Embrace the Wisdom of the Elders: A Journey Through Theravada Buddhism

Embark on an enriching journey deep into the heart of Theravada Buddhism with this comprehensive course, meticulously designed to introduce you to the foundational practices and teachings of one of Buddhism's oldest traditions. Led by the esteemed Lama Michael Gregory and Lama Pemba, this course offers a unique opportunity to develop a foundational meditation practice, acquire philosophical wisdom, embrace emotional responsibility, and cultivate loving-kindness and compassion.

The Course Includes:

  • The Primary Teachings of Theravada Buddhism taught by Lama Michael Gregory and Lama Pemba, that include a teaching, contemplation and guided meditation.
  • The course material is recorded and available for watching on video so it can be done at any time.
  • Personal meditation instructors are provided to those that become members and offer weekly mentoring and email support for meditation practice.
  • If available notes, homework, and meditations can be downloaded from the individual classes.
  • Upon completing the course you will receive a certificate of completion and are welcome to continue with our program: Stages of the Path to Enlightenment.



Flexible Learning and Personalized Support:

With all course materials, including video recordings of each class, available online, you have the freedom to engage with the teachings at your own pace and according to your own schedule.


Enhance your learning journey with the guidance of personal meditation instructors. Available to all members, these instructors provide weekly mentoring and email support to deepen your meditation practice and understanding of the teachings.

Comprehensive Online Learning Resources



Gain access to a wealth of resources including downloadable notes, homework, and meditations from each class, designed to support your practice and integration of the teachings into your daily life.

Your Path to Enlightenment Begins Here



This course invites you on a transformative journey to explore the rich traditions and teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Whether you are seeking to deepen your existing meditation practice or are new to Buddhist philosophy, this course offers valuable insights and tools to assist you on your path.

Curriculum


  Course Information
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  4 Foundations of Mindfulness: 1st Foundation
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  4 Foundations of Mindfulness: 2nd Foundation
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  4 Foundations of Mindfulness: 3rd Foundation
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  4 Foundations of Mindfulness: 4th Foundation
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  Seven Factors of Awakening
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  Hindrances to Meditation and Life
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  Emotions
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  Dependent Co-Arising
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  Transcendent Dependent Co-Arising
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  Five Faculties and Powers
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  Not-Self: Introduction to Janna, Mahamudra and No-Self
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  Mindfulness of Realization: The Bahiya Sutra Weekend Retreat
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  The Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path
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  The Four Immeasurables
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  The Five Skandas or Heaps
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Enrollment


This course is available in the sequence of courses making up the Lam Rim: Stages of the Path to Enlightenment as a Vajragarbha member.


If you are a Vajragarbha member, please remember to click the "Complete and Continue" button in each lesson so a certificate of completion will be issued when you finish a course and you'll be enrolled in the next course in the sequence.

About The Teacher


Lama Michael is a former Buddhist Monk, Teacher and Executive Director of Vajragarbha Dzogchen Teachings. Michael has shared that there can never be enough gratitude to repay the debt of kindness that others have shown [him], in particular the XIV Dalai Lama, the XVII Karmapa--Orgyen Trinley Dorje, Gyaltsab Rinpoche, Bokar Rinpoche, Thrangu Rinpoche, HH Dodrupchen Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche who have offered the empowerment cycles of Rinchen Terzo and Dam Ngak Dzod.


For more than twenty-five years Lama Michael has joyfully instructed a continuous stream of educated and experienced practitioners of all levels and backgrounds in Thailand, India, Hong Kong, Europe and the United States. He focuses on transmitting the classical teachings of Buddhism in a modern way that offers practitioners a method to integrate mindfulness and awakening into every day life.


He has led hundreds of meditation retreats on almost every subject matter related to Buddhism, in addition to leading meditative pilgrimages throughout Thailand, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. Michael currently directs the practicing and teaching schedule at Mindfulness Meditation Centers and is the Three Year Retreat Master for our current retreat in Southern California. Lama Michael leads a vibrant local and international online and in person community of practitioners.