The Buddha's Path

Foundational Buddhist Study Programme

About the programme

An in-depth programme

Explore the profound wisdom and compassion of the Buddha with our new multi-year study programme, “The Buddha’s Path”. This programme is designed to guide us, step by step, from the foundational teachings and practices of Buddhism to the more advanced meditative techniques and philosophical concepts.

While I am not a scholar, I am deeply committed to the practical application of Buddhist wisdom. This programme prioritises the meaningful integration of these ancient teachings into our modern lives. I aim for our exploration of the more complex philosophical components to be accessible, relatable, and always rooted in practical application. I will point to more in-depth discussions and teachings where applicable.

We will take a flexible approach to learning. The modules will comprise primarily of structured weekly evening sessions, but also one-off talks, day courses, and optional complementary retreats, all designed to deepen your understanding and practice of Buddhism. Each of these elements will form a part of our comprehensive modules, providing you a wide range of options to engage with the teachings in a way that suits your lifestyle and learning preferences.

Our modules are designed to be flexible and accessible. You can attend any, all, or part of them, depending on your interest, availability, and readiness. All sessions will be recorded, and group discussion will be an important part of the journey. While there is a natural progression in the content, the modules may not necessarily be delivered in a linear way and may overlap at times. It makes sense for us to start with “Foundations of Buddhist Theory” and “Foundations of Buddhist Meditation” to gain a solid grounding in the basic principles and practices. As our understanding deepens, we can progress onto the modules on the Bodhisattva Path.

“Engaged Buddhism” and “Continuity of Practice and Spiritual Development” are modules that can be explored at any time. They provide practical guidance for applying Buddhist principles in daily life and fostering long-term personal and spiritual development.

Finally, the “Introduction to Vajrayana and Dzogchen” module offers an introduction into these advanced Buddhist practices. Access to this module will be restricted to practitioners who are ready to explore these advanced teachings.

No matter where you are on your journey, I hope that this study programme will offer a supportive, practical and enriching environment to explore, understand, and practice the profound teachings of Buddhism.

Join us as we follow this path of wisdom and compassion together.

Module 3:
Foundations of Buddhist Theory II: The Roots of Suffering - The Three Poisons

• Attachment, Aversion, and Ignorance
• Understanding the Causes of Suffering
• The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination
• Understanding Samsara (the cycle of rebirth)
• Right View
SELF STUDY

Module 5:
Foundations of Buddhist Meditation II: Vipashyana and the Four Applications of Mindfulness

• The Practice of Vipashyana (Insight Meditation)
• The Four Applications of Mindfulness
• The Three Marks of Existence
• Deconstructing and seeing phenomena
SELF STUDY

Module 6:
Foundations of Buddhist Meditation III: The Four Immeasurables

• Loving-kindness (Metta)
• Compassion (Karuna)
• Empathetic Joy (Mudita)
• Equanimity (Upekkha)
• Right Intention
SELF STUDY

Module 7:
The Bodhisattva Path I: Bodhicitta & The Six Paramitas

• The Mahayana Path
• Bodhicitta & Buddha Nature
• The Six Paramitas: Generosity, Ethics, Patience, Effort, Concentration, Wisdom
join live

Module 8:
The Bodhisattva Path II: Emptiness and The Two Truths

• Understanding Emptiness (Shunyata)
• The Two Truths: Conventional and Ultimate

Module 9:
The Bodhisattva Path III: Lojong – Buddhist Mind Training

• Introduction to Lojong
• The Essence of Buddhist Mind Training
• Langri Tangpa's "The Eight Verses of Training the Mind"

Module 10:
Engaged Buddhism

• The Role of a Buddhist in the World
• Compassionate Action
• The Practice of Tonglen
• Addressing Social and Environmental Issues from a Buddhist Perspective

Module 11:
Continuity of Practice and Spiritual Development

• Applying Buddhist Principles in Daily Life
• The Role and Importance of Spiritual Community in Buddhist Practice
• Cultivating a Non-sectarian Approach
• Long-term Personal and Spiritual Development

Module 12:
Introduction to Vajrayana and Dzogchen

• Vajrayana: The Path of Transformation
• Dzogchen: The Great Perfection
• Recognising the Nature of Mind

Upcoming Events

Join the next Study Group evening

January 2025
February 2025
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Meet the Host

Guiding your meditation experience

David Oromith

Buddhist Contemplative, Author & Meditation Guide

David is a Buddhist contemplative, meditation guide and retreat leader. He is the Co-Founder of Samadhi and author of the book A Practical Guide to Mindful Living: Five Ways to Restore Presence and Calm Amidst Challenge & Change. He has received non-monastic ordination in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition and teaches workshops internationally, leads retreats across the UK and runs classes locally.

David is a follower of the rimé (non-sectarian) approach, recognising the value and benefit of multiple points-of-view, with teachers in all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism. His primary teacher is Lama Alan Wallace, who is also rooted in a non-sectarian approach, with particular close affiliation with the Gelug and Nyingma schools and the Dudjom lineage.

David discovered meditation & Buddhism through his experience of depression and suicidal thoughts and is passionate about helping people take back control of their mental wellbeing, work with their thoughts and feelings, and discover genuine wellbeing and joy within. Read more.

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Human Friendly Events

Samadhi is an inclusive organisation and we welcome people of all ages, genders (including gender identity), sexual orientation, abilities, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief.

As an LGBTQ-led Buddhist organisation, we strongly believe that no one should be discriminated against for any reason at all and subscribe to the ideals of non-harm and loving-kindness. You’re welcome no matter who you are and you’re free to express yourself authentically.