Date: Fri 27th to Sun 29th November 2026
Time: Arrive Friday evening, closing Sunday late afternoon
Format: Residential, Onsite at Lam Rim Wales
Overview
The art of Buddhist reasoning and dialectical inquiry traces its roots back to ancient India, to renowned educational centres such as the great Nalanda Monastery of India. After Buddhism spread to Tibet, formal debate involving thesis, signs, and consequences, was embraced by the monastic community as a means of developing both personal knowledge and inner wisdom.
This weekend's retreat brings the foundations of that method of inquiry to Lamrim Wales. Over the weekend you'll be introduced to the essential building blocks of Buddhist logic and debate, with an emphasis placed on developing your own path of reasoning on the debate ground.
Debate is a lively occasion and no prior experience is needed to join. For those with any interest in Buddhist philosophy, debate is far more accessible than may appear, so please do consider giving this a go!
Key Learning Topics
Purpose of debate
Challenger & defender roles
Overview of phenomena
Definienda & definitions
Language & phrasing
Thesis & Syllogism
Consequence
Comparing phenomena
About the Teacher
Paul is a graduate of Nalanda Monastery, France, where he trained in Dudra under the guidance of Geshe Tenzin Losel and Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen before taking his own place there leading debate classes. In the three years since leaving Nalanda, he has continued to teach debate to an international audience, and now brings that experience home to Lamrim Wales for this weekend course. Paul is the founder and lead tutor of Foundation of Buddhist Logic & Debate (learn more)
Schedule
Who Should Join?
This course is for anyone drawn to meditation, philosophy, or contemplative study who wishes to bring greater clarity and rigour to their own thinking. It suits established practitioners and complete beginners alike.
No prior experience of debate, logic, or Tibetan philosophy is required, only curiosity and a willingness to be challenged.
Lunch & Refreshments
We are pleased to provide complimentary refreshments throughout the day, lunch and supper. Please advise of any dietary requirements on the booking form.
Tickets & Donation
Everyone is welcome to attend Buddhist teachings freely with no donation. However, the Centre does rely on donations to stay open, which are gratefully received. We offer two main rates to enable as many people as possible to attend our teachings. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you are able. Your generosity is vital in supporting the Centre.
Standard Rate - This includes a donation to help sustain Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, and to cover costs and teacher expenses. Includes accommodation & food.
Basic Rate - This covers the very basic costs of running this course. Includes accommodation & food.
Attendance Only - For those who live nearby or wish to attend but stay in alternative nearby accommodation. Ticket includes lunch and supper for the duration of the course.
Support Rate - Contact us via lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com if the above rates are too high for you where we can discuss further subsidised options.
Date: Fri 27th to Sun 29th November 2026
Time: Arrive Friday evening, closing Sunday late afternoon
Format: Residential, Onsite at Lam Rim Wales
Overview
The art of Buddhist reasoning and dialectical inquiry traces its roots back to ancient India, to renowned educational centres such as the great Nalanda Monastery of India. After Buddhism spread to Tibet, formal debate involving thesis, signs, and consequences, was embraced by the monastic community as a means of developing both personal knowledge and inner wisdom.
This weekend's retreat brings the foundations of that method of inquiry to Lamrim Wales. Over the weekend you'll be introduced to the essential building blocks of Buddhist logic and debate, with an emphasis placed on developing your own path of reasoning on the debate ground.
Debate is a lively occasion and no prior experience is needed to join. For those with any interest in Buddhist philosophy, debate is far more accessible than may appear, so please do consider giving this a go!
Key Learning Topics
Purpose of debate
Challenger & defender roles
Overview of phenomena
Definienda & definitions
Language & phrasing
Thesis & Syllogism
Consequence
Comparing phenomena
About the Teacher
Paul is a graduate of Nalanda Monastery, France, where he trained in Dudra under the guidance of Geshe Tenzin Losel and Geshe Jamphel Gyaltsen before taking his own place there leading debate classes. In the three years since leaving Nalanda, he has continued to teach debate to an international audience, and now brings that experience home to Lamrim Wales for this weekend course. Paul is the founder and lead tutor of Foundation of Buddhist Logic & Debate (learn more)
Schedule
Who Should Join?
This course is for anyone drawn to meditation, philosophy, or contemplative study who wishes to bring greater clarity and rigour to their own thinking. It suits established practitioners and complete beginners alike.
No prior experience of debate, logic, or Tibetan philosophy is required, only curiosity and a willingness to be challenged.
Lunch & Refreshments
We are pleased to provide complimentary refreshments throughout the day, lunch and supper. Please advise of any dietary requirements on the booking form.
Tickets & Donation
Everyone is welcome to attend Buddhist teachings freely with no donation. However, the Centre does rely on donations to stay open, which are gratefully received. We offer two main rates to enable as many people as possible to attend our teachings. Please consider paying at the highest rate that you are able. Your generosity is vital in supporting the Centre.
Standard Rate - This includes a donation to help sustain Lam Rim Buddhist Centre, and to cover costs and teacher expenses. Includes accommodation & food.
Basic Rate - This covers the very basic costs of running this course. Includes accommodation & food.
Attendance Only - For those who live nearby or wish to attend but stay in alternative nearby accommodation. Ticket includes lunch and supper for the duration of the course.
Support Rate - Contact us via lamrimwalesmanagers@gmail.com if the above rates are too high for you where we can discuss further subsidised options.
