Program & Subject Catalog

The study path at Giao Long Monastery follows the gradual discipline of śruta–cintā–bhāvanā—learning, contemplation, and meditative realization rooted in the Nalanda tradition and refined through the scholastic lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Each program and subject is designed to cultivate prajñā (wisdom), stabilize śīla (ethical discipline), and deepen samādhi (inner stillness).

This catalog offers a complete map of GLM’s training system, guiding students from foundational literacy and early doctrinal studies to the highest levels of monastic scholarship, including Acharya and Geshe/Khenpo tracks. It is intended as a clear companion for all who wish to enter the path of inquiry, practice, and transformation.

 

Online – Low-Residency – Campus

Program Duration Credits Model Certificate
GL-Shedra I 2–3 years 60 Online / Low-Residency / Campus Certificate I
GL-Shedra II 3–4 years 60 Online / Low-Residency / Campus Certificate II
GL-Shedra III 4–6 years 72 Online / Low-Residency / Campus Diploma / Acharya-Eq.
Geshe/Khenpo 10–16+ years 180–220 Campus Only Geshe/Khenpo Equivalent
Exchange Program 4–10 months — Campus Only Exchange Certificate
Workshops Program 1–12 weeks — Campus Only Topic Certificate

 

Guided by Khenpo la, Geshe la, and Rinpoche teachers, learners refine insight, deepen meditation, and cultivate the qualities of a scholar-practitioner rooted in the Bodhisattva ideal.

GL–Shedra I

Certificate in Foundational Tibetan Buddhist Studies (2–3 năm, 60 credits)

GL–Shedra I introduces students to the foundations of Tibetan Buddhist study and monastic discipline. It emphasizes clear understanding of the classical language, essential doctrinal frameworks, and the daily rhythms of meditation, ethics, and debate. This stage establishes the stable base of śruta—correct learning—upon which all further insight is built.

Fields & Subjects

 

  • GLT101 – Tibetan Script & Reading I

  • GLT102 – Tibetan Script & Reading II

  • GLT103 – Classical Tibetan Grammar I

  • GLT104 – Scriptural Vocabulary & Memorization Skills

  • GLP111 – Intro to Pramāṇa

  • GLP112 – Intro to Abhidharmakośa

  • GLP113 – Intro to Madhyamaka

  • GLP114 – Intro to Prajñāpāramitā

  • GLP115 – Intro to Vinaya

  • GLP116 – Survey of Tibetan Schools & Nalanda Heritage

  • GLV121 – Monastic Ethics

  • GLV122 – Vinaya Practicum I

  • GLL131 – Buddhist Logic Foundations

  • GLL132 – Debate Lab I

  • GLM141 – Shamatha I

  • GLM142 – Lojong II

  • GLR151 – Ritual & Chanting I

  • GLE161 – Sacred Art & Iconography
  • GLE162 – Tibetan Pronunciation & Chanting Lab
  • GLE163 – Introduction to Five Sciences
  • GLE164 – Study Skills & Emotional Balance
  • GLE165 – English for Buddhist Studies I
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GL–Shedra II

Certificate in Intermediate Tibetan Buddhist Studies (3–4 năm, 60 credits)

GL–Shedra II deepens intellectual training through the structured study of key treatises, intermediate debate practice, and refined methods of interpretation. Students cultivate cintā—discernment grounded in inquiry—by analyzing philosophical positions and learning to articulate them with clarity and precision.

Fields & Subjects

 

  • GLT201 – Classical Tibetan Grammar II
  • GLT202 – Root Text Reading I
  • GLT203 – Hermeneutics & Interpretation
  • GLT204 – Terminology in Philosophy
  • GLP211 – Pramāṇavārttika I
  • GLP212 – Prajñāpāramitā – Grounds & Paths
  • GLP213 – Abhidharmakośa II
  • GLP214 – Madhyamaka Intermediate
  • GLP215 – Vinaya II
  • GLP216 – Introduction to Uttaratantra
  • GLL231 – Logic II
  • GLL232 – Debate Lab II
  • GLL233 – Courtyard Debate Practicum
  • GLC241 – Tibetan Buddhist Composition I
  • GLC242 – Oral Explication (Khrid pa)
  • GLM251 – Analytical Meditation
  • GLR252 – Ritual & Chanting II
  • GLE261 – Tibetan Buddhist History & Lineages
  • GLE262 – Tibetan Poetry & Verse Memorization
  • GLE263 – Basic Translation Seminar
  • GLE264 – Abhidharma Debate Style
  • GLE265 – English for Buddhist Studies II
  • GLE266 – Tibetan Art & Ritual Objects
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GL–Shedra III

