Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about observing a Lamrim class but still have questions or hesitations? That is completely normal. This guide explains what to expect so you can decide at your own pace.
Before choosing
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Choose a class where you feel comfortable — with its language, location, timing and learning environment.
Click here > Find a suitable class by time slot or venue.
Round 1 classes follow the same broad Lamrim curriculum, but every class develops its own community and atmosphere. Consider:
whether you are comfortable learning in English, Chinese or a bilingual setting;
whether the location and timing work with your weekly routine;
whether you feel at ease with the facilitators and classmates; and
whether you can give yourself the time and mindspace to learn.
Do not only ask, “How much has this class covered?” Also ask, “Can I imagine learning with this group each week?”
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Yes. You do not have to wait for a new class to begin from the first chapter.
Round 1 gives students a broad understanding of the main Lamrim concepts and how they relate to life. Facilitators regularly revisit earlier ideas when they are needed, so you are not expected to know everything already covered.
Every lesson has something practical you can reflect on and apply, even if you missed the earlier lessons.
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There are classes with different language tracks, locations, timings and learning environments. Let the person coordinating your visit know your preferred language, age group, location and availability. They can recommend the most suitable options rather than expecting you to work it out alone.
Find a suitable class by time slot or venue. -
Yes. Your first choice does not have to be permanent.
If the timing, language, location or learning environment does not suit you, speak with your facilitator or coordinator. They can help you explore another class where you may feel more comfortable.
Before Your First Visit
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Your coordinator will confirm a specific class, date, time and meeting point. Where possible, you will also be told the name of the person who will welcome you.
During the class, you may simply sit in, listen and experience how the lesson is conducted. You will not be expected to know the teachings, answer questions or participate like an existing student.
Afterwards, someone may check in and ask how you found the session. This is a conversation, not a commitment.
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Most weekly Lamrim classes are about two hours, although the exact start time, end time and format may differ by class. Your coordinator will confirm the details before your visit so you can plan properly.
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All our Lamrim classes are free.
There is no fee to observe or join a class, and you do not need to make an immediate financial commitment. If any optional study materials or other arrangements are available, the facilitators will explain them clearly beforehand.
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No special preparation or prior Buddhist knowledge is required.
Come in comfortable, respectful attire and bring an open mind. You do not need to finish any books beforehand. If you have questions, bring them along — they may become some of the most useful things to explore.
If the venue has any specific arrangements, your coordinator will let you know before your visit.
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Usually, yes. Having someone familiar with you may make the first visit more comfortable. Let your coordinator know in advance so that both of you can be expected and welcomed.
CONCERNS ABOUT LEARNING
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Absolutely. You do not need to be Buddhist to come and learn.
Many people first encounter the Lamrim because they are looking for practical ways to understand their emotions, relationships, habits, stress and reactions.
You can listen, ask questions and examine whether the teachings make sense to you. You do not have to accept everything immediately. Understanding comes first.
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The Lamrim is a Buddhist teaching, so Buddhist concepts and terminology will naturally be part of the class. At the same time, many lessons connect directly with everyday experiences — difficult relationships, uncertainty, emotions and how we respond to life.
As this is a Buddhist study class, there are also simple practices such as recitations before the lesson and a dedication at the end. Newcomers can follow along respectfully as a gesture of respect to the Triple Gem. You do not need to be familiar with the words or know what to do beforehand — the facilitators will guide you.
You are encouraged to listen, think and examine the teachings for yourself. Observing gives you the chance to experience the class before deciding whether you want to continue. There is no pressure to sign up for lesson at all.
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There are no stupid questions, and you are not expected to understand everything immediately.
The Lamrim contains ideas that may be very different from what you have encountered before. Understanding develops gradually through study → reflection → practice.
If something is unclear, you are encouraged to ask. Other people may have the same question but feel too shy to raise it. The facilitators are there to support your learning, not to test you.
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No. Lamrim classes are not sitting-meditation classes.
A Lamrim class is a structured study of Buddhist teachings. You will listen, reflect, ask questions and discuss how the teachings can be understood and applied in daily life — rather than spending the class sitting in formal meditation.
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Because knowing an idea and applying it when life becomes difficult are different things.
You may understand that anger is harmful, for example — but what happens when someone cuts your queue or a colleague treats you unfairly?
A weekly class gives you a regular opportunity to hear, reflect on and discuss the teachings, then practise applying them to real situations. It also offers something that self-study often does not: a community and a steady rhythm of learning.
commitment and what happens next
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Take it one class at a time, one week at a time.
Work, family commitments, travel and other responsibilities may occasionally cause you to miss a class. Let your facilitators know, and they will do their best to help you keep up.
You do not need to decide today whether you can complete the entire journey. If the class begins helping you handle situations differently, understand your reactions and become more at ease, your reason to continue may become clearer over time. Consistency helps, but you do not need a perfect attendance record before you begin.
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You can decide what feels right for you:
join the class as a student;
take your time and observe a few more lessons before deciding;
try another class with a different language, location, timing or environment;
if the timing is not right because of work or personal commitments, let your coordinator know when you would like them to follow up and check in again when conditions are better; or
decide not to continue.
There is no need to decide after your first visit. Many observers find that attending around three to six lessons gives them enough time to understand the class, get to know the community and decide whether it suits them.
Your coordinator may check in to hear how you found the class and help with the next step you choose — without rushing you.
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There are no stupid questions, and you are not expected to understand everything immediately.
The Lamrim contains ideas that may be very different from what you have encountered before. Understanding develops gradually through study → reflection → practice.
If something is unclear, you are encouraged to ask. Other people may have the same question but feel too shy to raise it. The facilitators are there to support your learning, not to test you.
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That is okay too. 😊
Observing a class does not mean you are signing a contract. We would rather you experience it, ask questions and make an informed decision for yourself.
If the class is not suitable for you, there is no pressure to continue. If something resonates, you can take the next step when you are ready.
Still unsure?
That is exactly why we invite you to observe first. You do not have to work out your entire Dharma journey before attending one class.
Come. Listen. Experience the class. Ask questions. See what you take away. Then decide your next step from there.
Help us make the first visit easier for others: What question or concern nearly stopped you from attending? Email us!