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Re: FPMT

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:44 am
by Huifeng
The Way to Buddhahood: Instructions from a Modern Chinese Master by Venerable Yin-shun
Highly recommended book.

If you like the FPMT Gelug approach, then this book by Ven. Yinshun will also probably strongly appeal to you. The general structure owes a lot to the Gelug Lamrim style, and all the sources referenced are Indic sources from Agamas, Mahayana Sutras and Sastras (and actually a little bit from the Lamrim, too).

It's not Chan, but it serves as the best example of modern Chinese Buddhism which is placing more emphasis back on Indian sources. For this reason, it will have more in common with other Mahayana traditions.

~~ Huifeng

Re: FPMT

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:30 pm
by Astus
What Ven. Huifeng has recommended is a good start. One should be familiar with general Mahayana before getting deeper into Chan. DDM's website has some free literature that you could read: Free Literature.

Then as some better introductions to Chan and Chinese Buddhism, you should also try these works:

Paul Williams: Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations
Robert H. Sharf: Coming to Terms with Chinese Buddhism

Re: FPMT

Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 1:14 pm
by Dave The Seeker
Thank you both for your recommendations of reading materials.

I am in the middle of one of "Buddhist Thought" by Paul Williams now and am going to read "Mahayana Buddhism; The Doctrinal Foundations" next. Thanks to Mr. G for suggesting these books.
I'll check out the link you provided Astus later today hopefully.
Also Huifeng, I'll get the book you suggested as well.

Once again, thank you all so much for helping me learn and understand The Path :namaste:


Kindest wishes, Dave

Re: FPMT

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 3:21 am
by Huifeng
Astus wrote: Then as some better introductions to Chan and Chinese Buddhism, you should also try these works:

Paul Williams: Mahāyāna Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundations
Robert H. Sharf: Coming to Terms with Chinese Buddhism
I'd say looking at Ven. Sheng Yen's book Orthodox Chinese Buddhism would be much, much more helpful than either of these.
Williams is almost all second hand when it comes to Chinese Buddhism, and Sharf's book - despite the name - is really about a single text.

~~ Huifeng

Re: FPMT

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 3:56 am
by Dave The Seeker
Thank you my friend. Which of the two you have mentioned would be your suggestion to read first?


Kindest wishes, Dave

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:10 pm
by Dave The Seeker
I received the DVD's yesterday "Discovering Buddhism" it's a 2 dvd set.
From what I have watched so far, about 2/3 of the total "program", it is a very informative set.
The topics are touched on in short segments by different teachers. Each adding points that are very important.

I think the set is very well put together in the aspect of an introduction to Buddhism.
I did learn a few things and really look forward to getting more from FPMT.
A lot of the information though, I have read in books or here on the forum.
But it was presented in a different view I guess is the best way to put it.
I really enjoyed listening to HHDL, who speaks on a few subjects, as well as Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche and Venerable Ribur Rinpoche :bow:


Kindest wishes, Dave

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:03 pm
by zerwe
The Seeker wrote:I received the DVD's yesterday "Discovering Buddhism" it's a 2 dvd set.
From what I have watched so far, about 2/3 of the total "program", it is a very informative set.
The topics are touched on in short segments by different teachers. Each adding points that are very important.

I think the set is very well put together in the aspect of an introduction to Buddhism.
I did learn a few things and really look forward to getting more from FPMT.
A lot of the information though, I have read in books or here on the forum.
But it was presented in a different view I guess is the best way to put it.
I really enjoyed listening to HHDL, who speaks on a few subjects, as well as Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche and Venerable Ribur Rinpoche :bow:


Kindest wishes, Dave
There is an actual course of study available online that goes into the material with more detail.
Discovering Buddhism is about a 2+ year course on fundamentals. There are a series of courses
that follow beyond this, depending on the level and needs of the practitioner. (i.e., Light of the Path,
Basic program-which is definitely not basic, and the Master's Program)

Shaun :namaste:

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:10 pm
by Dave The Seeker
Thank you Shaun, I do plan on taking the online course.
I hope the way I wrote my previous post didn't sound like I was dissatisfied, I wasn't.

I like the way things were presented and am looking forward to the teachings I will be getting.

Kindest wishes, Dave

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:11 pm
by zerwe
There are also some courses that fall in between Discovering Buddhism and the Basic Program.
The Foundations of Buddhist Thought, Light of the Path (I mentioned earlier) and our center actually
offers a more in depth Lam Rim study for those who have completed Discovering Buddhism and don't feel ready for the Basic Program.
Shaun

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:20 pm
by Dave The Seeker
Thanks a lot for the info. I'll look into it. Never know in the 2+ years it takes to finish the basic program,we may move shortly there after. Planing a visit to NC this spring/summer so hopefully we'll meet.
Hopefully to a place closer to a center or at least a Temple.
We want to get out of this state and county, just waiting for things to run their course.


Kindest wishes, Dave

Re: FPMT

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:24 pm
by Mr. G
Sounds like you're on the right track! :thumbsup:

Re: FPMT

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 5:51 pm
by Nicholas Weeks
They have just revised their Mission Statement, yet I admit I have forgotten or never knew the old version.

http://fpmt.org/fpmt/fpmt-mission-statement/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;