Diploma in Advanced Tibetan Buddhist Studies / Acharya-Equivalent (4–6 years, 72 credits)

GL–Shedra III guides students into advanced study, integrating Madhyamaka and Yogācāra philosophy with exegesis, translation, teaching practice, and meditative insight. This phase nurtures bhāvanā—realization through cultivation—where study and contemplation begin to merge into lived understanding.

Fields & Subjects

  • GLT301 – Classical Tibetan III
  • GLT302 – Root Text Reading II
  • GLT303 – Exegesis I
  • GLT304 – Hermeneutics II
  • GLP311 – Madhyamaka Śāstra I
  • GLP312 – Madhyamaka Śāstra II
  • GLP313 – Yogācāra Foundations
  • GLP314 – Yogācāra Śāstra
  • GLP315 – Interrelation Madhyamaka–Yogācāra
  • GLP316 – Special Topics in Indian–Tibetan Philosophy
  • GLT321 – Tantra Foundations I
  • GLT322 – Highest Yoga Tantra Theory
  • GLT323 – Buddha-Nature in Tantra
  • GLL331 – Logic III
  • GLL332 – Debate Lab III
  • GLL333 – Daily Debate Practicum
  • GLC341 – Translation Seminar I
  • GLC342 – Teaching Practicum
  • GLC343 – Academic Writing
  • GLM351 – Integrated Insight Meditation
  • (Retreat Module)
  • GLE361 – Hermit Traditions & Meditation Lineages
  • GLE362 – Tibetan Buddhist Psychology
  • GLE363 – Mandala & Ritual Construction
  • GLE364 – Advanced Translation
  • GLE365 – Research Methods in Buddhist Studies
  • GLE366 – Comparative Buddhist Philosophy
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Geshe / Khenpo Track

Monastic Doctorate Equivalent – Campus Only (10-16+ years, 180-220 credits)

The Geshe/Khenpo Track represents the full maturation of monastic scholarship. Through long-term study of the complete treatises, advanced debate, tantric foundations, commentary writing, and teaching mastery, students enter a path of profound responsibility and realization. This training embodies the union of wisdom and compassion at the heart of the Buddhist path.

Fields & Subjects

  • GKT401 – Full Madhyamaka Treatises
  • GKT402 – Full Pramāṇa Treatises
  • GKT403 – Full Prajñāpāramitā
  • GKT404 – Full Abhidharma Cycle
  • GKT405 – Full Vinaya System
  • GKT421 – Dialectics Mastery I
  • GKT422 – Dialectics Mastery II – Daily Courtyard
  • GKT423 – Examination Cycle Debate Practicum
  • GKT441 – Tantra Foundations: Ground–Path–Fruit
  • GKT442 – Highest Yoga Tantra Theory
  • GKT443 – Tantra Hermeneutics
  • GKT461 – Commentary Writing I
  • GKT462 – Commentary Writing II
  • GKT463 – Teaching Practicum (bShad grwa)
  • GKT481 – Translation Practicum I
  • GKT482 – Translation Practicum II
  • GKT501 – Madhyamaka–Vipashyana Retreat
  • GKT502 – Yogācāra Insight Retreat
  • Retreat Modules (Required)
  • GKT521 – Major Treatise Thesis
  • GKT522 – Grand Debate Examination
  • GKT523 – Teaching Demonstration
  • GKT524 – Tantra Module Completion
  • GKT525 – Community Service Requirement
  • GKE561 – Mahāmudrā Lineage Studies
  • GKE562 – Dzogchen Foundations
  • GKE563 – Tibetan Intellectual History
  • GKE564 – Advanced Translation Workshop
  • GKE565 – Ritual Arts & Mandala Construction
  • GKE566 – Research Methods for Buddhist Scholarship
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