The Foundation Programme
This term’s book: Universal Compassion
About the Foundation Programme
The Foundation Programme is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding and experience of Kadampa Buddhism through a systematic study of six texts by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. When you join, you will experience the great benefits of being part of this systematic study program. Through this you can improve your good heart, your wisdom, and your cherishing of others by going deeper into your study and meditation practice.
This is not a walk-in program and enrolment is required. It is strongly recommended to have attended the General Program (i.e. weekly classes) regularly for a minimum of 6 months before joining the program. It is also advised that, if possible, you start your studies at the beginning of a new book or new section of a book.
Subjects & Benefits of the Program
This program comprises five subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Benefits: We gain the ability to put all Buddha’s teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress on and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view, the Stages of the Path, or Lamrim, is the main body of Buddha’s teachings, and the other teachings are like its limbs.
2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness
Benefits: We gain the ability to integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily life and solve all our human problems.
3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom
Benefits: We gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping that is the root of all our suffering.
4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
Benefits: We transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva’s way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.
5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind
Benefits: We understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.
For an extensive explanation of the benefits of the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Programs, you can read the transcript of a talk by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Commitments of the Programs
When you join the Foundation Program, you make the following commitments:
To attend every teaching class, group discussion class and review class.
To memorize the condensed meaning and the Root Text of the books and to sit a written examination at the end of each book or section of a book.
To attend at least one prayer service (Puja) organized by the Centre each week.
To prepare well for each class so discussion partners’ efforts are respected.
In addition, you will be expected to practically help the Centre in various ways – such as by occasionally putting up daily water offerings, cleaning the meditation room and other areas as needed; also helping in assisting at short courses where possible and assisting or teaching at General Program classes from time to time. This is aspect is as important as the study part of the program as it allows you to put the teachings into practice supported by other practitioners.
Prioritizing your study program in your personal schedule
Making your study program a high priority is essential for your studies and meditations to be successful. The program term dates will available in advance every six months; therefore, for any personal meetings/holidays etc. you should have time to re-schedule if necessary in the light of your study program attendance commitment. Please note: valid reasons for non-attendance should not include avoidable appointments or holidays.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more about the program, please email: [email protected].
The education program coordinator will be in touch with you within a few days to schedule a phone or in-person interview with you.
Please note: It is strongly recommended to have attended the General Program (i.e. weekly classes) regularly for a minimum of 6 months before joining the Foundation Program.
If we just dabble superficially in a spiritual path we will never gain a deep and stable experience, and our wisdom will never develop to its full potential. This is why these spiritual programs are so important.
— Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Coming to Foundation Program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has improved my knowledge on how to make myself happy, and also others!
— Maria
Joining a study program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has been one of the best decision in my life so far.
— Alex
Joining the Foundation Program has helped me to understand that I can have control over my mind and how I interact with the world.
— Cathy
