Program

VI offers a variety of classes and workshops suitable for students at all levels.

Teachings on Buddhist philosophy are in the tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the tradition followed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche.

Geshe Samten, our resident lama, teaches intermediate & advanced level classes twice weekly. Highly qualified Western teachers teach entry-level classes at regular intervals. We also offer traditional Buddhist practices and pujas several times a month, weekend workshops and retreats, and special events.

VI also convenes major conferences to provide forums for the interchange of ideas between western science, psychology, philosophy and religion and those of the ancient eastern traditions of India and Tibet.

Introductory Classes
These are designed for newcomers to Buddhism. These classes present an overview of Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan Buddhist practices.

Discovering Buddhism
Discovering Buddhism is a series of 14 mini-courses on specific topics in Buddhism. They are aimed at the entry-level student and those wanting to integrate study and practice. more

Geshe Samten teachings
Our resident teacher, Geshe Samten, has an on-going teaching programme that is open for all to attend. This is a rare opportunity to receive teachings from a highly qualified lama.

Essential Buddhism
A series of one day programmes that explain, in more depth, key issues in Tibetan Buddhism. They are presented by our resident teacher, Geshe Samten.

Formal Study: The Basic Program
This is an optional supplement for students attending the ongoing classes who want to add depth to their understanding. There are weekly classes taught by Geshe Samten, a study group and exams.

Pujas and Buddhist Holidays
These are celebrated on dates determined by the lunar calendar. All are welcome to attend these group practices commemorating a milestone in Shakyamuni Buddha's life or honoring a holy being in the Buddhist Vajrayana tradition.

Animal Liberation
The basis of Buddhism is developing the mind of non harm and compassion towards all beings. Saving the lives of any being in danger of being killed has traditionally been practiced as a way of putting compassion into action.

Conferences
VI hosts major international forums on key topics of human interest. more

Events include:
Happiness and Its Causes 2008

Calendar
The full programme for Vajrayana Institute can be found in the current issue of Vajrayana News.

You can also view highlights from the calendar here.