Buddhism : The Next Step is a program of intermediary courses that has been specifically designed to look at topics covered in the standard ten-day introductory courses in more detail. It is suitable for anyone who would like to deepen his/her understanding of the essential topics contained in the Buddha’s teachings and, in particular, in the teachings on the lam-rim, the stages of the path to enlightenment, as set out in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Each course of the series is designed as a stand-alone course - you are free to do however many of the courses interest you. You can also do them in whatever order you prefer. In this way you can return to Kopan year after year to deepen both your knowledge and practice of the Buddha’s teachings.

Generally three of the seven modules are taught each year. Each module lasts 7 - 10 days and includes daily sessions of teachings, meditations, and group discussion, as well as various evening activities such as mantra recitation, light offerings, sutra reading, etc.

Conditions of attendance

You should have completed one ten-day introductory course at Kopan Monastery or Tushita Meditation Centre, Dharamsala, India, or have completed the discover Buddhism online course with the FPMT, or several shorter introductory courses at another Tibetan Buddhist center.