About our Buddhist Program

Yeshin Norbu Meditation Centre is affiliated with the international Buddhist organisation FPMT (fpmt.org). The founders of this organisation, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, had strong roots in the Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist Gelug Lineage, introduced by the Lineage holder Lama Tzong Khapa in the 13 century BC. This is also is the tradition His Holiness Dalai Lama represents and therefore His Holiness is of special significance within our organisation. 

What signifies this tradition is particularly an interest in the development of mind and our mental potential, through personal analysis and contemplation, as a way to find inner happiness and peace. By learning about ourselves and becoming more aware about our emotions and the functions of the mind, we can better understand what is beneficial for ourselves, as well as identifying what to avoid in order to reduce various sufferings. This tradition also put an extra emphasis on the development of heart qualities such as cultivating compassion, generosity, kindness and deeper wisdom, not only for oneself but also for others around us – the more compassionate and kind we can become towards ourselves, we can also be of benefit to others.

Aside from our secular program, we therefore at the center offer courses, retreats, drop-in classes and various opportunities for group practice as a way for participants, to engage and learn about this rich tradition, both on entry level for beginners, as well as intermediate for more advanced students. All teachings are led by highly qualified teachers connected with the FPMT organisation.

Progression

Our program offers Buddhist introductory courses such as the two-year study program ‘Discovering Buddhism‘ as well as in-depth study classes for more advanced students such as ‘Lamrim – The graduated path to enlightenment’. Usually more intermediate classes takes place on Tuesday evenings and introductory level on Thursdays. If you have a question about the level of the teachings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on: [email protected]

It is possible for participants to join classes on a drop-in basis, as a way to better understand what class is right for you.

Current Courses

Discovering Buddhism: On January 29th 2026, we will start a new run of this two year Introduction to Buddhism course. This series of shorter, practical modules gives you an opportunity to dive deeply into Tibetan Mahayana Buddhist philosophy and through this gain good foundational understanding of this path. It is possible to join the course module by module or the whole series depending on interest and need. There is no need to be Buddhist to join this course — just being curious and have an open heart is a good start. To learn more about this course, please follow this link.

Mind & It’s Potential: The first Module of Discovering Buddhism is called Mind & It’s Potential. During this module we examine the meaning of “mind” according to Buddhism, its nature and function, and how it determines our experience of happiness and suffering. We explore the differentiation between mind and brain, how mind is the creator of our experiences, and the implications of possessing a mind that has no beginning and no end. To learn more about this module and to register, please follow this link.

On Tuesdays we currently offer classes for more long term students who previously have studied Discovering Buddhism and equivalent, such as the current Bodhicitta and Emptiness courses.

Our teachers

Many of our regular classes and practice days are currently lead by our highly experienced resident teacher Venerable Thubten Khadro, occasionally we also invite visiting teachers to lead weekend teachings and retreats on various topics related to our over all program. Over the years teachers such as His Eminence Jhado Rinpoche, Geshe Dorji Damdul, Tengyur Rinpoche, Geshe Sherab, Venerable Robina, Professor Jan Willis and Venerable Gendun has taught at the center. When teachers are present at the center, most classes are offered as hybrid, both physically at the center and online.

A learning environment infused of Wisdom and Compassion

Our events are also in line with ‘Wisdom Culture’, an expression often used by our founders Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, meaning that the teachings that we offer should be infused with the wisdom and compassion. The key points of the FPMT Wisdom Culture are:

• Classes should keep an openness and breadth in presenting the Dharma (Buddhist teachings and path). Lama Yeshe’s teaching style was non-traditional, yet completely pure in source and content. 
• Detail and depth of instruction. Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s teaching style emphasizes how to practice and making each moment deeply meaningful through bodhichitta and emptiness. 
• The FPMT Wisdom Culture encourages realization of the lam-rim teachings in the heart, not just intellectual study.
• Constant practice of merit accumulation and purification. These practices are emphasized as essential to bringing temporal happiness and preparing the mind for realization.
• Reliance on tantra; encouraging students to have spiritual confidence.
• Respect and support for ordained Sangha. We consider ordained Sangha essential to the tradition.
• Cultivation of a close family feeling. FPMT is a worldwide family of practitioners, united by our culture, devotion to our teachers, and standard practice materials.
• Thinking big. We cultivate the wish to be of great benefit to countless beings, and then put that wish into practice!
• Big love. Cherishing others. Imparting a universal love for all beings.

The center also highly values the ethical conduct of its teachers, board members and staff as as a way to promote safe learning environments for all its members and participants. All teachers and staff within FPMT organisations have therefore read and signed the organisations official Ethical policy and completed the organisations compulsory Safe Guarding training. 

Upcoming Buddhist classes