One Month Lam Rim Meditation Course
Registration for the November Course 2025 will begin on
August 24th at 8:00 AM (NPT)
Details For NOVEMBER COURSE 2025
November 1 – November 30, 2025
Course Teacher: Ven. Joan
Since 1971, Kopan Monastery’s ‘November Course’ has been a life changing journey for thousands of people from all over the world. It was founded by two extraordinary Tibetan masters, Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, whose vision was to share the wisdom and compassion of Mahayana Buddhism with people from every walk of life.
This annual course is more than just learning Buddhist philosophy, it is an immersive experience that invites you to pause, reflect, and transform.
What the Course Is About
The course follows the Tibetan Gelug tradition and is based on the Lam Rim, the Graduated Path to Enlightenment, compiled by Lama Tsongkhapa. It offers a complete step by step approach to developing inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, based on the original teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha.
You will learn:
- How to understand the roots of dissatisfaction and unhappiness
- How to work with your mind to overcome negative patterns
- How to cultivate a kinder, more open heart
- How to see yourself and reality from a fresh perspective
Some ideas may challenge your current beliefs. This is part of the process. We simply ask that you come with an open mind and a willingness to explore.
A Transformative Experience
This course is experiential, not just about theory. It takes courage and patience because real change takes time. Many students describe the month as deeply moving and even life altering.
The program includes:
- Daily Buddhist teachings
- Guided meditations
- Group discussions
- Special talks by visiting teachers
- Periods of complete silence
- Mahayana Precepts
- Pilgrimages to holy sites
Venerable Joan was born in Montreal, Canada to Irish Catholic parents. She first met the Buddha’s teachings in Thailand in 1986, where she did several ten day Vipassana retreats. These teachings immediately clicked for her and she wanted to know more.
In 1987 she did her first one month November course at Kopan, which turned out to be a life changing experience. This was followed by a second one month course the next year. Soon after that, she received ordination as a nun in February 1989 from His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India.
After spending some time studying and practicing in India and doing retreat in Spain, her main spiritual teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, advised her to go to Italy to study at Lama Tzong Khapa Institute, a large teaching center in Tuscany. There, alongside continuing her own studies, she organized the first FPMT Masters Program, an advanced seven year Buddhist studies program.
In 2014, she returned to Kopan, this time to teach some of the annual seven and ten day courses. In 2025, she is happy to have the privilege of teaching the one month November course, hoping that it will be as beneficial for others as it was for her.
Course Details
Dates: November 1 – November 30, 2025
Teacher: Ven. Joan
Fee (Dormitory Accommodation): US $750
Includes all meals, dormitory bed, and a free book.
Upgraded rooms (single, double, triple, with private or shared bathrooms) are available for an additional daily charge. Rooms are assigned by registration numbers. Please note that we have limited Single and Double rooms available.
- Check in: November 1, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (first session at 5:30 pm)
- Departure: November 30 after lunch
We recommend arriving 2 days early to settle in.
- Lam Rim Full Silence Meditation Retreat: December 4 to 11, 2025 (book at Kopan upon arrival)
- Three Month Vajrasattva Retreat: January 8 – April 8, 2026 (click here for more info)
Your day begins at 5:30 am and ends at 9:00 pm.
- Attendance at all sessions is required
- Silence is observed from 9:00 pm until after lunch the next day
- Mobile phones and internet devices are stored at reception for the month (emergency exceptions possible)
- Modest dress is required in keeping with the monastery’s guidelines
Payment
Once accepted, a non refundable deposit of US $250 secures your place.
The remaining balance is paid on arrival (we accept Nepalese Rupees, and credit cards). An ATM is available just outside the monastery.
Language & Translation
Teachings are in English, with Spanish translation available. The booking form will ask if you require translation.
Practical Information
- Meals: Vegetarian (we cannot cater for special diets such as vegan, gluten free, dairy free)
- Internet: Not available except for emergencies. Your family can contact you in urgent cases via email at [email protected] or by phone at +977 1 4821268 or +977 9823171181.
- Visa & Travel: click here for more info
- Health & Covid: Vaccination is not required, but bring a few rapid antigen tests from home, wear a mask during travel, and consider medical insurance (health care in Nepal is expensive for foreigners)
If you feel ready to take a month to slow down, reflect, and see life through a new lens, the November Course at Kopan Monastery offers a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you, while being part of an international community on the same journey.
