THE MARTSANG Lam Rim Diploma Course
The Martsang Kagyu tradition is an 857-year-old, unbroken order of traditional Tibetan Buddhism of which His Holiness an accomplished Master, practitioner and professor of the Dharma is the current lineage of the thirty-eighth generation holder.
What is the Martsang Lam Rim?
The word ‘Mart’ in ‘Martsang’ means ‘profound essence’, and ‘sang’ means ‘a treasure chest’, together they translate to mean ‘a treasure chest containing the profound essence". The Martsang Lam Rim diploma course integrates the essence of the Buddha's teachings in study, practice and meditation teacher training. Starting with the foundation of the Sutra teachings the course then leads to the Tantric teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The course is a collection of precious and profound teachings that will ‘illuminate the mind’ of the practitioner on the complete path to enlightenment. It covers the complete teachings of Buddhist original theory as instructed in the Buddha’s Mahayana teachings and the main teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
The teachings of the Martsang Lam Rim are instructed in three main parts:
1. The Basis; ground/reality how things are.
2. The Path; the three paths to obtaining liberation and four philosophies.
3. The Fruit; freedom from cyclic existence.
His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche
Part 1. ‘The Basis’
Covers Buddhist epistemology, science, psychology and investigative methods to explain consciousness and the nature of mind. The teachings which include ‘The twelve links of dependent arising’ explain how we experience cyclic existence and the relationship between mind, body and Karma. All form a foundation to understanding the reasons and way to engage on the path to liberation.
Part 2. ‘The Path’:
Details the three paths to liberation and four Buddhist philosophies. Teachings on the five paths, ten grounds, the Four Nobel Truths, and instructions on the ways to engage with conventional and ultimate Bodhicitta deriving from the authentic lineages of Nagarjuna and Maitreya, all provide the way and motivation to attain enlightenment.
Part 3. ‘The Fruit’
Explains the results that can be achieved in this and future lifetimes.
Where did the Martsang Lam Rim come from?
The Martsang Lam Rim originated from Buddha, Mahasiddhas and the practice experiences of masters of Martsang Kagyu tradition including the founder Choje Marpa Sherab Yeshe. His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche synthesized the vast sutras and their commentaries into a methodical summary that explains the philosophy and practices in an accessible and gradual manner.
Who is the teacher?
The lessons are taught by His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche who is the thirty-eighth-generation lineage holder of Martsang Kagyu tradition, an 857-year-old, unbroken order of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness is an accomplished Master, Mahasiddha, author and professor of the Dharma.
How is it taught, what can I expect on the course?
The course is taught in small groups, that meet twice a month for about 3 hours each session including a break time. The course will run for approximately three and a half years. It covers the complete teachings of Buddhism including original theory and meditation practices and Buddhist practices distinctive to the Martsang Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It is split into 4 sections with each section being a pre-requisite for the next. It is during the second year, that all the main types of teachings on meditation including Theravada vipassana, Mindfulness, Samatha are introduced to students.
Lessons are well structured and written materials are provided, but they are also highly interactive, and questions are encouraged. Furthermore, it includes His Holiness’s own unique view to understanding essential aspects of Buddhist philosophy such as ‘emptiness’. While ‘emptiness’ is not always easy to grasp, under the guidance of His Holiness, a clear and quick understanding will be achieved due to his extraordinary knowledge and skill in delivering these precious teachings. The way to engage with the content is through hearing, thinking and contemplating.
Following the traditional path, the course ends with an exam and a friendly debate with fellow students to test the students' knowledge and improve their skills. The certification will be given to those who complete the entire course and pass the exam.
Once you have completed and passed the exam you will receive a certificate according to your result. The 3 achievable marks are pass, merit and distinction.
Who are the teachings meant for?
Anyone with a strong interest in Buddhism and a commitment to study. There are no pre-requisites and the gradual but wide-ranging nature of the teachings make them applicable both to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Why should I study?
If one has the wish to break the cycle of samsara and achieve bliss by way of enlightenment, it is necessary to follow a path that offers step by step instructions from beginner to advanced level with an experienced guide. First, study the lamrim well, then after that, in order to have effortful realizations, follow the Martsang Lam Rim outline. Then go through each topic in the lamrim outline again and again in order to have effortless meditation experiences, no matter how many weeks, months or years it takes to have realizations
Studying the Martsang Lam Rim provides this opportunity, and can be of great benefit to your daily life in the following ways:
Teachings that help you make sense of yourself, and your experiences. Have a good quality of life.
Receive detailed instruction and guidance on meditation practices set out in the gradual path of meditation system, directly from an accomplished Master.
Practices for calming the mind, reducing stress and improving your health and faculties.
Tools to increase happiness and joy, while reducing pain and suffering. To retain a healthy mind and be open to learn new things and to build a happy, loving family.
Ways to develop true compassion, wisdom and improve relationships with others.
