Overview

The Core Curriculum enables students to follow essential Buddhist teachings and independently complete an introductory yet comprehensive, authentic study of the Buddha’s central teachings. This Core Curriculum consists of the following sections:

• Foundational Studie on the teachings of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni and essential aspects of his teachings.
1. The Essence of Buddhism
2. The Mahayana Adventure

• Advanced studies in Buddhism for understanding and deepening the following comprehensive texts: (These advanced studies consist of very extensive audio recordings and will not be available here until early 2026.)
1. Gampopa’s fundamental Jewel Ornament of Liberation,
2. Shantideva’s Bodhisattvacharyavatara on living in the spirit of enlightenment,
3. Uttaratantrashastra, a classic text on Buddha nature.

• Further studies on advanced texts and practical instructions of the Karma Kagyu school:
1. The Wisdom of the Mahamudra Masters by Acharya Lama Kelzang, who introduces meditation practices based on the content of various traditional texts,
2. Gampopa’s text The Precious Garland for the Highest Path, a profound and practical guide to the spiritual path taught by Acharya Lama Sönam.

The resident lamas teach in English and are translated into German. The content is offered as video or audio recordings and refers to essential texts, some of which are available as textbooks or commentaries in bookstores or in the Dharma Shop of the Kamalashila Institute.

Since these are central teachings of the resident lamas, some of them will still be taught in 2026. It is possible to participate in these courses live and, in some cases, even on site at the Kamalashila Institute. Afterwards, the recordings will be made available here in the respective section.