Purpose of the Four Noble Truths
• Class 2: The First Two Noble Truths — Facing Suffering
• Class 3: Last Two Noble Truths — Finding Freedom & Joy
• Class 4: The Noble Eightfold Path — A Practical Guide
Modue D:
The Two Truths — Seeing Reality Clearly
Duration: 2 Months | Classes: 8
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Explore the Buddhist view of Conventional Truth and Ultimate Truth and how understanding both can deepen your insight into reality.
• Class 1: Introduction to the Two Truths -
• Class 2: The Vaibashika School’s views
• Class 3: The Sautrantika School’s Perspective
• Class 4: The Mind-Only (Cittamatra) School’s View
• Class 5: The Middle Way — Svatantrika School’s View
• Class 6: The Middle Way — Prasangika School’s View
• Class 7: Features of the Two Truths in Prasangika
• Class 8: Unique Characteristics of Prasangika and Positing Conventional Reality
Module E:
The Four Tenets — Foundations of Buddhist Philosophy
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Get to know the four main Buddhist philosophical schools and their unique views on the nature of reality.
• Class 1: The Vaibhashika School
• Class 2: The Sautrantika School
• Class 3: The Cittamatra (Mind-Only) School
• Class 4: The Madhyamaka School
Module F:
Mahayana Grounds & Paths — Your Spiritual Roadmap
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Explore the stages and spiritual progress in Mahayana Buddhism, understanding the journey and transformations along the way.
• Class 1: What is the Spiritual Path?
• Class 2: The Paths of the Pratyekabuddha and Shravaka Vehicles
• Class 3: The Paths of the Mahayana Vehicle
• Class 4: The Results of Practicing According to Each Vehicle
Module G:
Basic Buddhist Psychology — Understanding Your Mind
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Dive into how Buddhist psychology explains the mind, mental factors, and how these relate to daily experience.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Psychology
• Class 2: Six Primary Minds & Five Always-Present Mental Factors
• Class 3: Object-Ascertaining & Wholesome Mental Factors
• Class 4: Mental Afflictions & Variable Mental Factors
Module H:
The Study of Knowing — Basic Buddhist Epistemology
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Examine the nature of mind, awareness, and consciousness—the foundation of how we experience the world.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Epistemology
• Class 2: Classification of Sensory and Mental Consciousness
• Class 3: Seven-fold Typology of Cognition
• Class 4: Classifying Minds
Module I:
Basic Buddhist Logic — Sharpen Your Thinking
Duration: 1 Month | Classes: 4
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Get introduced to Buddhist logical analysis (Pramana), reasoning, and evidence.
• Class 1: Introduction to Buddhist Logic
• Class 2: Reasoning & Rationality
• Class 3: Three Types of Correct Evidence
• Class 4: Four Principles of Reason: nature, function, dependence, logic
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For over 2,500 years, Buddhist philosophy has offered practical tools to understand the mind, manage emotions, and create a more peaceful, meaningful life. This course will present ideas that are equally relevant today as usable practices that help one meet life with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
This course will begin in 2026. Please use the form below to get notice of dates and additional details: |
READING MATERIALS
The following texts support your learning and practice throughout the course: • The Noble Mahayana Sutra “The Rice Seedling” by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni • Heart Sutra by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni • First Wheel of Dharma Sutra by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni • The Noble Mahayana Sutra “Dependent Arising” by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni • The Noble Mahayana Sutra “Wisdom At The Hour Of Death” by Lord Buddha Shakyamuni • The Root of Wisdom by Master Nagarjuna • The Ornament of Clear Realization by Buddha Maitreya • The Entering into Middle Way by Master Chandrakirti • Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Master Shantideva • Compendium of Abhidharma by Master Asanga • Compendium of Valid Cognition by Master Dignaga • Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chen Mo) by Je Tsongkhapa • Gelug Tradition of Mahamudra by Panchen Lobsang Chokie Gyaltsen (root text and auto commentary) • Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics Volume 2 (The Mind) Conceived and Introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama • Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics Volume 3 (Philosophical Schools) Conceived and Introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama • Science and Philosophy in the Indian Buddhist Classics Volume 4 (Philosophical Topics) Conceived and Introduced by His Holiness the Dalai Lama • Fearless Heart by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, principal English translator to His Holiness the Dalai Lama • A Precious Garland of Tenets by Tsun Pa Kunchock Jigme Wangpo • Traversing the Spiritual Path — Kön-chog-jig-mey-wan-gpo’s Presentation of Grounds and Paths Beautiful Ornament of the Three Vehicles with Dan-ma-lo-chö’s Oral Commentary |