DESCRIPTION:
https://youtu.be/PYyzcqkN6E4

ENROLL:
https://forms.gle/NmQP34C1rwjn23G76

In-person & Online course with Ven. Tenzin Gendun
 May 7 – June 4, 2025 |  6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Romanian time)
 White Mahakala Buddhist Center, Cluj-Napoca &  Live on Zoom
 Language: English
Level: Intermediate

“All problems and suffering arise from not understanding the ultimate nature of things.” — Lama Zopa Rinpoche 

We continue Discovering Buddhism Module 12 – “Wisdom of Emptiness” with the Buddhist monk venerable Tenzin Gendun, starting on May 7 from 06:30 pm – 08:00 pm (Romanian time).

Join us for Module 12: The Wisdom of Emptiness, part of the Discovering Buddhism program, guided by the inspiring Buddhist monk Ven. Tenzin Gendun. 

In this intellectually challenging module of the Discovering Buddhism program, we explore emptiness (śūnyatā) — the ultimate nature of reality as taught by the Buddha.

Under the guidance of Ven. Tenzin Gendun, a senior monastic teacher in the FPMT tradition, will examine how the misconception of inherent existence is the root of all suffering, and how realizing emptiness cuts through this ignorance. Through structured study, guided meditation, and analytical inquiry, we learn to deconstruct the false projections of the self and phenomena.

This module is not introductory. It is intended for students who have previously studied the earlier modules of Discovering Buddhism, particularly those covering renunciation, bodhicitta, the six perfections, and calm abiding (shamatha).

A basic foundation in Buddhist thought and practice is recommended. 

 What you’ll explore over 5 weekly sessions:

session 1 (07.05.2025): Lineage of the Teachings on Emptiness
– Lineage of the Teachings on Emptiness
– Meditation: Value of the Lineage
– Meditation: Cultivation of Concentration

session 2 (14.05.2025): Description of Ignorance
– Ignorance – misknowledge of reality
– Meditation: Transition of Awareness During Death

session 3 (21.05.2025): The Four Point Analysis P1
– The Four-Point Analysis
– First Point
– Meditation on the “I”

session 4 (28.05.2025): The Four Point Analysis P2
– First Point (continued)
– Second Point
– Third Point
– Fourth Point
– Meditation: Four-Point Analysis

session 5 (04.06.2025): Dependent Arising
– Dependent Arising
– Meditation: Four-Point Analysis of “I”
– Meditation: Selflessness of Phenomena

 Each session includes:
10 min motivation · 30 min teaching · 10 min break · 20 min guided meditation · 15 min Q&A · 5 min dedication

 About the Teacher 
Born in Sri Lanka and growing up in England, he studied in art school before meeting Tibetan Buddhism through the kindness of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dalai Lama. He became a monk in 1992. He served in Buddhist centers in New Zealand, and from 2000 he moved to Nalanda Monastery in France to further his Buddhist studies, graduating there with a master’s degree in Buddhism. He regularly conducts Retreats in Nalanda Monastery, Kopan and teaches teachings at several FPMT Centers in Europe, Nepal being registered as an accredited teacher of the organization.
We are happy and grateful he shares his knowledge and time with us.

 Prerequisites
Completion of the previous modules in the Discovering Buddhism program is strongly recommended, especially Modules 8–11: Samsara and Nirvana, How to Develop Bodhichitta, Transforming Problems, and Calm Abiding.
Participants should be familiar with foundational Buddhist concepts such as karma, the four noble truths.

This all sounds pretty serious, so please remember as you embark upon this journey, above all, your study and practice should be enjoyable. It should be fun. 

PARTICIPATION
 To participate in the event, you must register in advance using the registration form:
https://forms.gle/NmQP34C1rwjn23G76
On the day of the event you will receive a confirmation email with a link to connect to zoom or confirmation to participate onsite.
The Active Members of the Center can participate in the event for free (they paid membership in the last 3 months).

 BOOKING:
Please register using the enrollment form: https://forms.gle/NmQP34C1rwjn23G76

 CONTRIBUTION:
 a donation between 30 – 50 lei (6 – 10 Euros)/Session for Non-Members or FREE FOR ACTIVE MEMBERS (they paid membership in the last 3 months).
Let us know if you have financial difficulties and we will offer you a discount.
Please donate using the enrollment form: https://forms.gle/NmQP34C1rwjn23G76

Opportunities to become a member of the White Mahakala Buddhist Center (FPMT Study Group):
 MEMBERSHIP „SUPPORTER” – 100 – 150 lei (20 – 30 Euros)/month
 MEMBERSHIP “GENEROSITY” – 200 – 250 lei (40 – 50 Euros)/month
More about our membership types here: https://whitemahakala.ro/membrii/tipuri-de-membership/

 IMPORTANT
Your donation is meant to sustain White Mahakala Buddhist Center to cover the costs of the event in order to make the teachings affordable and accessible. Thank you! 

 Organized by
White Mahakala Buddhist Center – FPMT Study Group
 Location: Cluj-Napoca, Str. Tipografiei 18, Intercom 7
 Contact: infowhitemahakala@gmail.com (Anca will respond)

Let’s explore the profound teachings of emptiness with joy, clarity, and an open heart. 
We look forward to seeing you — in Cluj-Napoca or online