Acquire a thorough understanding and knowledge of Buddhist theory, philosophy and logic.
Meet like-minded people and learning in a supportive, friendly and interactive environment.
Experience a deeply satisfying learning experience.
Moreover, we have one of the foremost scholars of Tibetan Buddhism resident with us here in the UK delivering the course, His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche who is an exceptional Buddhist scholar and Dharma practitioner. It is His Holiness's skill and knowledge that makes these traditional Buddhist teachings from beginner level to the path of awakening even more accessible. His unique style is suitable for those new to Buddhism and those interested in developing a much richer understanding of Tibetan Buddhism.
What other opportunities for Dharma study are there after Martsang Lam Rim?
Following the successful completion of the Martsang Lam Rim it is then possible to study with His Holiness in the Dechen Nyur Lam Rim, the Preliminary Mahamudra, and Mahamudra of Martsang Kagyu.
It is also possible to take a ‘Meditation Teacher’ training class and a ‘Buddhist Philosophy’ teacher training class. This is only available to those who obtained the required level of certification in Martsang Lam Rim.
The complete teachings and methods of Martsang Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism can possibility carry the student from the foundations of Buddhism to enlightenment.
Moreover, we have one of the foremost scholars of Tibetan Buddhism resident with us here in the UK delivering the course, His Holiness Gangri Karma Rinpoche who is an exceptional Buddhist scholar and Dharma practitioner. It is His Holiness's skill and knowledge that makes these traditional Buddhist teachings from beginner level to the path of awakening all the more accessible. His unique style is suitable for those new to Buddhism and those interested in developing a much richer understanding of Tibetan Buddhism.
New Class:
Booking in advance is required.
Estimated Date: June 2024.
Time: 10:00am-13:00pm (Online),
Fees: apply/ monthly
*Please note the course will only run providing the required minimum number of students has been met. Date to be confirmed, after which an annual timetable is provided.
*Time commitment: three hours including tea break, twice a month.
This class organized by Martsang Kagyu international.
If you are interesting in this diploma course, please contact Ms Dolma Sherab by Email: info@martsangkagyu.org for more information.
Financial Plan,
We will provide financial support to long-term students of Martsang Lam Rim Buddhist teaching programmes. Our previous Martsang Lam Rim students can donate an amount that will be used as a scholarship for new students. Previous students have gained many benefits from the teachings with His Holiness and hopefully they can support and encourage students with limited finances.
The donations will be allocated each year to students who are committed to studying the Dharma.
Refund and cancellation policy
Full refunds are available for cancellations, providing notice is given at least 28 days prior to course commencement. Unfortunately cancellations requested after this time are not refundable.
The Martsang Lam Rim Diploma Course Students’ Testimonials
Our courses continue to grow thanks to the recommendation of our students. Here are a few of our students’ testimonials
“This is an incredibly rare opportunity to receive a complete guide to the stages of the path to enlightenment from a true master. The Martsang Kagyu Lam Rim is an extensive program that takes the student step-by-step through the theory, philosophy and practises required to achieve full realisation. The Lam Rim is based directly on the original root text, “A Lamp to the Path for Enlightenment” by Atisha, which was taught directly to Choje Marpa, but it has been significantly expanded by H.H. Gangri Karma Rinpoche and includes many verses and instructions from great Martsang Kagyu masters.
His Holiness is an exceptional teacher, who makes the sessions interactive and engaging. Although I have studied with him for hundreds of hours, I do not remember feeling bored, tired or losing my concentration. More importantly, his objective is not simply to get you through the course materials, but rather to ensure that you fully consider and understand the teachings.
The course is extremely comprehensive and detailed and requires significant dedication from the student. It should not be undertaken lightly. It is, however, also a truly life-changing and deeply profound experience that will change your perception of yourself, your environment and your purpose.
There are very few places in the world, where a student can receive a full guide to the achievement of enlightenment from an authentic lineage-holder and accomplished teacher and practitioner. This is a rare and precious opportunity that should be grabbed with both hands.” - Julian
“Many of us spend time going from course to course, teacher to teacher, never quite reaching a depth of understanding necessary to understand the teachings or how they apply to our lives. The Martsang Lam Rim provides a comprehensive foundation in Buddhism with a teacher of immense knowledge and experience.
The classes progress in a clear sequence, allowing time for examination, reflection and feedback. His Holiness clarifies any confusion through reference to additional teachings and examples, as well as his own personal experience, and with great gentleness and humour, making the classes a joy to attend.” - Spencer
“Having studied with several great masters I personally feel that His Holiness really is special. I strongly urge anyone interested in taking the Buddhist path seriously to meet His Holiness and if they feel a genuine connection – as I did – to seize the moment and study with a truly great teacher.
I am only at the beginning, but feel that I am now, perhaps for the first time, fol- lowing a genuine path with a pathfinder I can really, genuinely and wholeheart- edly, believe in and trust. “ - Christopher